On the eve of Republic Day, the Padma Shri awards were announced, recognising individuals from across India for their courage and outstanding contributions. Among the awardees from Uttar Pradesh is Mangla Kapoor, a retired professor from Banaras Hindu University, who has previously received multiple accolades for her inspiring journey.
Mangla Kapoor, an acclaimed musician and acid attack survivor, expressed her joy upon receiving the Padma Shri award. In an exclusive interview with Daily Kiran, she said, “When I received the call in the morning, I could hardly believe it. I have struggled for many years, supported by my brother. Today, it feels like all the hard work and battles have finally paid off. Society never asked for my opinion, but these awards have given me the courage to stand tall.”
Sharing her personal story, Mangla revealed, “I was attacked with acid at the age of 12. I spent six years undergoing treatment and 36 surgeries. The real struggle began after that, as society was not ready to accept me with this face.” She added that her passion for music started in childhood and she pursued formal education in this field. Mangla also served as a teacher at Banaras Hindu University for several years and authored a book titled ‘Seerat’ about her life experiences.
She explained how the book changed her life, stating, “After the release of ‘Seerat’, people began to understand me better. Those who once shunned me started approaching me, and I was invited to give lectures at various places. The same society that could not accept me gave me a new identity through this book.”
Mangla also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s choice of the term ‘Divyang’ to refer to persons with disabilities. “I have endured the pain of disability and know the difficulties faced. People often use derogatory terms for the differently-abled, but the word ‘Divyang’ given by the Prime Minister has inspired and uplifted many,” she said.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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