Acid Attack Survivor Prof. Mangala Kapoor Honoured with Padma Shri

Varanasi: In an exclusive conversation with Dalimss News, renowned academician and music scholar Prof. Mangala Kapoor expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for considering her for the prestigious Padma Shri award. Calling it a moment of deep honour, she said the recognition belongs not only to her but to everyone who stood by her during her long and difficult journey.

Recalling the most traumatic phase of her life, Prof. Kapoor revealed that she survived an acid attack at the tender age of 13. The incident left her physically scarred and emotionally shattered. For nearly six years following the attack, she underwent multiple surgeries. During this period, she remained confined to her home, avoiding social interaction and struggling to find the courage to face the world.

“My entire family was worried. I had stopped talking to people and lost all confidence,” she said. It was her parents who encouraged her to take a step towards healing. Her father, recognising her natural inclination towards music and her melodious voice, suggested formal training in music — not as a career plan, but as a way to help her regain confidence and communicate with people again.

What began as therapy soon turned into passion. Music became Prof. Kapoor’s emotional refuge, giving her mental peace and strength. Alongside her training in music, she pursued academic studies, completing her BA, MA, and higher education in the field. However, the path was far from easy. She recalled facing insensitive comments and stares from people because of her facial injuries, which often caused emotional distress.

Despite the challenges, Prof. Kapoor went on to build an extraordinary academic career. She joined Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), as a professor and served the institution for nearly 30 years. During her tenure, numerous students completed their PhDs under her guidance. She has authored five books and is currently working on her sixth, in addition to her autobiography titled Seerat, in which she has documented her life journey.

Prof. Kapoor has also received three state-level awards for her contributions to music and education. Her name being considered for the Padma Shri, she said, is a recognition of perseverance, resilience, and purpose. She added that despite ongoing health challenges, she remains committed to working for the betterment of society.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of her journey, she acknowledged that she battled depression multiple times and faced financial and physical hardships, often without support beyond her immediate family. “No one stood by me except my parents,” she said, adding that her father’s unwavering belief and the healing power of music helped her survive the darkest phases.

“I feel I have lived many lives in one lifetime — first as a victim, then as a fighter, and finally as a professor at BHU,” she said. Prof. Kapoor credited her parents, brother, teachers, and her gurus for their constant support and expressed deep gratitude to Goddess Saraswati for guiding her path.

Speaking strongly against acid attacks, Prof. Kapoor said perpetrators fail to understand the lifelong trauma faced by victims. She called for the strictest possible punishment under the law for those who commit such crimes, so that justice serves as a deterrent.

Ending with a powerful message for acid attack survivors, she said, “Never believe that your life is over. Someone may take away your face and inflict immense pain, but they can never take away your talent. Believe in yourself, hold on to your strength, and keep fighting. You are capable of achieving wonders.”