Inspiring journeys of courage, resilience, and transformation from our survivors.
Each story represents a unique journey from trauma to triumph, showcasing incredible strength and resilience.
TEDx Speaker & Advocate
Beauty is not about external appearance but what lies inside. I learned that no acid is strong enough to burn away your dreams if you have the courage to pursue them.
At just 13 years old, Anshu's life changed forever when she rejected the advances of a 55-year-old man who attacked her with acid. The attack left her with severe facial burns and completely blind in her left eye.
Despite the trauma and years of painful surgeries, Anshu never gave up hope. With support from Chhanv Foundation, she completed her education and discovered her talent for public speaking. Today, she inspires thousands through her powerful TEDx talks and has been recognized with the Face of Courage Award in 2019.
Interrupted education, social isolation
Completed education, public speaker
Once dreaming of becoming a scientist, Pramodini's life changed when a rejected suitor attacked her with acid in 2009. After years of treatment and rehabilitation, she emerged as a powerful advocate.
Rupali was pursuing her dreams in the Bhojpuri film industry when she was attacked on set by a colleague in 2015. At Sheroes, she not only found a new career but also love.
A passionate volleyball player from Rohtak, Ritu's athletic career was cut short when her cousin orchestrated an acid attack. Through advocacy, she's found new purpose.
After losing her father, Ruqayya became the family breadwinner. When she refused a marriage proposal at 16, her sister's brother-in-law attacked her with acid.
A local landowner's revenge against her family led to an acid attack that killed Bala's grandfather and left her severely injured. Today, she speaks boldly about judicial reform.
In a horrific domestic violence case, Geeta and her three young daughters were attacked with acid by her husband while they slept. Despite losing her youngest daughter, she continues to fight.
Financial Independence
Achieved through employment or entrepreneurship
Education Resumption
Resumed or completed education after rehabilitation
Social Reintegration
Successful reintegration into community life
Advocacy Engagement
Became advocates for change and prevention
"Our success isn't measured just in numbers, but in transformed lives, restored dignity, and the powerful voices of survivors who once felt silenced."
Dive deeper into the personal journeys of these remarkable individuals who have transformed their trauma into triumph.
Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh • TEDx Speaker & Advocate
At just 13 years old, Anshu's childhood took a tragic turn when she rejected the advances of a 55-year-old man. Enraged by her refusal, he attacked her with acid, causing severe burns to her face and leaving her completely blind in her left eye.
The years following were filled with physical pain, emotional trauma, and social isolation. Despite discrimination and stares, Anshu refused to hide away and was determined to complete her education.
Anshu's life changed when she connected with Chhanv Foundation. For the first time, she met other survivors who understood her experience. Through the SAMBHAV program, she discovered her talent for public speaking.
In 2018, Anshu delivered her first TEDx talk at IIM Lucknow. In 2019, she received the Face of Courage Award from The Quint. Today, she works with awareness programs, inspiring others through her story.
"Beauty is not about external appearance but what lies inside. I learned that no acid is strong enough to burn away your dreams if you have the courage to pursue them."
— Anshu Rajput
Now in her early 20s, Anshu travels across India speaking at educational institutions. She works at Sheroes Hangout Café in Noida and is pursuing a degree in sociology while continuing her advocacy work.
Watch Anshu's TEDx TalkOdisha • Campaign Leader & Love Story
Pramodini's dream of becoming a scientist was cut short when a paramilitary officer, whose advances she rejected, threw acid on her. The attack left her completely blind and required years of medical treatment.
For five years, Pramodini was completely blind, dependent on her mother for basic activities. Her mother worked multiple jobs to fund medical care, never giving up hope.
After numerous surgeries, Pramodini regained partial vision in one eye—a moment she describes as "being reborn." She connected with Chhanv Foundation around this time.
While recovering, she met Saroj Sahoo, a medical representative. Their friendship blossomed into love, and despite societal pressure, Saroj stood by her, supporting her recovery and advocacy work.
