From acid attack survivor to crusader, Pragya Singh's inspiring journey

Acid is still easily available over the counter in shops across India.

At the age of 22, barely married for 12 days, Pragya Singh was attacked with acid. Now, a decade later, Singh has gone from being a victim to survivor and a crusader.

A rejected suitor's attack disfigured her face but couldn't scare her spirit. Pragya continues to inspire many including acid attack survivors like her to keep going at life no matter what adversities stare you in the face. Pragya Singh is an Acid attack survivor turned activist who has been fighting for providing relief and rehabilitation to her fellow acid survivor.

Pragya founded an NGO, Atijeevan Foundation with working for rehabilitation for the victims as its priority. She coordinates with eminent doctors from across the country for medical advice, personal counselling and generating permanent sources of regular income for all of the survivors who are in need.

In April 2006, she was heading to Delhi from Varanasi on a train. She had married just 12 days ago and was only 22-years-old. She was travelling on the train to join a job. A distant relative who Pragya had refused to marry, followed her and attacked her with acid. The accused was arrested and jailed for four years but a decade after the incident, Pragya still carries the marks, a reminder of the injustice done to her.

A fighter, Pragya refused to give in. She accepted her appearance and found the courage to motivate others to do the same. "There is more to us than what you see," is Pragya's message about all acid attack survivors. Her husband, Sanjay, stood by her and has been her source of strength. She continues to live life unfazed and encouraging many like her to do the same. Pragya has touched many lives, given survivors the motivation to live and achieve. Her's is a story of inspiration.

OneIndia News