LIC Unsung Hero of the Year - Laxmi

Her Facebook page says "I am Laxmi, I am just like you." In truth this 24-year-old is a hero to many women across the country who aspire to be just like her. Laxmi is the chief campaigner, activist and face of the Stop Acid Attacks movement.

In 2005, she was a child of 15 when a man threw acid on her because she refused to marry him. Scarred, both physically and emotionally, Laxmi took her battle to the courts, filing public interest litigation and petitioning the government to restrict the sale of acid. Laxmi's petition led the Supreme Court to order the Indian central and state governments to immediately regulate the sale of acid and Parliament to make prosecution of those who use acid to attack women easier.