The Full Story
Farah
This is the story of Farah. Her family consists of her parents and her brother, who all reside in Lucknow. She has been making a living by doing handwork, embroidering designs for lehengas. In this course of time, she was married and thought she had found someone who would be an ideal life partner.
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But things soon took an ugly turn between them, which ended with Farah filing for a divorce in 2009. The couple officially got divorced in 2010. Then, one evening in February 2011, when Farah was at home alone cooking, she was attacked with acid by her former husband. Parts of her face burned straight off and she screamed in pain.
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Later, she was admitted and treated at a private hospital in Agra for three years. She even received help from Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan, who paid for some of the surgeries in the amount of Rs. 5 lakhs. Due to the burns she suffered, she underwent 19 operations, with 5 of them pending at the minimum. Chhanv Foundation helped arrange for her eye treatment at Sankara Nethralaya Hospital in Chennai. It really hurts to learn that she is now subjected to consistent medication and treatment for the rest of her life. All this time, her family stood by her, supported her, and took good care of her.​
The perpetrator of the attack faced 3 years and 6 months of punishment, and has been released and even remarried. Farah received a compensation of 5 lakh rupees from the government in 2016. Since 2015, she has been working as a Front Desk Manager at Sheroes Hangout in Lucknow. She loves working there, as she feels that it is like a family, and finds solace in interacting with the visitors by sharing her story and creating an awareness among them.
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Ever since the lockdown was announced and with everything coming to a standstill, it has been a period of great difficulty for persons with disabilities, especially acid attack survivors. Farah’s medication has been stopped and there are surgeries to be done for her eyes, nose, eyebrows, and hair. Every time she undergoes a surgery, it pains her body tremendously. She has faced a great deal of financial burden because of this.
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In this whole time, she took English language classes from an English language trainer and joined many handicraft skill training workshops and courses.
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After several years of training and rehabilitation, Farah Khan finally joined Ashyiana Salon in Lucknow as a Junior Beautician in May 2023.
Journey & Achievement
15th December 2015: Joining as a Beneficiary of Chhanv Foundation
Farha Khan took the first step in her rehabilitation journey by signing the consent letter to become a beneficiary of the Chhanv Foundation. This marked the beginning of her association with the foundation, which is dedicated to supporting acid attack survivors.
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26th February 2016: Starting Work at Sheroes Hangout Cafe
In pursuit of her rehabilitation, Farha started working at the Sheroes Hangout Cafe in Lucknow, a project under the Chhanv Foundation’s Rehabilitation Model. This initiative not only provided her with a job but also a sense of purpose and independence. Alongside her job, Farha availed the hostel facility provided by the cafe, ensuring her accommodation and stability.
September 2016: Transfer to Udaipur Unit of Sheroes Hangout Cafe
Farha's journey continued as she was transferred to the Udaipur Unit of Sheroes Hangout Cafe. This transfer was part of the foundation's efforts to broaden her experience and skills, offering her new opportunities in a different environment. The Udaipur unit welcomed her as part of their team, helping her grow both personally and professionally.
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Medical & Skill Rehabilitation
Over the years from 2015 to 2022, the Chhanv Foundation ensured that Farha received continuous medical care and skill rehabilitation. This included medical treatments necessary for her recovery and skill development programs aimed at making her self-reliant. The foundation's comprehensive support system played a crucial role in Farha's journey towards rehabilitation.
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Exposure on National & International Platforms
Farha gained international exposure through the documentary "Ayena," which showcased her inspiring journey on a global platform. The documentary received acclaim and was featured in prestigious film festivals worldwide, amplifying Farha's story to diverse audiences. This exposure not only garnered admiration for her resilience but also presented Farha with unique opportunities, including a remarkable visit to Australia.
