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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Laxmi Agarwal
| name = Laxmi Agarwal
| image = Laxmi of India (12935659283).jpg

| image =
| caption = Agarwal in Washington receiving an award, 2014
| caption = Agarwal in Washington receiving an award
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|6|1|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|6|1}}
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], [[India]]
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], [[India]]
| nationality = Indian
| nationality = Indian
Line 15: Line 14:
| children = 1 (daughter named Pihu)
| children = 1 (daughter named Pihu)
}}
}}
[[File:First Lady Michelle Obama Honors 2014 IWOC Awardee Laxmi of India (12935659283).jpg|thumb|First Lady Michelle Obama Honors 2014 IWOC Awardee Laxmi of India]]
⚫
'''Laxmi Agarwal ''' (born 1 June 1990) is an Indian [[acid attack]] survivor, a campaigner for rights of acid attack victims, and a TV host. Laxmi is founder and President of The Laxmi Foundation, an NGO dedicated to acid attack victims.<ref>thelaxmi.org</ref> She is a former director of [[Chhanv Foundation]]. She was attacked at the age of 15.


⚫
In 2019, she was honoured with the International Women Empowerment Award from the [[Ministry of Women and Child Development]], the [[Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation]] and [[UNICEF]] for her campaign of ''Stop Acid Sale''. In 2014, she received the [[International Women of Courage Award]] from [[Michelle Obama]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Michelle Obama honours acid attack victim Laxmi |url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/michelle-obama-honours-acid-attack-victim-laxmi-1420069.html |work=Firstpost |date=5 March 2014}}</ref>
⚫
'''Laxmi Agarwal ''' (born 1 June 1990) is an Indian [[acid attack]] survivor, a campaigner for rights of acid attack victims, and a TV host.


The movie ''[[Chhapaak]]'' is based on her life and stars [[Deepika Padukone]] in her role.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-09 |title=Chhapaak movie review: Deepika Padukone is stellar in Meghna Gulzar's impactful film |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/chhapaak-movie-review-deepika-padukone-is-stellar-in-meghna-gulzar-s-impactful-film/story-z2ZZ2ginl6l8vPfDT2CR4I.html |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
Laxmi Agarwal was attacked in 2005 in New Delhi at the age of 15.

⚫
In 2019, she was honored with the International Women Empowerment Award from the [[Ministry of Women and Child Development]], the [[Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation]] and [[UNICEF]] for her campaign of ''Stop Acid Sale''. In 2014, she received the [[International Women of Courage Award|International Women of Courage award]] at the hands of First Lady [[Michelle Obama]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Michelle Obama honours acid attack victim Laxmi -World News , Firstpost |url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/michelle-obama-honours-acid-attack-victim-laxmi-1420069.html |work=Firstpost |date=5 March 2014}}</ref> The movie ''[[Chhapaak]]'' is based on her life and stars [[Deepika Padukone]] in her role.


== Early life and the attack ==
== Early life and the attack ==
Laxmi was born in [[New Delhi]] in a poor family.
Laxmi was born in [[New Delhi]].


In 2005, tragedy came when Laxmi was 15 years old and an 11th-grade student, she was approached by a man working in her neighbourhood, Naeem Khan, who was 32 years old. He proposed to Laxmi but she rejected him. She did not inform anyone about this because her family would've blamed her and stopped her studies. Ten months later, Laxmi was walking from Khan market at 10:45 in the morning when she received the same message from Naeem that he loves her and wants to marry her. She did not respond. In no time, she was attacked with acid by Kamran, Naeem's older brother, and his girlfriend, Rakhi. Kamran called Laxmi's name from behind while riding his motorcycle. When Laxmi looked behind as a response to her name, Rakhi threw acid directly at her face from the backseat. Laxmi fainted and after regaining consciousness, she tried to walk up and ask for help but met multiple road accidents. A man named Arun Singh called the police, but he saw her skin melting from the acid, he realised it might be too late to wait for assistance. Someone else splashed water on her face hoping to reduce the burns, this caused the acid to move down and burn her neck. Arun, then somehow got her in the back seat of his car. This later caused burn holes in the seat covers. He admitted her to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The police reached the hospital directly. Arun then asked Laxmi about her family and where she lived. He reached her house, informed her family, and took them from their house to the hospital. She underwent multiple operations including eye surgery. Four days after the attack, Naeem Khan was arrested, but was bailed out a month later. He married off immediately. However, after widespread protests and media attention, he was sentenced to prison for life.
In 2005, Laxmi was 15 years old and an 11th-grade student. She was approached by a man working in her neighbourhood, Naeem Khan, who was 32 years old. He proposed to Laxmi but she rejected him. She did not inform anyone about this because her family would have blamed her and stopped her studies. Ten months later, Laxmi Agrawal was returning from Khan market at 10:45 in the morning when she received Naeem's wedding proposal again. She did not respond. Within no time, she was attacked with acid by Naeem and his elder brother, Kamran. Kamran called Laxmi's name from behind while riding his motorcycle. When Laxmi turned to look, Naeem threw acid directly at her face from the backseat. Laxmi fainted and after gaining consciousness, she tried to walk up and ask for help but met with multiple road accidents. A man named Arun Singh called the police, but he saw her skin melting from the acid, and he realised it might be too late to wait for assistance. Someone else splashed water on her face hoping to reduce the burns; this caused the acid to move down and burn her neck. Arun then got her in the back seat of his car. This later caused burn holes in the seat covers. He admitted her to [[Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital]]. The police reached the hospital directly. Arun then asked Laxmi about her family and where she lived. He reached her house, informed her family, and took them from their house to the hospital. She underwent multiple operations including eye surgery. Naeem Khan was arrested and later sentenced to imprisonment for ten years.


