One of the survivors attacked by her husband in November 2017 was first admitted to a hospital in Berhampur and later she was brought to SCB Medical. The second survivor who is a student was admitted after she was attacked last year.
"On the day of the incident, I had become weak and wanted to kill myself. But now I am much stronger and I will fulfil my dreams which my attacker tried to stop me from doing," said one of the survivors.
The survivors have said that the incident has only made them stronger but they demanded strict punishment for people who commit such crimes.
"If we are able to treat the patients successfully then it will not only be encouraging for us but also for everyone else," Plastic surgery department head of SCB, Arun Chaudhury said.
On the other hand, Legal Services Authority has said that compensation will be provided to both the survivors.
Secretary of Legal Services Authority, Gargi Patnaik said, "Compensation has already been given to them. If there is any other requirement we will also make arrangements for that."
The family members were seen distributing sweets after the survivors were discharged today.
Braving hardships, the survivors of acid attack walked the ramp to raise money for education of girls from poor families who dropped out of their schools midway because of financial constraints. According to the organizers, this fund-raiser event was organised as a part of Parichay's most important project Alakananda Scholarship Programme.
"It is our one of the signature events to raise funds. The survivors are true fighters and have set an example. If they can raise funds then common people should come forward to support this noble cause," informed founder of Parichay foundation, Rosalin Patsani Mishra.
Eight survivors of acid attacks including Odia girl Padmini Roul walked the ramp during the fashion show along with some well known personalities from the state which included film actor Bijay Mohanty and transgender activist Meera Parida. Bollywood actress Tisca Chopra was the show stopper at the fashion show.
Speaking to odishatv.in, Chopra said, "I am deeply delighted to come here. I support these young girls and also support the great cause undertaken by the organisers. I am very inspired to come and walk with the survivors. I will learn a lot from them about life."
An acid attack survivor from Agra, Rukkaia Khatun said, "The organisers invited us to come here and we are delighted to help the unprivileged girls to study and go forward in life. We have done many programmes like this before. I am glad to come so far from my city to Bhubaneswar."
The Alakananda Scholarship Programme which started last year adopted 59 underprivileged girls in the first batch and now has identified 60 more girls in the second phase.
https://youtu.be/YGgPfgsw-SA
As per reports, there are 52 acid attack survivors in Odisha, many of whom have not received any government support till date.
The Supreme Court in May 2013, while hearing a case of Delhi-based acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, had ruled that State governments should grant Rs 3 lakh compensation to acid attack victims and provide free medical treatment to them.
However, ISD alleged, many who have faced acid attack prior to 2013 have not received any compensation till date.
Odisha chapter of Acid Attack Survivors said that a letter has been sent to Women and Child Development department demanding rehabilitation and skill development training for acid attack survivors.
"A law on acid attack was introduced in 2013, but the girls who have suffered acid attack before 2013 are still to receive compensation and get rehabilitated. There are many poor girls who are unable to step out of their house. All of them should be rehabilitated and provided with jobs as per their qualification," said acid attack survivor, Pramodini Roul.
On Sunday, she took to Twitter, where she shared a news headline, which read: "Uttarakhand announces pension for acid attack survivors in the state after the release of 'Chhapaak'".
Meghna wrote: "PURPOSE."
PURPOSE. pic.twitter.com/7qdqymymWz
— Meghna Gulzar (@meghnagulzar) January 12, 2020
The newindianexpress.com on Saturday had reported that "as of now, there are 10-11 acid attack survivors living in the state of Uttarkhand".
Rekha Arya, the State Women and Child Welfare Minister, while announcing the scheme said that the government was planning to start a pension scheme under which Rs 5,000-6,000 will be provided every month to the survivors so that they can live a life with dignity.
"We will be bringing the proposal in the cabinet to get it approved to further implement the scheme. The idea is to support the brave women in achieving their dreams," Arya was quoted as saying.
"Chhapaak", starring Deepika Padukone is based on the life of Laxmi Agarwal, an acid attack survivor. The film was released on January 10.
(IANS)