Acid attack survivors turn tattoo artists

New Delhi : Taking forward their drive to increase employment opportunities for acid attack survivors in the country, Chhanv foundation has collaborated with tattoo artist Vikas Malani for a workshop. The workshop conducted at Malani's Body Canvas Tattoos & Piercings studio in Hauz Khas here recently, aimed at introducing the survivors to the art of tattooing, who may later choose to work in the field.

The initiative is an attempt to restore the confidence in the survivors and offer them an opportunity to learn and become independent. "We (Chhanv) regularly organise trainings, workshops, counselling sessions and many other programmes to support and facilitate the survivors. This tattoo career workshop is in line with what we strive for, and therefore we are happy to collaborate," Laxmi, an acid attack survivor and director of the foundation, said.

The foundation is also responsible for opening the Sheroes Hangout Cafe & Reach-Out centre in Agra and Lucknow, which are run solely by acid attack survivors. The participants at Malani's workshop were part of an experience drill during which they were made familiar with the tools and equipments of the process. They also tried their hands at tattooing, besides getting inked themselves.

Along with Laxmi, the workshop was also attended by several other members of Chhanv including Roopa, Ritu, Soniya and Madhu. 22-year-old Ritu expressed her desire to pursue the career as a tattoo artist in future. "I am finding the profession of a tattoo artist very dynamic, challenging and interesting. I am considering applying for a scholarship at Body Canvas Tattoos," she said.

Laxmi got herself a meaningful tattoo which, she says, is symbolic of freedom. "I am getting a meaningful tattoo which connects to my soul. It is symbolic to freedom because I want to put across the message to the society what free will and the liberty to choose, or have an opinion means to us," she said.

Talking about the workshop and the association, Vikas said, "With this association, we aim to empower the women survivors of acid attacks by giving them free training to become professional tattoo artists. "We would like to boost their confidence and welcome them to Body Canvas' positive environment and energetic workforce."