== Public interest litigation in Supreme Court ==
== Public interest litigation in Supreme Court ==
Agarwal, whose face and other body parts were disfigured in the acid attack, had public interest litigation (PIL) in 2006. A minor then, she was attacked with acid by three men near [[Tughlaq road]] in [[New Delhi]] as she had refused to marry Naeem Khan, known as Gudda, one of the trio. Her PIL 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. She also pleaded for a total ban on the sale of acid, citing an increasing number of incidents of such attacks on women across the country.
In 2006, Agarwal filed a [[Public interest litigation in India|public interest litigation]] (PIL) in the [[Supreme Court of India]] seeking framing of a new law, or amendment to the existing criminal laws like [[Indian Penal Code]], [[Indian Evidence Act]] and [[Code of Criminal Procedure (India)|Code of Criminal Procedure]], for dealing with the offence of acid attack, besides asking for compensation. She also pleaded for a total ban on the sale of acid, citing an increasing number of incidents of such attacks on women across the country.


During a hearing in April, the Centre assured the [[Supreme Court of India]] that it would work with the state governments to formulate a plan before the next hearing on 9 July. However, it failed to do so, which angered the court. However, when the Centre failed to produce a plan, the Supreme Court warned that it would intervene and pass orders if the government failed to frame a policy to curb the sale of acid in order to prevent chemical attacks. "Seriousness is not seen on the part of the government in handling the issue," the bench headed by Justice RM Lodha said. Earlier, in February, the court had directed the centre to convene in six weeks a meeting of Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories to hold a discussion for enacting a law to regulate the sale of acids and policy for treatment, compensation and care and rehabilitation of such victims.
During the hearing, the Centre assured the court that it would work with the state governments to enact a law to regulate the sale of acids and formulate a policy for treatment, compensation and care and rehabilitation of such victims. However, when the Centre failed to produce a plan, the court criticised the government for lack of seriousness and warned that it would intervene and pass orders if the government failed to frame a policy to curb the sale of acid in order to prevent chemical attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monalisa,PTI |date=2013-07-09 |title=Supreme court demands action on acid attacks |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/D0YtQ4CUlT9lO6yAZlnQ3M/Supreme-court-demands-action-on-acid-attacks.html |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref>


Meanwhile, in 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Agarwal and Rupa's{{who|date=January 2020}} plea, thereby creating a fresh set of restrictions on the sale of acid. Under the new regulations, acid could not be sold to any individual below the age of 18 years. One is also required to furnish a photo identity card before buying acid.
In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Agarwal's plea, thereby creating a fresh set of restrictions on the sale of acid in India. Under the new regulations, acid cannot be sold to any individual below the age of 18 years and the buyer is required to furnish a photo identity card. The court also issued directions to be followed regarding medical treatment, aftercare, rehabilitation and compensation for acid attack victims.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mohit |date=2013-07-18 |title=Laxmi vs. Union of India - (2014) 4 SCC 427 - (Acid attack compensation order) |url=https://onelawstreet.com/laxmi-vs-union-of-india-2014-4-scc-427-acid-attack-compensation-order/ |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=One Law Street |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Agarwal claims that not much has changed on the ground, despite all the regulations. "Acid is freely available in shops. Our own volunteers have gone and purchased acid easily. In fact, I have myself purchased acid," she said. "We have launched a new initiative called ‘Shoot Acid’. By means of the [[Right to Information Act]], we are trying to acquire data concerning the sale of acid in every district. We intend to present the information collected through this initiative before the Supreme Court to apprise them of the situation on the ground."


