An endorsement to an unknown Insect :)

Recently, while driving a two-wheeler, I met with an insect bite at my face. The insect chose a very well-placed area out from my facial dimensions. It was right between my left eye and nose (^-^). It (The insect) had a real, big time and close brush- through and was certainly determined to leave an ever-lasting scar on my face!! More than that, I guess, it intended to redeem some old karmic connections with me by even leaving stingers behind. The bite turned out to be a nuisance, discomfort and pain the following day when the swelling reached left part of my forehead.

It made sure that I had to take medical help before waving bye to its left overs on my face. The bite got uglier with every passing hour and pained a lot. Following this, I had to take two weekdays off from work. All this time, I was almost under house-arrest! I refused to talk to or address anyone. Rather, I refused to venture out of my own room, which apparently was the safest place for me at that time and found solace and refuge in social media, Television and newspapers. I made sure that I paid a visit to looking glass/mirror every 10 minutes to see how it (the scar) looked and disgust myself more meanwhile.

This saga continued almost for 3 days when I simply avoided (read dreaded) talking and facing anyone. The idea of getting disgusted looks from on-lookers scared me to an extent that I extended my leave further and even secluded myself of my social obligations as well. The onset of weekend added to my woes :(((

This was the time, when my family came to my rescue. They, very calmly provided me meals in my room itself, did my chores and brought me a consoling shoulder every time I cribbed about my encounter with that angelic (read devilish) insect!!

Ironically, these 72 hours or so made me look at things from a broader perspective. 

I could well imagine and understand the plight of people who go through 'Acid Abuse'. Irrespective of their age, status, gender......they are left scarred for life. Not only this, are robbed off their self-esteem, social image and IDENTITY to the core! All this, because of no fault of theirs. More than often, acid abuse occurs as a result of an uncontrolled vent. Nevertheless, someone's vent can leave the victim disfigured, dis-oriented and needless to mention, outcast-ed for their whole (read remaining) lifetime!

For quite some time now, Lawmakers, Law enforcers, Civil society and concerned citizens have been racking their brains over how to minimize (certainly not eradicate) the occurrence of such incidences in India. The recent Supreme court's interim order on acid attack P.I.L (Public Interest Litigation) filed by an acid-attack victim is certainly a long welcomed development and is receiving wide attention nationally. Following this,  a photo-Id card with residential address is a must for both acid buyers and acid sellers. Additionally, Illegal sale of acid has been declared as a non-bailable offence.

I still have my share of doubts as to whether this will act as a stringent deterrent to Chemical abuse in India!

But, yes this initiative taken by The Supreme court has however been successful in putting some balm on the burning and yet to be healed and grafted wounds of the fortunate (read unfortunate) survivors!!