New Delhi: ThePrint’s readers opened their hearts and wallets to help Akansha when we published a story on the 26-year-old’s dreams for her future, nine years after she was gang-raped at Shakti Mills, Mumbai. In less than 24 hours after the story Long wait for nursing dream—Shakti Mills rape survivor fights court red-tape, compensation was published on 8 July, offers started pouring in from across India. Three days later, she had the money she needed to pay her college fees.
Many public personalities, including film producer and businessman Manish Mundra, Bollywood actress Richa Chaddha and film critic Stutee Ghosh offered to pay for her education. However, it was Mundra who transferred Rs 1.80 lakh of the Rs 2 lakh required to her mother’s account on the day the report was published. This was done with her mother’s consent.
So I have transferred 180,000 needed for the enrollment. The money should be credited tomorrow. Talked to the Mother. @jyotiyadaav @PreetiChoudhry https://t.co/qUGghIoykG
— Manish Mundra (@ManMundra) July 8, 2022
“I am overwhelmed and emotional right now,” Akansha told ThePrint after she received the much-needed money to pay for a nursing course at a college in Nashik. She has been doing the rounds of courts trying to get the Rs 5 lakh compensation that was promised in 2021.
“We cannot imagine strangers coming forward to help us. We are grateful.” said her mother.
The young woman’s determination to move forward and help others touched many readers, who lauded her spirit on social media and offered to make generous contributions toward her dreams.
Also Read: A rape forgotten—50 years ago, Mathura was denied justice. Then society betrayed her
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Akansha is already preparing herself for the course. “I knew that I was going to do this course. Whether loan or debt, I would have done anything to get admission. But this help has saved me and my mother from further hardship,” she said.
Her immediate goal is to get a seat at the college. “I will share the videos of my college once I settle there,” Akansha said, sounding excited to start a new chapter. Her mother, meanwhile, said she will not stop pursuing the compensation that was supposed to come within a week.
“You will all see me serving as a nurse. I will finally be able to earn a decent amount for living on rent. My mother will see a life beyond this slum. She will be known as the mother of a nurse, not of a rape victim,” she added.
(Edited by Srinjoy Dey)