Laxmi Agarwal

Indian acid attack survivor and activist who spearheaded campaigns to regulate acid sales and empower survivors globally.

Laxmi Agarwal (born 1990) survived a brutal acid attack at age 15, which ignited her lifelong crusade against gender-based violence. Her advocacy led to India’s 2013 Acid Control Act, restricting over-the-counter acid sales and increasing penalties for attackers.

After the attack, Agarwal underwent dozens of surgeries but refused to hide. In 2013, she petitioned India’s Supreme Court, citing poor enforcement of existing acid laws. Her campaign garnered 27,000 signatures and forced policymakers to tighten regulations. Read her petition details here.

She later founded Chhanv Foundation, a nonprofit supporting acid attack survivors with legal aid and vocational training. Her TEDx talk, “Fight Against Acid Violence”, has inspired global movements. In 2014, she became the face of MTV India’s #StopAcidAttack campaign.

Agarwal’s story was dramatized in the 2020 film 《Chhapaak》, starring Deepika Padukone. While the film raised awareness, Agarwal emphasizes systemic change over symbolism. She continues lobbying for international acid sale bans through the Acid Survivors Trust International.