Faceless Stories Episode 3: Will to Live

“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” as has been quoted by many and believed by us at Paper Weight Entertainment. We live in a world full of turmoil and misery. The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, suffering, sorrow and grief. And yet, they carve their way out. Pain is inevitable in life but suffering is optional. Amongst these beautiful people are the Acid Attack survivors who are beating the odds and living. Acid attack not only inflicts excruciating physical pain but also devastates the person’s spirit and soul. The perpetrators of this appalling and atrocious act should deserve no mercy or forgiveness.

Acid Attacks are not restricted to a particular age, class, religion, gender or a geographical location. The Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery of December 2007 concluded that in India alone “we would estimate 7–8 lakhs burn injuries annually. There is a huge possibility that such cases being not only accidents but a result of opposing and getting burnt. We don’t have any available data on Acid Attacks as cases can only be recorded under specific sections of Indian Penal Court (IPC).

What plays a crucial role in an increment of these incidences is the off-the-shelf availability of this life-threatening chemical. This dangerous weapon acid is a cheaper and preferred substitute to guns and other ammunitions. The rate of conviction in cases pertaining to acid attacks is as minimalistic as it is, due to the fact that there is no accountability attached to the sale and purchase of this harmful substance. The criminals are exempted since they leave no trail behind. 
 
 India has long been suffering from this menace for long, as the Indian criminal law didn’t recognize this heinous crime as a separate offence. With the amendment in IPC in Feb 2013, these Acid Attacks are now recorded as a separate offense and under section 326A and 326B. 
 
 The stigma and the shame that our society attaches to the victims of this demeaning act is stupendous. This sometimes leads to the loved ones abandoning them to endure the agony and affliction all by themselves. This psychology of the people has to evolve. It is time that we surpass these prejudices and work towards a society which is more sensitized to the emotional and physical needs of these victims.
 
 There have been some exemplary cases where families have rendered relentless support to the victims. Laxmi, an acid attack sufferer, is one such epitome of valor and bravery in India. She is on a mission to stop acid attacks and ensure justice to the survivors. Laxmi lives by the belief that the only cure for grief is action. She supports and works for women who have undergone one of the most depraving crimes against humanity. She was called upon by the Royal Couple Price William and Kate at the British High Commission during their India visit recently. She expressed her gratitude and extended them an invite to visit her café Sheroes Hangout in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is a café run and managed by the survivors of the acid attack. 
 
 Safe and secure citizens are a country’s biggest asset. It’s time that we have laws so stringent that can act as a deterrent to such criminals and their mindset. The Chhav Foundation believes that dreams and anguish bring people together. Those who suffer have stronger connections than those who are most content. They rehabilitate the victims and provide them with a life full of dignity and pride. 
 
 In an effort to promote this issue, Paper Weight Entertainment in collaboration with The Better India presents Faceless Stories Episode 3: Will To Live. Their motive is to address the heart-ache, desolation, misery and despair suffered by the victims. As C. S. Lewis quotes, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.” Pain is never permanent and neither are the scars. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and all we need to do is guide the victims till the end of the tunnel. 
 
 Change is the only constant and we are slowly heading in for a change of people’s perspectives and sociological attitude towards these victims. As a society, we must take a pledge to Heal…with all our Zest and Zeal!
 
 We urge you to join us in our endeavor and view this video: https://youtu.be/mYS23DnCDNA