When she was barely three years old, her life was violently altered by an act of cruelty she could never have imagined. An acid attack stole her eyesight, reshaped her appearance, and rewrote her future in a matter of seconds. What should have been a carefree childhood instead became a lifelong journey of pain, resilience, and determination. Years later, her extraordinary story, shared by Humans of Bombay, captured nationwide attention for its quiet strength and unbreakable spirit.
Born Into Bias, Raised With Belief
She was born in a small village in Haryana, a place where deep-rooted prejudices often viewed sons as blessings and daughters as burdens. But her parents refused to follow that mindset. They named her Kafi, a word that means enough, believing she would never need to prove her worth to anyone. Her father’s progressive thinking, however, became a source of jealousy for a neighbour, a resentment that would soon turn catastrophic.
The Day That Changed Everything
During Holi in 2011, what her parents initially mistook for coloured powder turned out to be acid thrown on their little daughter’s face. Her screams alerted them instantly, and they rushed her to the hospital. The physical agony was unbearable, but the emotional trauma lasted far longer. For years, her parents carried her from one hospital to another, clinging to hope. When doctors finally confirmed that her vision could not be restored, her parents made a powerful choice: if eyesight could not be saved, her future would be.
Finding Strength Through Education
At the age of eight, she enrolled in a school for visually impaired children. Recognising her potential, teachers recommended a more supportive environment, prompting her parents to uproot their lives and move to Chandigarh. After clearing an entrance exam, she was admitted directly into Class 6. For the first time, she felt confident in her abilities. Social acceptance did not come easily—other children kept their distance, and loneliness became familiar. Books became her refuge, building a universe where she felt free and capable.
Recognition, Support, and New Hope
Scoring an impressive 95 percent in Class 10 transformed how the world saw her. Media interviews followed, and people began noticing her achievements rather than her scars. The Adani Foundation reached out, supporting a potential eye treatment in Chennai. Although the procedure could not restore her vision, it reinforced something equally important: she was not alone.
A Dream Fueled by Justice
After completing school, she secured admission to Delhi University, but financial hardship threatened her education. Once again, timely support helped her continue. While she and her parents struggled to rebuild their lives, her attackers served only a brief sentence before walking free. That injustice shaped her purpose. Choosing Political Science, she set her sights on becoming an IAS officer, determined to fight systemic failures from within. She may not see the world through her eyes, but she understands it through courage, learning, and unwavering faith. Her name is Kafi, and she truly lives up to it.
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