Rakhi of Humanity: A Muslim sister, Hindu brother, and a gifted hand; watch

Across the world, Raksha Bandhan unfolds as a vibrant celebration of sibling love. Sisters tie the sacred thread, the 'rakhi', on their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers promise to protect them for life. Homes are filled with laughter, sweets, and the warmth of childhood memories.

When Festivities Turn Bittersweet

But for some, this day carries a different weight, a bittersweet blend of loss and healing.

This year, one story from India captured the nation’s heart, not for its grandeur, but for the depth of its humanity. It’s the story of 16-year-old Anamta Ahmed, a Muslim girl from Goregaon, Mumbai, whose Raksha Bandhan was unlike any other.

A Teenage Life Shattered by a Tragic Accident

Two years ago, Anamta’s life changed in an instant. While visiting relatives in Aligarh, she accidentally touched an 11,000-volt high-tension wire. The powerful electric shock cost her her right arm at the shoulder, and her left arm was left barely functional. It was a devastating blow for a girl in her teens, full of dreams and energy.

A Family’s Loss Becomes Another’s Hope

In September 2024, hundreds of kilometres away in Valsad, Gujarat, tragedy struck another family. Nine-year-old Riya Mistry, a bright Hindu schoolgirl, was declared brain-dead after a sudden brain haemorrhage. Her grieving parents made a decision that would forever change the lives of strangers; they chose to donate her organs, including her hands.

In a rare and complex shoulder-level transplant surgery at Global Hospital, Mumbai, Riya’s right hand was grafted onto Anamta’s body. It was not just a medical miracle; it was the passing on of life, hope, and the ability to embrace the world again.

The Rakhi That Carried a Soul’s Memory

This August, on Raksha Bandhan 2025, Anamta travelled to Valsad to meet Riya’s family. In a moment that left everyone teary-eyed, she used the very hand that once belonged to Riya to tie a rakhi on Riya’s brother, 14-year-old Shivam.

“It felt like Riya herself was tying the rakhi again,” Shivam said softly, holding back tears. 

For Anamta, it was equally overwhelming: “I never had a brother. Now, I do, and I will always be his sister.”

Emotional Moment Touches Millions

A heart-wrenching video showing 
Anamta’s arrival at Riya’s home, and the tearful embrace with the grieving family, has gone viral on social media. The clip captures raw emotion as the two families hold each other close, united by loss and love. In its most touching frame, Anamta, using the very hand that once belonged to Riya, gently ties a rakhi on Shivam’s wrist, a gesture that speaks of bonds stronger than blood and a promise that will last a lifetime.

I got goosebumps watching this video❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/EPI1rEZDH6

— Ansh (@Pvt_insaann) August 10, 2025

The clip has touched millions, sparking an outpouring of messages about love beyond religion.