Acid attack survivors walk the ramp in Bhubaneswar for underprivileged girls

Bhubaneswar: Overcoming the challenges of life, acid attack survivors from all across India participated in the second edition of Kiah Fashion Show organised by philanthropic organisation Parichay Foundation in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

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.

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