Acid attack survivors find career in ink art, attend workshop by Body Canvas Tattoos!

New Delhi: In a great move to open bright future avenues for acid attack survivors, a welcome initiative has been taken by team Stop Acid Attacks (Chhanv Foundation), Vikas Malani-Founder, Body Canvas Tattoos & Piercings.

Recently a workshop in philanthropy was conducted for acid attack survivors to introduce them to the art of tattooing so they may pursue employment opportunities in tattoo art. 

The workshop was held on 24th April 2017 at Body Canvas Tattoo studio in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi. Director of Chhanv Foundation and an acid attack survivor, Laxmi and other members Roopa, Ritu, Soniya, Madhu attended the workshop. To give them a realistic practice experience, they were made familiar with the tattoo equipment/machines and got a chance to try their hands at tattooing. The participants also got themselves inked enthusiastically.

A 22-year old acid attack fighter, Ritu while diligently drawing a sketch said, “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”.

Laxmi, Director of Chhanv Foundation and an inspiration to many said, “I am getting a meaningful tattoo which is connected to my soul; it is symbolic of freedom because I want to put across the message to the society what free will is and the liberty to choose or have an opinion means to us. At Chhanv - an abode in Delhi for such girls, we believe in creating an atmosphere where the survivors can relax and rebuild their confidence without revisiting their pain and suffering. We regularly organise trainings, workshops, counselling sessions and many other programs 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.”

Talking about the workshop and the association, Vikas Malani, Founder, Body Canvas Tattoos, and the most sought after tattoo artist in India 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”.

The initiative has been taken with a hope that these survivors, who have faced a lot of pain and agony along with emotional trauma, can be provided privilege of learning to tattoo and earning confidence for life by taking it forward as a professional tattoo artist.