The story of ANMOL RODRIGUEZ

The story of ANMOL RODRIGUEZ

Disfigured with acid as a baby, Anmol who is a fashion model, offers a fabulous life lesson

Disfigured by her father who assaulted her with acid when she was two months old, Anmol Rodriguez, a 26-year-old Indian woman, is now a social media star and gives a fabulous account of life. She was only two months old when her father, who wanted a son, attacked her and her mother with acid during while breastfeeding.

The story of Anmol Rodriguez, a 26-year-old Indian model, is extraordinary. Her mother died a few days after the attack, but little Anmol survived her injuries. Severely burned, scarred, with one eye blinded, she spent five years in hospital. As no family member wished to welcome her, she was sent to an orphanage where she was cared for. There, educators ensured that she was not discriminated against or ridiculed by other children.

"I have only fond memories of the orphanage. I had four very close friends and I never thought I would be treated differently from any of them," she recalls.

With her excellent academic results, the young woman decided to register at the University of Mumbai. It was there that she became disillusioned, violently confronted with reality, rejected by fellow students with whom she was trying to befriend. Having fallen into deep depression, she was able to continue her studies thanks to a tutor who personally accompanied her, helping her to overcome those most difficult moments.

"My tutor really helped me see the light. Not only did she teach me to focus on myself and my goals, but she also helped me get a university degree and find a job."

"We must accept who we are"

But for Anmol, life has never been easy and tranquil. Two months after getting her first job, she was fired because her appearance "disturbed" her colleagues.

"One day, I was told that I no longer needed to show up for work. I was not even given an explanation. It was only when I asked the question a few days later that I was told that my face was troubling my colleagues."

At that point, the young woman decided to take control of her life. In the future, she would no longer be a victim but an active and free woman. So, she created a Facebook account where she started posting pictures of herself. A first for a woman attacked with acid.

"At first, my friends thought it wasn't a good idea. They thought I was going to be laughed at." However, she quickly received many positive comments, and many people took an interest in her story. Several brands spotted her and contacted her for modelling.

 Through Instagram, Anmol has become a real influencer. She publishes photos of herself without filters because, she explains, her goal is not to beautify herself or to present herself as she is not in reality. Of course, she also receives some negative comments.

"I'm always aware that it's a virtual space, so I never take anything to heart," she says.

Today, she does not hesitate to share her story and to bear witness to the progress she has travelled.

"Acid does not end our lives. It can only change our face, but it will not destroy the soul," she says. "We are the same on the inside. We have to accept who we are and live happily ever after."

-              Ewa Rejman & Domitille Farret d'Astiès - Published on Aleteia - 22/02/21