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Survivors of acid violence celebrated World Environment Day by planting saplings and creating awareness to protect ‘Mother Earth’ on June 5. The programme was organised by Kanoria Foundation and its social impact initiatives Acid Survivors Foundation India (“ASFI”) and Srei Foundation, along with India Power Corporation Limited (“India Power”), Shristi Infrastructure (“Shristi”), Srei Bandhan and Ecological Welfare Society for Improvement. The victims of acid violence have been wronged, humiliated and made to suffer beyond imagination. But they did not lose hope. While society must come forward to take care of these survivors of heinous acid violence, the victims took a step to save our planet from impending disaster. The celebration included a quiz competition for creating awareness and screening of a short film on environment related problems. Discussions were also held on steps needed to protect our environment. World Environment Day, celebrated every year on June 5th, is one of United Nation’s flagship campaigns for raising awareness on emerging environmental issues. It is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries. ASFI has been providing support to survivors of acid attack through a network of chapters in India and has been working relentlessly to reintegrate them into mainstream society. Commenting on the celebration, Rahul Varma, President – Social Impact Initiatives, Kanoria Foundation and Vice Chairman, ASFI said, “ASFI continues to help acid survivors and integrate them into the mainstream society with the dignity they deserve. As a part of our efforts in rebuilding their lives, we thought of involving them in important social initiatives like protection of our environment. This will help in instilling a sense of belonging with responsibility towards the society and the environment.”