Dolly’s Story: 16-Yr-Old Acid Attack Survivor Rejoins Her School

Dolly was attacked with acid when she was in class three. (Photo Courtesy: Ketan Dixit)

Sixteen-year-old Dolly who belongs to Agra has started going back to her school. She studies in class six. When Dolly was in class three, her neighbour 25-year-old Pradeep threw acid on her.

Dolly said, “Pradeep bhaiya used to trouble me while going to school. When papa scolded him one day, he immediately came to my house and threw acid on me. Initially we were worried but later he was punished.”

Dolly is now focusing on her studies and wishes to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor.

‘Locked up in a Room for a Year’

After the incident Dolly never thought she would join her school again.

For a year I didn’t even step out of my room. When my friends and teachers used to visit me, they met me in my room. I had to cover my face when going to the court or hospital. After 2 years, in 2015, I visited this place called Sheroes hangout. There were many like me working there who were victims of acid attack. I learnt to go out without hiding my face. I have also played a small role in Sonakshi Sinha’s movie <i>Akira</i>.&nbsp;

Sheroes Hangout is a unique cafe in Agra which is run by acid attack survivors and empowers them to face the world.

‘Dolly Returned as a Better Person’

Dolly was initially really scared to go back to school but fortunately received a lot of support from her family, friends and teachers. Dolly said, “My friends were glad to have me back in school.”

Dolly’s friend Jyoti said, “Dolly has returned as a better person and we welcomed her with open arms.”

“Sheroes has improved Dolly’s life and made her a confident person,” said Arachana Agnihotri, principal of Kamal Shishu school. “To support Dolly we won’t be taking fees from her for a year. Dolly’s mother was a big force in pushing her to come back to school.”

Also Watch: Sheroes Hangout – A Cafe Run by Acid Attack Survivors in Agra