A Sikh girl is donating her kidney to her Muslim friend in a place where communal violence raises its ugly head every now or then. While we’re quick to highlight issues of ethnic and secular violence, gestures of kindness among people who belong to different faiths are often overlooked.
Manjoot Singh and Samreen both hail from Udhampur in Indian-occupied Kashmir. When Samreen required a kidney because she’s suffering from kidney disease, Manjoot stepped in, offering her kidney despite her family’s disapproval.
Surprisingly the two friends are a perfect tissue match. You know how when you’ve been friends for so long that your personalities match to an extent that people think you might be related? Or how about when you and your pal’s internal rhythms sync up to the point where we know when the other one is up and hungry even when apart? Well this just takes this syncing thing to a whole another level altogether.
There are some concerns
Manjoot’s initiative to help her friend cheat death is no without issues. To start with, Manjoot’s parents are against the whole idea. They’ve also told her that they might take legal action if she plans to go ahead.
The hospital where the transplant was supposed to be carried out is also facing issues. Samreen is currently receiving treatment at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar. The authorization committee for the transplant is having difficulty clearing the case because Manjoot’s father has made a representation cautioning against removing his daughter’s kidney for the transplant.
Manjoot understands her family’s concerns and can empathize where this opposition is coming from. However, she is still adamant about her decision.
“We can’t blame them (family). They are emotionally attached to their kid. I cannot say they are wrong. From their point of view what they are doing is right. But I think rising above the emotions, we should do what God has sent us for. All the relations will stay here and saving a life is most important. Plus I am an adult and can take decisions of my own.”
There are concerns from the other side too
Samreen’s father is also against the decision. While he is concerned for his ailing child, he advised Manjoot not go against her family to help Samreen.
Majnoot and Samreen have been friends for around four years. They became friends due to their love for activism and involvement in joint causes.
Manjoot wasn’t aware of Samreen’s condition until a few months ago. Since then she’s been by her side through it all.
Not only is Manjoot the greatest friend of the century, she’s also the youngest women entrepreneur of the state and chairperson of an NGO named ‘International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Council’.
Majnoot’s efforts have not only thrown a spotlight on Samreen’s case, but also reminded us there is still good in all of us no matter who we are.
