Sheroes Hangout is a café cum boutique near India’s Taj Mahal run by “sheroes”—women who have fought to survive after receiving a debilitating blow to their appearance and self-esteem. These women have the courage to live, work, and walk in the midst of the society after being attacked with acid, forcing society to reevaluate its norms around beauty and appearances. They are true fighters. Their transformation into successful, empowered, income-earning women makes them inspires other survivors to become sheroes too.

Sourav Karmakar completed his postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication from University of Calcutta in 2008. Ever since he began studying journalism, he practiced various photographic styles, and he is currently concentrating on outdoor photography.

Comments from the judges:

“The composition, color and energy between the women is all spot on. Great photo.”

“I was struck not only by the beauty of the subjects in the photograph but by the composition and rich colors. It truly conveys women's power and resilience! “