Rs 1.5 lakh collected in 5 days for acid attack victim's daughter's education

A steady stream of help and encouragement has been pouring in for 21-year-old acid attack victim Mabiya Mandal and her daughter Anisha (5), ever since MiD DAY published their moving story on its cover page. In the five days that have passed since the report was published, generous readers have sent in close to Rs 1.5 lakh to the Nerul hospital where Mabiya's treatment is underway.

Mabiya Mandal before she was attacked by her husband

Doctors say that they are expecting more donations to come in over the next few days, judging from the number of enquiries they have been receiving. Doctors have also been in talks with a school in the vicinity, where they plan to send Anisha, with the consent of the family.

Mabiya has Grade IV burns. Readers were inspired and moved by her earnest wish to see her 5-year-old daughter Anisha receive an education (‘Acid attack victim's wish: To see her 5-year-old-girl in school,' December 11). She has been receiving treatment at D Y Patil Hospital in Nerul for over a year now, after her husband flung acid at her face while she was sleeping, following a family dispute.

MiD DAY's report on December 11

Speaking to MiD DAY, Dr Shyam More, deputy medical superintendent of the hospital, said, "We have received an overwhelming response for Mabiya and her daughter. People have come forward not just to help her daughter and sponsor her education, but fund her treatment as well, to an extent. While the NGO Beti has sent a cheque of Rs 1 lakh, another philanthropist came forward and handed us a cheque of Rs 20,000. A total of Rs 1.5 lakh has been received by us so far, and we are hoping for more to come in."

The hospital is keen on getting Anisha admitted to a school. They have zeroed in upon a school in Nerul Phase 2, which is close to the survivor's home, so that the family, which has been hard pressed for time while tending to Mabiya's treatment, can squeeze out a few minutes to drop Anisha to school and pick her up.

One of the donors, Harish Bhanusali, paid a visit to Mabiya in hospital on Sunday, handing over a cheque of Rs 25,000. He said, "I read the news and felt for her. The attacker can never understand the pain of the person whose life is ruined after such an incident. This may be a small amount, but I am hoping it would help improve her condition a bit." Dr More said that they even received a call from Kuwait, and that the caller was keen on coming to meet Mabiya and donate some money during Christmas vacations later this month.

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To help Mabiya and Anisha, call Dr Shyam More at 9619336868