A Bond Beyond Religion” – Muslim Girl Ties Rakhi to Hindu Brother of Her Late Donor

Humanity came alive in Gujarat’s Valsad this Raksha Bandhan, as Anamta Ahmed, a 16-year-old Muslim girl from Mumbai, travelled with her family to tie a rakhi to Shivam Mistry, a Hindu youth — and the elder brother of her late donor, Riya. The gesture was not just a festival ritual, but an emotional repayment of a debt no words could measure.

Eleven months ago, Shivam’s nine-year-old sister Riya was declared brain-dead in 2024. In their darkest hour, her family chose to donate her hand through the NGO Donate Life. That hand was transplanted onto Anamta, who had lost hers in a 2022 accident. The gift restored not just her ability to live independently but also created a deep, unshakable bond between two families from different faiths.

On Saturday, the two families witnessed a Raksha Bandhan unlike any other. For the first time, Anamta and Shivam celebrated as siblings — their connection forged through tragedy, sacrifice, and love.

“I do not have a brother and Shivam lost his only sister. From now on, Shivam is my brother and I am his sister. I shall tie him a rakhi every year. I do not feel like I am meeting his family for the first time. Everyone gave me so much love,” said an emotional Anamta, dressed in a pink salwar-suit.

In a symbolic twist, Shivam tied the rakhi on the very hand that once belonged to Riya — his little sister — a moment that moved everyone to tears and echoed the message of humanity across the gathering.

The emotional meeting was filled with warmth, laughter, and silent prayers. For Anamta, the trip from Mumbai to Valsad was more than a festival visit — it was a journey to honour Riya’s memory and express gratitude to the family that gave her a second chance at life.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Donate Life (@donatelifetrust)

Today, Anamta is recovering well, studying in Class 12, and inspiring thousands on social media with her resilience and positivity. For Shivam, Raksha Bandhan has regained its meaning — a reminder that love knows no religion, caste, or borders.

This touching story has quickly become a symbol of Hindu–Muslim unity in India, spreading a powerful message: when hearts connect, humanity wins. Organ donation advocates hope that this act of generosity will inspire more people to pledge, knowing they can change lives — and create bonds that last a lifetime.

Anamta and Shivam’s “sibling” relationship began last year with the transplant. Since then, the two families have stayed in touch, bound by a shared story of loss, hope, and humanity.