The face of grit

Reshma Qureshi says acid attack victims need jobs and not sympathy

September 14, 2017 03:49 pm | Updated 03:49 pm IST

Indian model and acid attack survivor Reshma Quereshi presents a creation from Indian designer Archana Kochhar's Spring/Summer 2017 collection during New York Fashion Week in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S., September 8, 2016.  REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Indian model and acid attack survivor Reshma Quereshi presents a creation from Indian designer Archana Kochhar's Spring/Summer 2017 collection during New York Fashion Week in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S., September 8, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Acid attack victim Reshma Qureshi is not only an internet sensation, but is also creating waves in the world of fashion. The 19-year-old, who walked the ramp at the New York Fashion Week in 2016 for Archana Kochhar, will again walk the ramp in Mysuru today for Bengaluru-based designer Jaheena at the Crocs Mysore Fashion Week.

From being a victim to a victor, from a shattered girl who considered suicide and needed counselling to being the face of Make Love Not Scars, Reshma has indeed come a long way. Talking over the phone from Mumbai, before leaving for Mysuru she talks of how emotional support goes a long way in rebuilding lives. “I had support not just from my family but also from designers.”

Reshma, who today looks confident and bold, narrates her “journey through hell”. She was attacked by her estranged brother-in-law in 2014. “The attack was actually aimed at my sister Gulshan, I was mistaken for her. They can destroy our face, but not our inner beauty and strength,” says Reshma, who was chased by two other assailants and attacked. The men were never captured, but her brother-in-law was arrested.

“My modelling is a message to others that you can get into the glamour industry even if you don’t have a face. It is more than just outward looks. I believe attitudes have to change,” says Reshma, who then narrates her gruesome journey.

“When the attack happened, all I remember is the immense pain I felt as my face literally melted. Everything changed for me, inside out. I am a different person today. I had to change a lot. With every ramp walk, it is not just me who celebrates, but every other victim celebrates with me as I represent them, their dreams and aspirations too. My life is a way of telling them they too can start all over again,” says the young girl.

Talking of her association with Make Love And Not Scars, Reshma says, “Soon after my attack, my brother found the number and helped me get in touch with them. They spent hours with me as I was planning to kill myself. All I remember is they hugged me for hours. No words were exchanged, but only tears.”

Reshma teaches make up through her Vlog, Beauty Tips By Reshma. She teaches make-up tricks which ends with a caption ‘ It takes longer to apply lipstick or a nail polish than to burn a face with acid’ . Her Vlogs also compare the rates of beauty products with acid. “When an ordinary eye-liner is priced at ₹100 you can buy acid for just ₹30!,” she states.

Her name and face are also synonymous with the “Stop Acid Sale Campaign” on the social media. “We have to speak out loud and clear. We are tired of being ignored or stared at all the time. I will continue to fight till we are offered jobs and the sale of acid is banned . Do you know most victims, though educated, are not given jobs simply because their face is destroyed? How do you justify that? I wish people will change their attitude,” adds Reshma.

She also speaks about the punishment for the attackers. “It is very mild. They should not be hanged as they will know no pain. Nor should they be given life imprisonment as it seems too simple. But, their punishment should be so severe that it should justify the agony they put us through every moment of our lives.”

The worst part, says Reshma, is when no one comes forward to help the victim. “I request you to be the first to help those suffering. Take them to a hospital and not run from them. If I had received timely help I could have saved my eye. Acid attacks have become so common today, it is not news at all. Recently, a girl in Mumbai was attacked. Why do these things happen? It is horrible to destroy a life. What do they get?,” asks Reshma, who dreams of becoming an RJ so, “my voice reaches out to every corner of the world. They should know what happens to an acid attack survivor and what we go through.”

Then she adds, “I wish every other victim is encouraged by my life. I want to tell them not to give up. Don’t stay inside the house. Recently I spoke to a few girls, who were disowned by their parents after they were attacked with acid. They were blamed for the attack. I don’t understand how I can be held responsible for what has happened to me?” Reshma will walk the ramp this evening at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysuru.

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