SHEROES Hangout Café Launches in Pune, Empowering Acid Attack Survivors

Pune- Chhanv Foundation inaugurated the latest SHEROES Hangout Café in Pune , marking a significant expansion of the survivor-led movement into Maharashtra. Supported by Bajaj Finserv’s CSR initiative , the café provides a dedicated platform for the rehabilitation, livelihood generation, and social inclusion of acid attack survivors.

The Pune chapter provides direct employment to 15 survivors who received professional hospitality training from Taj Vivanta . Beyond serving as a café, the space will function as a hub for community support, survivor-led advocacy, and public dialogue regarding acid violence .

The inauguration was led by Amruta Fadnavis (Founder, Divyaj Foundation), Rajeev Jain (Vice Chairman and MD, Bajaj Finance Ltd), and Shefali Bajaj (Chairperson CSR, Bajaj Finserv).

“Sheroes is not just a café; it is a movement for dignity and inclusion,” said Alok Dixit, Founder and Managing Trustee of Chhanv Foundation. Since its inception in 2014 , the initiative has expanded to multiple cities and provided livelihood opportunities to over 100 survivors globally.

In conjunction with the launch, the café is hosting the SHEROES Festival 2026 from 4th to 7th June. This four-day celebration of courage and creativity features performances, workshops, and dialogues with prominent artists including Zakir Khan, Rahgir, Ayesha Khan, Salman Elahi, Harpreet, and Priya Malik.

Sheroes Festival brings together art, music, conversations, and community to celebrate courage and new beginnings. Through live performances, panel discussions, workshops, open mics, and a community run, the festival aims to create a space for empowerment, expression, and social change.

About Chhanv Foundation

Founded in 2013, Chhanv Foundation is a survivor-led organization dedicated to the rights, rehabilitation, and empowerment of acid attack survivors in India.