New Delhi, July 17th, 2014: Oxford Bookstore Connaught Place and Chhanv hosted STOP ACID ATTACKS, a discussion highlighting the gory tales of acid attack victims and the need of regulation to control the open sale of acid that will help curb the violence against women with acid attack survivor and recipient of International Women of Courage Award, Laxmi, social activitist Alok Dixit, Consulting Editor, Gender, Mint Namita Bhandare and renowned Supreme Court lawyer Karuna Nundy. Acid attack survivors, Laxmi and Rupa shared their stories with the audience, when and how they were attacked, how their lives changed from there on, their struggles ever since and the support they received from Chhanv.
Every few days, there are increasing reports of acids being thrown at some girl in some part of this vast country. It has been noted, that in India, over 1000 women are victims of acid attacks annually. Recently, the Supreme Court went to the extent of banning over the counter sale of acid in shops across India, but its direction is mostly on paper, as acid is still available to whosoever wishes to purchase. Enforced legislation can be the first step in saving India’s vulnerable women population. The acid attack victims face various problems of denied justice, insufficient compensation and acceptance in society.
Oxford Bookstore Connaught Place offers a carefully curated list of titles for booklovers to browse through and buy and perhaps the world’s largest assortment of teas in the hip Cha Bar, to create a holistic experience for book lovers. The entrance leading to the bookstore houses a big Neon Wall, a cloud of words in English-Hindi-Latin that envelopes book lovers in a universe of emotions linked to reading. Inside, in the tranquil space, hands-on staff, knowledgeable and highly trained book specialists, offer suggestions of handpicked titles from major, independent and indie publishers: a great selection of books, some exclusive to Oxford Bookstore. The selection features both emerging and established authors from India and the world. Shelves stocked with the best in Indian Writing, International Fiction and Translations take one into a spacious, elongated Reading Room which opens onto a dedicated Events Space. Well-researched sections on Languages and New Age books address issues of addiction, relationships, unexplained phenomena, and showcase the best of thinkers and Indian gurus. A wide range of titles in Travel Writing, books that showcase the very essence of New Delhi and a specially curated section of books on tea are other highlights. Children have an exclusive space for browsing, activities and reading and parents can look forward to the Top 10 Gift Books in each age group for a quick and easy pick. Amongst the best in books for different age groups are ones that help the young ones deal with experiences relevant to their age.
Stop Acid Attacks is a campaign against acid violence, founded by Alok Dixit. They work as a bridge between survivors and the society, as most of the victims of this brutal crime, which is much more grave in its impact than a rape, have isolated themselves after losing their face. Due to ignorance of the government and civil society, most survivors find no hope and stay like an outcast, in solitude. SAA aims to research and track acid attack cases and compile a data to get the actual situation of survivors.
In the last two years, Dixit has built a campaign across the country. His organisation, made up mainly of acid attack victims, makes it a point to visit the victims and help them in whatever way possible. Right now, Alok and his team are running a campaign against society called “SPOT OF SHAME” under the banner of Stop Acid Attacks campaign, and have scheduled meetings in more than 50 places across the country.
About Chhanv
‘Chhanv – an adobe for acid attack fighters’ was inaugurated on May 19, 2013 to provide a shelter home to acid attack survivors undergoing treatment in New Delhi. Located in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, it is first of its kind rehabilitation centre in the country.
Chhanv is a ray of hope for all the acid attack fighters who have been struggling with their fate all alone, as the centre not only provides shelter to them during their medical treatment, but also helps them take charge of their lives after such a ghastly incident. The centre is managed and run by acid attack fighters who have recovered with their true grit and thus, is a source of inspiration and motivation for many others, who are often deserted by the hypocritical society; in some cases even by their own families.
About Laxmi
Laxmi, was facilitated with the International Women of Courage Award this year by Michelle Obama for successfully leading the campaign against acid attacks on women in India. A Delhi resident, Laxmi was attacked with acid in 2005 by a man whose proposal of marriage she declined at the age of 15 nearly nine years ago. In 2006, Laxmi filed a PIL in the Supreme Court urging for regulation on sale of acid. In her plea, she had sought framing of a new law or amendment to the existing criminal laws like IPC, Indian Evidence Act and CrPC for dealing with the offence, besides asking for compensation.