Brother of Hindu donor receives Rakhi from amputee Muslim teen, who donated his hand for transplantation.
In a remarkable display of unity and compassion, Anamta Ahmed and Shivam Mistry have forged an extraordinary bond through organ transplantation. This unique Raksha Bandhan story unfolded when Anamta, a Muslim teenager from Mumbai, received a transplanted hand from Riya Mistry, Shivam's late Hindu sister, who tragically passed away due to a brain hemorrhage in 2023.
The journey began when Riya, a vibrant 9-year-old girl from Gujarat, fell critically ill and was declared brain dead. Inspired by doctors and the non-governmental organization Donate Life, her family chose to donate her organs, including her right arm from the shoulder down. This hand was transplanted to Anamta, making her the world's youngest recipient of a shoulder-level hand transplant[3][4].
The two families met through the organ donation process and formed a close emotional bond. On Raksha Bandhan 2025, Anamta ties a rakhi—a traditional symbol of sisterly love and protection—to Shivam using the very hand that belonged to Riya, symbolically restoring the sibling connection through organ donation[1][2][3].
For Shivam's mother, this act was akin to Riya coming back to life to tie the rakhi to her son. The event was emotional and healing for both families, bridging faiths and grief through this unique connection of life and love[1][2][3].
Their Raksha Bandhan connection stands as a testament to a profound human story where organ donation has forged an uncommon sibling bond between a Muslim girl and a Hindu boy, symbolized by the transplanted hand of the donor sister Riya that now belongs to Anamta[1][2][3][4]. This heartwarming tale was played out on Tithal Beach road in Valsad, where the two families first met.
[1] Anamta and Shivam share Raksha Bandhan bond through organ transplant. (2025). The Times of India. [2] Muslim girl and Hindu boy bonded through organ donation. (2025). The Hindu. [3] Anamta receives hand transplant from Hindu sister. (2024). The Indian Express. [4] World's youngest shoulder-level arm transplant performed in Mumbai. (2024). The Economic Times.
- The health-and-wellness field saw a remarkable step forward in 2024 with the world's youngest shoulder-level hand transplant performed in Mumbai.
- This act of fitness-and-exercise-defying surgery was a result of a family's selfless decision during a health crisis that led to organ donation.
- The therapies-and-treatments available in science played a significant role in saving Anamta Ahmed's life, who received a transplanted hand from Riya Mistry in 2024.
- The story of Anamta and Shivam, two individuals from different faiths and backgrounds, has garnered attention in general-news media, highlighting the importance of family-dynamics and relationships.
- The impact of their unique bond has extended beyond their personal lives, leading to discussions about crime-and-justice matters and the importance of respecting the wishes of organ donors.
- On social-media platforms, this heartwarming rakhi tying event has sparked various conversations about the significance of creating awareness around organ donation— a message that reaches far and wide, crossing geographical and cultural boundaries.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of entertainment and lifestyle, this extraordinary tale reminds us that life's most meaningful moments can come from the most unexpected sources, offering lessons about unity, compassion, and the transformative power of human connections.
