Journey of Project Udaan

The journey of Project Udaan is marked by purposeful efforts. Each effort contributes to SDG achievement, nurturing dignity and expanding opportunities for acid attack survivors. Udaan is a testament to courage, compassion, and collaboration, charting a transformative journey to empower survivors with dignity, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. The following are the defining moments that shaped its evolution and growing impact.

1. Global Awareness through Case Study Publication:

   We published a case study titled “Sheroes Hangout: Empowering India's Acid Attack Survivors to Face the Future” through WDI Publishing, University of Michigan, USA. The case was undertaken to raise awareness at the global level of the heinous crime of acid-related violence against women in society, its causes, and potential remedies.

   This study highlights the innovative survivor-led model at Sheroes Hangout, a café chain in India staffed by acid attack survivors. The case emphasises the challenges faced by acid attack survivors as they seek to recover from their injuries, reclaim their lives, and reintegrate into society. It showcases an innovative survivor-focused method for promoting financial inclusion and social reintegration.

   The case received Second Prize ($5000) in the 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Global Case Writing Competition, and as a part of WDI Publishing's initiative to deliver cases to different global universities, this case is being disseminated worldwide and will therefore act as a change agent in creating awareness and sensitising students and educators globally.

   • Case Study: WDI Publishing
   • At HBR: Harvard Business Review
2. Launch of Online Awareness Campaign

   On 14 February 2024, SCMS NOIDA, in collaboration with Chhanv Foundation and Florida International University (FIU), USA, launched an international awareness campaign promoting inclusion and empowerment of acid attack survivors. The first interactive session took place on 28 February 2024 at SCMS NOIDA.

   An online awareness campaign dedicated to supporting acid attack survivors was launched on 14 February 2024 as a collaborative effort between SCMS NOIDA, Chhanv Foundation, and Florida International University, USA, aimed at promoting social inclusion and empowerment. The first interaction of this collaborative initiative took place on 28 February 2024 at NOIDA.

3. Service Learning Initiative

   As part of the initiative, 17 student volunteers from SCMS NOIDA joined Chhanv Foundation’s Service Learning Programme between February and April 2024, contributing meaningfully to various community outreach efforts.

4. Survivors at Symaroh 2024

   Continuing our support beyond the virtual domain, survivors from Chhanv Foundation were invited to the SCMS campus during the annual cultural fest Symaroh, held on 22nd–23rd March 2024. They set up a food stall alongside other vendors. The initiative aimed to encourage survivors to overcome social stigma, interact with the broader community, and enhance their self-confidence and employability.

5. Case Competition Award & Donation

   September 2024 - Received an award of 5000$ for the case - Sheroes Hangout: Empowering India’s Acid Attack Survivors to Face the Future in WDI Global Case Competition 2024. The entire prize money of 5000$ was donated to the NGO – Chhanv Foundation for setting up a rehabilitation and training centre.

6. Global Gender Workshop with A Sisterhood and Miss Universe Great Britain

   A landmark event was hosted on 24th September 2024, in collaboration with international NGO A Sisterhood and the Miss Universe Great Britain (MUBG) team. The event included a powerful workshop titled “Redefining Gender Narratives and Shaping Self-Esteem”, which featured meaningful discussions on empowering women and the transgender community. The session emphasised the importance of challenging traditional gender roles, advocating for safer environments for women, and recognising the rights of transgender individuals.

   The workshop concluded with a symbolic ramp walk featuring acid attack survivors alongside the MUBG team, reinforcing the message of confidence and courage.

7. CSR Partnership: Resilience Reimagined

   Taking another step toward sustainable impact, SCMS NOIDA partnered with TATA Strive for a CSR project titled “Resilience Reimagined: Empowering Sheroes through Skilling”. Conducted from 20th to 26th March 2025, this intensive workshop focused on upskilling survivors in areas relevant to the hospitality industry, from baking skills to professional behaviour and communication. The program also included an experiential learning tour, providing practical exposure and hands-on experience.

8. Survivors at Symaroh 2025

   Most recently, on 10th–11th April 2025, survivors from Chhanv were again invited to SCMS NOIDA to set up a food stall during Symaroh 2025, continuing their journey of self-reliance and confidence-building.

9. Expanding Impact

   July 2025 - Connected with SCOPE, SIU to expand the outreach operations of Chhanv Foundation in Maharashtra.