Hyderabad: Time and again violence has been used as a tool to suppress ideas and individuals that don't seem to conform to societal stereotypes. This is especially true in the case of women, wherein violence is perpetrated in order to keep them "in check." But there are women who not only have the courage to break free of societal norms but also rise in the face of adversity.
Bala, a 25-year-old acid attack survivor from Uttar Pradesh's Agra is one such woman. Victim of the heinous crime of acid attack in 2012, resulting from a family rivalry, Bala had suffered severe burns on her neck, face and hands. But her will to live was strong and after undergoing 12 operations she overcame her tragedy through sheer grit.
Not one to give up, Bala became part of Sheroes Hangout Cafe, run by acid attack survivors and supported by the Chhanv Foundation, a Non-Profit Organisation (NGO) based in Taj Nagri in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The NGO works for the rehabilitation of acid attack survivors. Rising from a tragic past, Bala, a resident of Bijnor, became an independent woman and went on to become the sole breadwinner for her family.
But despite her bravery, Bala's family finds itself on a crossroads, again. Due to the acid attack, Bala was left with a weakened immune system. She is now fighting for her life again as both her kidneys have failed and she is in dire need of a kidney transplant. However, the transplant costs Rs 16 Lakh and the family isn't financially strong enough to afford the treatment.
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In order to help Bala's family to arrange the necessary funds required for her treatment, the management of the Sheroes Cafe has now started a fundraiser campaign.
Ashish Kumar, director of Sheroes Hangout Cafe, said that Bala's kidneys have failed. "We are trying our best to help her. If people also come forward to help us, then Bala can get a chance to live life once again," he added.
Roopa and other acid attack survivors, who work with Sheroes Hangout, also released a video appealing to the people for financial help.
Later in the day, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone donated Rs 10 Lakh to the fundraiser.