== Personal life==
== Personal life==
Laxmi Agarwal was in a live-in relationship with social activist [[Alok Dixit]], and the couple has separated in 2015. They have a daughter.
Laxmi Agarwal was in a relationship with social activist [[Alok Dixit]]. However, she has been separated from her partner since 2015, When they were together, Laxmi decided not to get married and instead opted to be in a live-in relationship. "We have decided to live together until we die. But we are challenging society by not getting married. We don’t want people to come to our wedding and comment on my looks. The looks of a bride are most important for people. So we decided not to have any ceremony," said Laxmi. Their families have accepted the relationship and also their decision not to have a ceremonial wedlock.


== Hunger strike and campaign against acid violence ==
== Hunger strike and campaign against acid violence ==
The acid attack survivors started a [[hunger strike]] demanding immediate justice and rehabilitation for acid attack survivors. She wrote a poem describing her situation during the incident.
The acid attack survivors started a [[hunger strike]] demanding immediate justice and rehabilitation for acid attack survivors. She wrote a poem describing her situation during the incident.


While she was in the United States to receive the International Women of Courage award, she was praised by the then USA first lady Michelle Obama and others for her campaign against acid violence.
While she was in the United States to receive the International Women of Courage award, she was praised by the then USA first lady Michelle Obama and others for her campaign against acid violence.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}


== In popular culture==
== In popular culture==
She starred in the 2014 short documentary ''Newborns'' directed by [[Megha Ramaswamy]] as herself.<ref>{{cite web |title=Newborns: A Gaze Within |url=https://indiaindependentfilms.com/2017/03/14/interview-newborns-megha-ramaswamy-gaze-within/ |website=India Independent Films |access-date=14 September 2021 |date=14 March 2017}}</ref>
She starred in the 2014 short documentary ''Newborns'' directed by [[Megha Ramaswamy]] as herself.<ref>{{cite web |title=Newborns: A Gaze Within |url=https://indiaindependentfilms.com/2017/03/14/interview-newborns-megha-ramaswamy-gaze-within/ |website=India Independent Films |access-date=14 September 2021 |date=14 March 2017}}</ref>


The film ''[[Chhapaak]]'' is based on Agarwal's life story and was released on 10 January 2020. [[Deepika Padukone]] played the role of Agarwal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Deepika Padukone dedicates first award for Chhapaak to Laxmi Agarwal for showing ‘what beauty truly means’ |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/deepika-padukone-dedicates-first-award-for-chhapaak-to-laxmi-agarwal-for-showing-what-beauty-truly-means/story-SFTucCxYQcwuiGp4oumnJM.html |access-date=14 September 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=19 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
The film ''[[Chhapaak]]'' is based on Agarwal's life story and was released on 10 January 2020. In the film, her character is played by actress [[Deepika Padukone]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Deepika Padukone dedicates first award for Chhapaak to Laxmi Agarwal for showing 'what beauty truly means' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/deepika-padukone-dedicates-first-award-for-chhapaak-to-laxmi-agarwal-for-showing-what-beauty-truly-means/story-SFTucCxYQcwuiGp4oumnJM.html |access-date=14 September 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=19 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Agarwal, Laxmi}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Agarwal, Laxmi}}
[[Category:1990 births]]
[[Category:Acid attack victims]]
[[Category:Acid attack victims]]
[[Category:Indian victims of crime]]
[[Category:Indian victims of crime]]
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[[Category:Indian women activists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from New Delhi]]
[[Category:People from New Delhi]]
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[[Category:21st-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian writers]]
[[Category:Poets from Delhi]]
[[Category:Poets from Delhi]]
[[Category:1990 births]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian journalists]]
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[[Category:21st-century Indian women journalists]]
[[Category:Women writers from Delhi]]
[[Category:Women writers from Delhi]]
[[Category:Indian women television journalists]]
[[Category:Indian women television journalists]]
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[[Category:Activists from Delhi]]
[[Category:Activists from Delhi]]
[[Category:Indian women's rights activists]]
[[Category:Indian women's rights activists]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian journalists]]
[[Category:Indian women human rights activists]]
[[Category:Women human rights activists]]
[[Category:Recipients of the International Women of Courage Award]]
[[Category:Women who received the International Women of Courage Award]]

Latest revision as of 13:47, 28 September 2024

Laxmi Agarwal
Agarwal in Washington receiving an award, 2014
Born (1990-06-01) 1 June 1990 (age 34)
New Delhi, India
NationalityIndian
OrganizationThe Laxmi Foundation
Known forStop Acid Sale
SpouseAlok Dixit
Children1 (daughter named Pihu)
First Lady Michelle Obama Honors 2014 IWOC Awardee Laxmi of India

Laxmi Agarwal (born 1 June 1990) is an Indian acid attack survivor, a campaigner for rights of acid attack victims, and a TV host. Laxmi is founder and President of The Laxmi Foundation, an NGO dedicated to acid attack victims.[1] She is a former director of Chhanv Foundation. She was attacked at the age of 15.

