Scarred But Not Broken: What We Can Learn From Anmol Rodriguez

Don’t pity her because of her face and the fact that she’s an acid attack survivor. Don’t pity her for the fact that this gruesome incident orphaned her. And don’t pity her because she had to leave her job due to her disfigured face. Rejoice instead that a girl like Anmol Rodriguez exists among us to spread the message of positivity every day. Anmol whose name itself means ‘precious’, has acted alongside Shabana Azmi for a short film named Aunty Ji depicting the story of her life and is a TedEx speaker, a hit on Instagram and is winning hearts everyday with her infectious smile. HerZindagi talked to Anmol about her struggles, the concept of beauty and her work. Here’s what she had to share. 

Who is Anmol, apart from being a famous face on social media and a helping hand for acid attack victims?

Anmol is a simple girl, who loves to cook, sing and dance. She likes travelling and exploring new places.

Who inspires you?

Everyone inspires me. If you will see closely with a positive sight, you will find everyone around you has a story that can inspire anyone and everyone.

What prompted you to become a social media influencer?

My fans and friends made me a social media influencer. I never had a plan as such.

Tell us about your rehabilitation program and the NGO Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation?

I started this NGO in 2016 with Daulat Bi, with the purpose of helping all acid attack survivors. But gradually I realised, the NGO was started just for attending events or creating events to seize as much money as they can. None of the girls were helped in anyway. Surgeries were done, by raising funds but half of the money was taken by Daulat Bi in her personal account. In fact last year, I had a surgery and a fund of Rs 13 lakhs was raised for the same. Out of which I had to give Rs 5 lakhs to Daulat Bi in the name of starting a business for girls. But nothing has been done till the date. So I left the NGO and started working independently.

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What message do you have for girls who are under confident about their looks?

Believe in yourself. Beauty lies in the eyes of a beholder.

What are the words that you live by?

Kuch to log kahenge, logo ka kaam hai kehna.

If you ever feel low in your life, just take one good look at Anmol Rodriguez’s vivacious smile which exudes so much positivity. Surely everything else will fade into oblivion and you feel as carefree as her. And to know more about such inspirational women, inspirational quotes by women and women who have broken all conventions then keep reading HerZindagi.