Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Apr 30: A unique programme to highlight the inspiring story of an acid attack victim was organized by Being Social at Ravindra Kala mantapa, MGM College Udupi here on Thursday, Apr 28. The programme, 'Hejje Guruthu’ , was inaugurated by former MP Jayaprakash Hegde.
Chief guest of the occasion Dr Mahalakshmi from Mysuru, the acid attack victim recalled the horrifying incident which completely changed her life. On January 11, 2001, she was on her way home at around 8 pm,when Chikkabasavaiah threw acid on her. That was the darkest day in her life. She lost her left eye and ear forever. She was hospitalized for six months for treatment and she underwent 32 major surgeries for her face and injured parts.
Mahalakshmi took many years to overcome her physical and cognitive pains. Over the years, her indomitable courage made her stronger, filling her with positivity. She went on to become a medical officer in health department and serves as a doctor in a primary health centre.
Mahalakshmi battled for justice for many years. But the accused was imprisoned for only three years and then he was released on bail.
She did not lose hope. "My parents, especially my mother stood by me and extended the much needed moral support," she said.
A determined woman, she said she never wants sympathy from the society. She is interested in serving the cause of women especially women in distress and help them in a better way. In such cases women needs social security more than sympathizing words, she said.
"I believe that my profession is a noble one and I am used to treating about 60-70 patients every day. Some people require counselling rather than medicines. It requires patience while fighting legal battles. The accused should feel ashamed when the sufferer succeeds in life.
"There are many changes that I have seen in the law over the years. Now he (Chikkabasavaiah) would have gotten lifelong imprisonment or fine or severe punishment, but I have never looked back.
"The central government should give more attention towards the sale of acid content products in the nation and bring strict rules should be imposed on illegal acid buyers.
"The society needs to change and it should be able to develop the art of acceptance. A victim lady like me should not sit inside the confinement of four walls. I myself am open to social life and
believe that education is important for a woman.
"One's physical disabilities is irrelevant when dedicating oneself to social service. Only the beauty of the mind will be counted forever," she added.
"The Supreme Court has provided necessary facilities to acid victims through rehabilitation centers. The compensation amount has also increased from Rs 2 lac to Rs 3 lac. There is a strict instruction by the Supreme Court to provide free medical treatment. There is a need to ponder over how best to implement government facilities to deprived classes. Non-governmental organizations play a very important role in social service activities. If a person has patience, it is not hard to achieve success.
"I trust in God, moreover discipline is important for life. I was blessed to be born in such an educated family. Co-operation and support should always be there for a victim," Dr Mahalaksmi said.
During the interaction session she said, "Suicide is a great sin and no sufferer should commit suicide. The universe is so capacious, there are lots of opportunities to achieve the best in life.
"The current generation needs more of moral values and parents should teach these moral values to them. If a person always lives in his/her past incidences, when he/her should go on and fulfill their pupose of life, then there will be no space for good and positive thoughts. A human should always be able to think positively and live in the present," Dr Mahalakshmi said.
In his inaugural address, J P Hegde said, "Success is like the shadow of a person. If the work given is done to satisfaction, it will follow you, and there is no need for anything else.
"As long as a person is creative, he will be able to live young. I have always said that no one should retire from their profession, nor from their interests. If a task given is done to satisfaction then the result will remain immortal. One should not have any expectations while rendering social service. Most of the time, true social workers, the ones who deserve awards, do not get recognition and credit," he said.
He also said that severe crimes like acid attacks should be discussed among people's representatives and strict laws should be implemented to punish the culprits.
Avinash Kamath welcomed the gathering.
Entrepreneur, senate member of Mangaluru University Amrit Shenoy and founder of Trisha Classes Gopalkrishna Bhat were present.