"When society was telling me I was unworthy of love, Saroj showed me that true love sees beyond physical appearance. He didn't fall in love with my face; he fell in love with my spirit and determination."
— Pramodini Raul
Pramodini and Saroj got engaged in 2018. Today, she works as a campaign coordinator with Chhanv Foundation, advocating for stronger acid sale regulations and traveling across India to share her story.
Read About Pramodini & Saroj's WeddingFormer Actress • Choreographer & Mother
Rupali was passionate about dance and acting, taking her first steps toward a promising career in the Bhojpuri film industry. She was known for her choreography skills and vivacious personality.
Rupali was attacked with acid on a film set by a colleague whose advances she had rejected. The attack left her with severe burns, loss of vision in one eye, and the sudden end of her film career.
At Sheroes Hangout Café, Rupali found employment and a supportive community. She discovered new ways to express creativity through cooking, crafts, and dance workshops for visitors.
While working at Sheroes, Rupali met Kuldeep. Their friendship blossomed into romance. In 2019, they welcomed their daughter, and the couple married in a ceremony supported by the Sheroes community.
"When I was attacked, I thought my life was over. I believed no one would ever look at me with love again, and I'd never have a family. But life had other plans. Today, I have more love in my life than I ever imagined possible."
— Rupali
Today, Rupali balances her roles as mother, wife, and Sheroes team member. She conducts dance therapy sessions for other survivors, helping them reconnect with their bodies after trauma.
Learn About Rupali's Dance Therapy ProgramYour support can help more acid attack survivors transform their trauma into triumph. Join us in building a world where survivors live with dignity, purpose, and joy.
Hear from survivors, supporters, and partners about the impact of Chhanv Foundation's work.
Acid Attack Survivor
"Before finding Chhanv Foundation, I was confined to my home, rejected by my own family, and losing hope daily. The foundation didn't just provide medical support—they gave me a new family, meaningful work, and a reason to face the world again. Today, I help other survivors begin their healing journey."
Supported since 2016
Plastic Surgeon
"As a medical professional who has treated many acid attack survivors, I've witnessed firsthand the difference Chhanv Foundation makes. Their holistic approach to rehabilitation—addressing not just physical recovery but also psychological healing and social reintegration—is truly innovative and effective."
Medical Partner since 2015
CSR Head, Tech Solutions Ltd.
"Our partnership with Chhanv Foundation has been truly transformative—not just for the survivors they support but for our entire organization. Their transparency, impact-focused approach, and innovative social enterprise model make them an ideal partner for companies seeking meaningful CSR engagement."
Corporate Partner since 2018
Volunteer & Awareness Educator
"Volunteering with the 2-Minute Awareness Program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Seeing the immediate impact of education—how quickly people move from ignorance to understanding and support—gives me hope that we can prevent these attacks through awareness."
Volunteer since 2019
International Visitor
"Visiting Sheroes Hangout Café in Agra was the highlight of my trip to India. Beyond the delicious food, the courage and warmth of the women working there touched my heart deeply. Their willingness to share their stories transformed my understanding of resilience and beauty."
Visited May 2023
Family Member of Survivor
"After my sister's attack, our family was devastated and didn't know where to turn. Chhanv Foundation provided not just support for her but guidance for our entire family on how to best support her recovery. The transformation in her confidence and happiness since joining Sheroes has been nothing short of miraculous."
Family supported since 2017
Our documentary "Voices of Sheroes" captures the journey of five acid attack survivors from trauma to triumph. Through intimate interviews and day-in-the-life footage, viewers witness the transformative power of support, community, and meaningful work.
This documentary has been featured in multiple international film festivals and received the Social Impact Award at the Delhi International Film Festival 2022.
Join our community of supporters, volunteers, and advocates who are working together to create a world where acid attack survivors can live with dignity and purpose.