Laxmi Aggarwal

Indian acid attack survivor and activist

Laxmi Aggarwal (born 1 June 1990) is a leading figure for the "Stop Acid Attacks" group in India. [1] In 2014, US First Lady Michelle Obama gave Laxmi received an International Women of Courage Award. [2] NDTV (New Delhi Television Limited) chose her as Indian of the Year.[3][4][5]

International Women of Courage Award, 2014. United States First Lady Michelle Obama with Laxmi Aggarwal of India.

Life change

In 2005, when Laxmi was 16 years old, Naeem Khan threw acid on Laxmi's face because she rejected advances by him. [6][2][7] The Hindustan Timesnewspaper wrote a story about Laxmi. [8] She got 27,000 names on a petition. People signed the petition to show that they wanted a change in the sale of acid. She took the petition to the Indian Supreme Court.[2] Because of the petition, the Indian Supreme Court told the central and state governments to control the sale of acid, and the Parliament to make it easier to hold a trial against a person who makes an acid attack. [2]

Work change

Laxmi Aggarwal is the director of Chhanv Foundation, an NGO (nongovernmental organization) that helps people who are able to keep living or succeeding in spite of acid attacks in India.[9][2]

References change

  1. "2014 International Women of Courage Award Winners - International Women of Courage Celebration". Archived from the original on 2017-03-26. Retrieved 2017-02-14.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Bios of 2014 Award Winners".
  3. SANGEETA BAROOAH PISHAROTY. "Tea with Laxmi". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  4. Stearns, Scott. "US Honors International Women of Courage".
  5. "Ukrainian Euromaidan volunteer receives State Department's International Women of Courage Award".
  6. "Acid attack survivor now TV anchor". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  7. "Don't stare at me, I am human too: acid attack survivor Laxmi". Archived from the original on 23 July 2013. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  8. "Acid attack survivor Laxmi's spirit wins her a partner for life". Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  9. Vibha Sharma. "Sheroes, the stars with acid scars". Retrieved 6 March 2015.

Other websites change