About Us
The Laxmi Foundation, is a registered trust and an NGO founded by Laxmi Agarwal, an acid attack survivor, and Dr. Navpreet Kaur. The foundation aims to provide support and assistance to other survivors of acid attacks, who have experienced the devastating effects of such brutal violence. Laxmi Agarwal's personal experience has inspired her to create a platform that offers hope and assistance to those who have no one else to turn to. Through their philanthropic endeavors, the Laxmi Foundation strives to be a beacon of hope for many survivors, offering them the support they need to rebuild their lives
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OUR MISSION AND VISION
The vision of The Laxmi Foundation is to "reach the unreached." The foundation envisions a world free of acid attacks, sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Their aim is to ensure that survivors of such crimes, as well as their families and communities, receive responsive and empowering services and support that cater to their individual and cultural needs.
The foundation seeks to achieve this vision through advocacy, counseling, and education. They aim to eliminate the recurrence of such crimes by challenging oppressive social institutions and reducing violence and oppression. The Laxmi Foundation strives for an equal world where emotional, mental, and learning differences are valued equally. They believe in fully respecting the inherent autonomy and dignity of each person and working towards the realization of human rights for all, without any form of discrimination.
By working towards these goals, The Laxmi Foundation aims to create a society where survivors are supported, empowered, and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives, while also addressing the root causes of violence and oppression.
aims and objectives
Through these objectives, the Laxmi Foundation seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of acid attack survivors and contribute to the overall betterment of society.
To provide necessary support to acid attack survivors: The foundation aims to offer comprehensive support to survivors of acid attacks, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
To take up effective, reasonable, and lawful steps for the eradication of social evils: The foundation is committed to addressing social issues such as the dowry system, child marriage, child labor, gender inequality, and sexual harassment. It aims to raise awareness, advocate for change, and implement initiatives to combat these social evils.
To establish rehabilitation centers and other schemes/projects for the needy: The Laxmi Foundation aims to establish rehabilitation centers and implement various schemes and projects to provide support and assistance to those in need. These initiatives may include vocational training, education, skill development programs, and other resources to help survivors rebuild their lives.
To promote gender equality: The foundation recognizes the importance of gender equality and strives to create a society where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
Our Team
Laxmi Agarwal
She is the Founder/President of The Laxmi Foundation .
Laxmi, once known as the acid attack survivor, is now known as just Laxmi, who is a mother, a symbol of courage, hope and love for life. She is a motivational speaker and a messenger for millions of social voices. She was 15 when she was attacked by her stalker with acid in 2005. He thought he will kill her dreams. Little did he know that she will bounce back and will strike a cord deep within people. As Laxmi says "Usne acid mere chehre par daala hai, sapnon par nahin" (He threw acid on my face, not on my dreams). Laxmi never stopped dreaming. She never gave up.
In her battle against acid violence, Laxmi began a campaign called “Stop Sale Acid” against the unrestricted sale of acid and also to help acid attack survivors in their rehabilitation. The campaign has global support, and was awarded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and UNICEF.
Today, she is a synonym of courage and beauty on the globe. Laxmi received 2014 International Women of Courage award by US First Lady Michelle Obama. She was chosen as the NDTV Indian of the Year. She was also awarded by prestigious Mother Teresa Award in 2018.
Being a TedEx speaker she has inspired millions of people and emphasised on the strength of inner beauty. She has been invited by many corporates, schools, colleges and other institutions for motivational talk.
For her exemplary courage and contribution to society, she was honoured at the famous show of "India's Next Superstar" where her life story was portrayed through an act.
Now She is the face of several brands. To name few; NIMAI’s new ‘Promise’ band (a luxury fashion brand with a soul), Viva N Diva (a clothing brand). She has challenged the stereotype by becoming face of a fashion brand even after undergone several reconstructive surgeries.
She has helped more than 100 victims of Acid Attacks all over India by providing assistance with treatment, legal aid, counselling and rehabilitation and became the face of every unprivileged acid attack surviving women in India.
A Movie named CHHAPAAK made on her undaunted spirit with actor Deepika Padukone portrayed her and directed by Meghna Gulzar was released in Jan 2020.
Dr. Navpreet Kaur
Dr. Navpreet Kaur is the co-founder and vice president of the Laxmi Foundation. She is a Social Activist, Lawyer, Diversity & Inclusion Expert, and POSH Trainer with extensive experience working with various legal institutions.
During her research on acid attacks, Dr. Kaur met numerous acid attack victims and became aware of the significant psychological, social, medical, and legal challenges these women faced. She noticed the inadequate support they were receiving from the government and other agencies. To address these shortcomings, she initiated the "Stop Sale Acid" campaign alongside Laxmi, an acid attack survivor, to advocate against the unrestricted sale of acid and provide assistance to acid attack survivors in their rehabilitation.
Dr. Kaur actively engages with acid attack survivors, underprivileged women and children, and other vulnerable groups in society. She dedicates her time to teaching impoverished and marginalized children in slum areas, raising awareness about Sanitation, Health, and Hygiene.
Her remarkable contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors, including the 'NAI Achievement Award, 2020' from the Newspaper Association of India and 'The Phenomenal SHE' award on International Women's Day 2023 by the Indian National Bar Association. She has also received an Appreciation Award from the social security, women, and child development department of the Government of Punjab. In 2024, she was honored as a Distinguished Alumni by Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
Dr. Kaur is not only a dedicated activist but also a humanitarian author. She has authored a book on acid attacks and her research papers have been published in national and international journals and texts. She has contributed to national and international research projects and serves on numerous medico-legal committees.