In a heartwarming display of human connection that transcended religious boundaries, a Muslim teenager who received a hand transplant tied a Rakhi to the brother of her Hindu donor on August 9, 2025. Anamta Ahmed, 16, from Mumbai, traveled to Valsad, Gujarat, to meet Shivam Mistry and his family, a year after receiving the life-changing transplant. The occasion was Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Anamta's journey began in 2022 when she accidentally touched a high-tension wire while playing on a terrace in her native Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The accident led to the amputation of her right arm. In September 2024, Riya Mistry, a 9-year-old girl from Valsad, fell ill and was declared brain dead due to a haemorrhage. Her family made the decision to donate her organs. Riya's right hand was transplanted onto Anamta on September 17, 2024, making Anamta the youngest person in the world to undergo the procedure at the shoulder level. The transplant was facilitated by Donate Life, a Surat-based NGO.
On Friday, a day before Raksha Bandhan, Anamta, accompanied by her parents, Akil and Darasha, traveled to Valsad to meet Riya's family. The meeting was an emotional experience for both families. Bobby Mistry, Shivam's father, said that touching Anamta's hand felt like touching Riya, who was the only girl child in their family. He stated that it felt as though their daughter was still alive.
The Rakhi ceremony was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Dressed in a pink salwar-suit, Anamta tied a Rakhi around Shivam's wrist. Shivam looked at her with affection as the room erupted in applause. Some people were moved to tears. A popular Raksha Bandhan song played in the background, with everyone humming along.
"I do not have a brother and Shivam lost his only sister," Anamta said. The act of tying the Rakhi was not just a symbol of communal harmony but also a deeply personal moment for both families. It signified the bond between Anamta and Shivam, connected by Riya's hand.
Nilesh Mandlewala, the president of Donate Life NGO, said that the meeting of the two families was an auspicious occasion. Anamta's father, Akil Ahmed, recounted the day of the accident in 2022 and how his daughter's life had changed. He expressed gratitude for the Mistry family's generosity.
Riya's mother said that the family felt as if Riya had come alive to tie Rakhi to her brother. She had even prepared Riya's favorite dish, gulab jamun, for the occasion. She added that Riya loved celebrations, videos and taking pictures.
The story resonated deeply, with images of the event going viral on social media. People were touched by the gesture and the bond between the two families. The event highlighted the importance of organ donation and the ability to bring joy and connection in the face of loss. The families hope their story inspires others to consider organ donation and promotes harmony.
