Resham Fatma Becomes India’s First Acid Attack Survivor to Win Prestigious Chevening Scholarship to Study at LSE: In an inspiring story of resilience, courage, and the transformative power of education, Resham Fatma has become India’s first acid attack survivor to be awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship 2026, the UK government’s flagship global scholarship programme. The fully funded scholarship will enable Fatma to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) in Gender, Development and Globalisation at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), one of the world’s leading institutions for social sciences.
Announcing the achievement on social media, Fatma described the scholarship as the realization of a dream she had quietly nurtured for years.
“Today, I can finally say it out loud,” she wrote, expressing gratitude and reflecting on the long journey that led to this life-changing opportunity.
A Story of Extraordinary Courage
Resham Fatma’s journey began with a life-altering tragedy in February 2014, when she was a 16-year-old Class XI student in Lucknow. She was attacked with acid by a 38-year-old relative after she rejected his marriage proposal.
Despite the horrific assault, Fatma fought back with extraordinary bravery, preventing even more severe injuries before escaping by jumping into a moving auto-rickshaw to seek help.
Her courage captured national attention, and in 2015, the late President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, presented her with the Bharat Award, India’s highest national bravery award for children, recognizing her remarkable courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Education Over Adversity
Rather than allowing the attack to define her future, Fatma rebuilt her life through education and public service.
She completed her Bachelor of Science in Physics from Jamia Millia Islamia before earning a Master’s degree in Politics and International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Her academic achievements have now culminated in admission to the London School of Economics through the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, where she will specialize in Gender, Development and Globalisation.
Championing Women and Marginalized Communities
Beyond academics, Fatma has emerged as a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice.
In 2023, she founded the Ebrah Foundation, a non-profit organization that mentors young women from marginalized communities, helping them access education, career opportunities, leadership development, and financial independence.
Speaking about her latest achievement, Fatma emphasized that the scholarship represents more than a personal milestone.
“I carry this opportunity not only for myself but for everyone who has ever been told their dreams are impossible,” she said, expressing hope that her journey will inspire countless others facing adversity.
About the Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Government, is among the world’s most prestigious international scholarship programmes. It supports outstanding emerging leaders from around the globe to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. Scholars are selected based on their leadership potential, academic excellence, professional achievements, and commitment to creating positive change in society.
Fatma’s selection adds another inspiring chapter to the programme’s legacy while highlighting education as a powerful tool for empowerment, inclusion, and social transformation.
As she prepares to begin her studies in London, Fatma says this achievement is not the end of her journey but the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to learning, leadership, and creating meaningful impact for women and marginalized communities around the world.
From surviving a brutal acid attack in a small Indian city to earning one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, Resham Fatma’s journey stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of education.
