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Sometimes, acts of goodwill around us remind us that humanity is still alive. The recent campaign by Shajan Samuel to support women acid attack survivors achieved its target of Rs.75000 in just two days.
Reading about the stories of acid attack victims, most people heave a deep sigh and move on with their daily lives. Shajan Samuel, an independent filmmaker and activist is not one of them. His initiative to support acid attack survivors through the Chhanv Foundation by raising money was a huge success. Within two days of requesting funds on the crowdfunding platform, Milaap, he not only attained his target of Rs.75000, but funds are still pouring in and the total has now crossed Rs.100,000!
In November, when Shajan Samuel visited the SHEROES Hangout Cafe at Agra, managed by acid attack survivors, he was moved by their resilient strength. Instinctively, he decided to start a campaign to raise money for the welfare of acid attack victims through the Chhanv Foundation. Laxmi Agarwal is an acid attack survivor herself, and leads the Chhanv Foundation, Delhi. She was awarded for her courage by the previous US First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014 and also selected as NDTV Indian of the year.
Shajan Samuel says that he has always been keen on transforming society and improving the lives of people. Previously, he has done films on Bangalore traffic and also for promoting children’s’ education. Seeing the indomitable spirit of the women who survived the acid attacks, he set out to gather support online through Milaap, over 10 days or so. He plans to visit Delhi in April to handover the cheque to Laxmi Agarwal, for whatever amount he could raise online.
What surprised him was the emotional connect with which people chipped in, to attain the target in such a short time. As he mentions in his fund raising post, “Its not about me, its about them and what we do for them, which matters.” The supporters of the campaign say that his request had a sincerity and a vision with good intentions that brought them together to help these women champions.
Shajan concludes in his thank you post, that he strongly believes in the power of these organic though random connections. Indeed! This campaign has strengthened the power of people coming together for a great cause.
It is on until the the end of March 2017, so here’s your chance to support them too!
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Top image via crowdfunding page
A software professional by education, and a stay-at-home mom by choice. You would
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