The reality behind You Beneath Your Skin by Damyanti Biswas #YBYS

It was a sunny Sunday on 15th December when I was excited to meet Damyanti Biswas, author of You Beneath Your Skin. There were many reasons for my meeting on that day. Firstly, Oxford Bookstore Delhi is one of my favourite book cafes. I can spend days reading and eating here. Secondly, I was invited to the book launch by the author in September but I couldn’t attend that. Finally, it was the day to meet all; the author, other bloggers and the characters of her novel in reality. The book is the reality of Indian society in the form of fiction. I met Anouradha Bakshi from Project Why and Ritu Saini who is an acid attack survivor. You never know the real story unless you listen to them in front of you.

Each and every person has a story to narrate and a lesson to teach. I was inspired to know those simple living people have more courage to chase their dreams themselves. Only a motivating push is needed and Anouradha does that well to so many prospering individuals. She always stresses on good education and financial independence through studies. Project Why motivates children to study in Govt. schools and help them financially in many cases. Many boys and girls are trained at the centre and gradually start earning their living bit by bit. Today, students from the Project Why are managing different centres individually.

Ritu is an acid attack survivor, not a victim

Ritu Saini is one powerful girl whose enthusiasm has only increased with one incident in her life. She is very confident about her work today and dares to grow further. Listening to her acid attack incident, I was shocked to nerves. But she was brave to narrate it each time somebody asks her. Her cousin threw acid on her for denying to marry him. On the contrary, she thanked him for the incident that made her bold enough to move out and speak up for her cause. She is a strong example to many girls by her side who are waiting for a ray of single sunshine to show them the right way.

After the attack, she has undergone several surgeries and came out hard like a blacksmith. Her left eye has totally gone and she can see through one eye only. The pain is much more inside on the soul than outside but she is able to beat all impossibilities and make her own way. She wants to spread her success story as much as she can and want every girl to be independent. She pleas to the Govt. to provide relevant job opportunities and required training for every person to be independent.

Your help is important to society

Any help is big whether financially or spreading the word by sharing this post as much as you can. You can contact Anouradha Bakshi regarding all concerns at the Project WHY and Chaanv Foundation.

Also, you can order the book here. You Beneath Your Skin is a round-up of all the incidents woven in such a way that it brings you closer to the darker side of truth. All author proceeds will go to Project WHY and Stop acid Attacks.