In 2019, she was honoured with the International Women Empowerment Award from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and UNICEF for her campaign of Stop Acid Sale. In 2014, she received the International Women of Courage Award from Michelle Obama.[2]

The movie Chhapaak is based on her life and stars Deepika Padukone in her role.[3]

Early life and the attack

[edit]

Laxmi was born in New Delhi.

In 2005, Laxmi was 15 years old and an 11th-grade student. She was approached by a man working in her neighbourhood, Naeem Khan, who was 32 years old. He proposed to Laxmi but she rejected him. She did not inform anyone about this because her family would have blamed her and stopped her studies. Ten months later, Laxmi Agrawal was returning from Khan market at 10:45 in the morning when she received Naeem's wedding proposal again. She did not respond. Within no time, she was attacked with acid by Naeem and his elder brother, Kamran. Kamran called Laxmi's name from behind while riding his motorcycle. When Laxmi turned to look, Naeem threw acid directly at her face from the backseat. Laxmi fainted and after gaining consciousness, she tried to walk up and ask for help but met with multiple road accidents. A man named Arun Singh called the police, but he saw her skin melting from the acid, and he realised it might be too late to wait for assistance. Someone else splashed water on her face hoping to reduce the burns; this caused the acid to move down and burn her neck. Arun then got her in the back seat of his car. This later caused burn holes in the seat covers. He admitted her to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The police reached the hospital directly. Arun then asked Laxmi about her family and where she lived. He reached her house, informed her family, and took them from their house to the hospital. She underwent multiple operations including eye surgery. Naeem Khan was arrested and later sentenced to imprisonment for ten years.

Public interest litigation in Supreme Court

[edit]

In 2006, Agarwal filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India seeking framing of a new law, or amendment to the existing criminal laws like Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act and Code of Criminal Procedure, for dealing with the offence of acid attack, besides asking for compensation. She also pleaded for a total ban on the sale of acid, citing an increasing number of incidents of such attacks on women across the country.

During the hearing, the Centre assured the court that it would work with the state governments to enact a law to regulate the sale of acids and formulate a policy for treatment, compensation and care and rehabilitation of such victims. However, when the Centre failed to produce a plan, the court criticised the government for lack of seriousness and warned that it would intervene and pass orders if the government failed to frame a policy to curb the sale of acid in order to prevent chemical attacks.[4]

In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Agarwal's plea, thereby creating a fresh set of restrictions on the sale of acid in India. Under the new regulations, acid cannot be sold to any individual below the age of 18 years and the buyer is required to furnish a photo identity card. The court also issued directions to be followed regarding medical treatment, aftercare, rehabilitation and compensation for acid attack victims.[5]

Personal life

[edit]

Laxmi Agarwal was in a live-in relationship with social activist Alok Dixit, and the couple has separated in 2015. They have a daughter.

Hunger strike and campaign against acid violence

[edit]

The acid attack survivors started a hunger strike demanding immediate justice and rehabilitation for acid attack survivors. She wrote a poem describing her situation during the incident.

While she was in the United States to receive the International Women of Courage award, she was praised by the then USA first lady Michelle Obama and others for her campaign against acid violence.[citation needed]

[edit]

She starred in the 2014 short documentary Newborns directed by Megha Ramaswamy as herself.[6]

The film Chhapaak is based on Agarwal's life story and was released on 10 January 2020. In the film, her character is played by actress Deepika Padukone.[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ thelaxmi.org
  2. ^ "Michelle Obama honours acid attack victim Laxmi". Firstpost. 5 March 2014.
  3. ^ "Chhapaak movie review: Deepika Padukone is stellar in Meghna Gulzar's impactful film". Hindustan Times. 9 January 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  4. ^ Monalisa,PTI (9 July 2013). "Supreme court demands action on acid attacks". mint. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  5. ^ Singh, Mohit (18 July 2013). "Laxmi vs. Union of India - (2014) 4 SCC 427 - (Acid attack compensation order)". One Law Street. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Newborns: A Gaze Within". India Independent Films. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  7. ^ "Deepika Padukone dedicates first award for Chhapaak to Laxmi Agarwal for showing 'what beauty truly means'". Hindustan Times. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
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