From 2016 to 2023, Miss Universe Great Britain graciously visited us, extending continuous support for her personality development and fostering personalized connections in our rehabilitation efforts. Farah also represented Chhanv Foundation at over 100 national events and conclaves
Customized Training Program for Farha for her Final Rehabilitation Stage
Launch of Skill Development Program | 8th August 2022
A significant milestone in Farha's rehabilitation journey was the launch of the Skill Development Program by the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This initiative, in collaboration with Natural's Saloon, was part of the government's Skill India (Kaushal Bharat - Kushal Bharat) program.
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It aimed to empower acid attack survivors, including Farha, by providing them with specialized training. Blossom Kochhar College of Creative Arts & Design (BKCCAD) was involved as a key stakeholder, offering training for the role of Assistant Beauty Therapist.
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Start of Training under BKCCAD | 14th Dec 22
Farha embarked on a new phase of her skill development by starting her training with the Blossom Kochhar College of Creative Arts & Design (BKCCAD). This training was designed to equip her with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an Assistant Beauty Therapist.
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During this training program she was also provided with the Hostel Facility. The program aimed to open new doors for her in the beauty industry, providing her with a potential career path.
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Convocation and Felicitation ceremony | 31st Mar 23
Farha embarked on a transformative phase of her skill development by starting her training with the prestigious Blossom Kochhar College of Creative Arts & Design (BKCCAD). This renowned institution is recognized for its high standards and comprehensive curriculum, designed to equip trainees with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as an Assistant Beauty Therapist. The certification from BKCCAD is highly valued in the beauty industry, opening numerous doors for Farha to secure employment in top salons and spas nationwide.
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During this rigorous training program, she also benefited from the hostel facility, ensuring she had a stable and supportive environment to focus on her studies. The program aimed not only to provide Farha with a solid foundation in beauty therapy but also to offer her a potential career path with vast opportunities. With this esteemed certification, Farha can now aspire to be employed anywhere in the beauty industry, paving the way for a successful and independent future.
Securing a Job and Resignation
Securing a Job as a Junior Beautician
After successfully completing her training, Farha secured a job as a Junior Beautician at a salon in Ashiyana, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This position, under Groom India Salon and Spa Pvt Ltd, marked the culmination of her skill development efforts. It was a significant achievement, reflecting her hard work and dedication.​
Leaving the Job
Despite the government's interest and the constant support of Chhanv Foundation and Natural's and the opportunities provided through the Skill Development Program, Farha left her job as a Junior Beautician on 14th July 2023 after only 13 days of work. This departure, without submitting a formal resignation, highlighted a critical challenge in her journey. Farha's decision to leave the job prematurely indicated a lapse in her commitment, which ultimately led to the program's goals not being fully realized. The government and its partners had put forth considerable effort and resources to ensure her success, and her inability to adhere to the program's expectations reflected a missed opportunity for both financial independence and professional growth.
During this training program she was also provided with the Hostel Facility. The program aimed to open new doors for her in the beauty industry, providing her with a potential career path.
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Conclusion & Message for Stakeholders and supporters
Dear Stakeholders and Supporters,
Farha is currently running a fundraiser to start a café in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. This endeavour is not aligned with her skill sets or the vision for her life that the Chhanv Foundation, in collaboration with the government and Natural Salons India, has worked to support. We believe this fundraiser is unethical and will likely be misused. The philosophy of charity and donation is rooted in the principle of supporting those genuinely in need, helping them build sustainable futures through their own efforts. The Chhanv Foundation has dedicated seven years to providing Farha with holistic rehabilitation, aiming to equip her with the skills and independence necessary to integrate into mainstream society. Farha’s current actions portray a message that she remains dependent and in continuous financial need, which undermines these extensive efforts. This approach sends a negative message to others still in the rehabilitation process or those who have successfully reintegrated and are working professionally. It discourages genuine commitment and progress, leading to a culture of dependency rather than empowerment.
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Given these circumstances, we advise all stakeholders and supporters to exercise caution regarding any requests for financial assistance or other support from Farha Khan. Please be aware of potential fraudulent or fictitious approaches and refrain from considering any such requests without verifying their authenticity through the Chhanv Foundation.