Indore

A crowdfunding campaign launched to help an innocent child, Anika, has become a symbol of communal harmony. In Muslim-majority areas of the city, long queues of people were seen donating for the little girl. Once again, humanity rose above religion and made its presence felt.

Three-year-old Anika Sharma is battling a serious illness called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. For treatment, she requires an injection named Zolgensma, which costs around ₹9 crore. This is an amount that feels impossible for any ordinary family to arrange. As a result, various NGOs in the city have stepped forward, going street to street and door to door to collect donations.

In this difficult time, the people of the city have set an example. A significant amount of funds has been raised through public support, especially from Muslim-majority areas where people contributed generously. Volunteers went door to door, made appeals, and people donated wholeheartedly. They have even invited the campaign to return during the holy month of Ramadan to raise more funds and extend greater help.

Importantly, no one looked at the child’s religion. Everyone focused only on saving an innocent life. This stands as proof that humanity is still alive. At a time when society is surrounded by news of hatred and division, Indore’s example has emerged as a ray of hope. People from different religions and communities stood shoulder to shoulder, proving that the true identity is being human.

Muslims raising money in the market area of Indore

Anika’s struggle is still ongoing, but the united society standing with her shows that the power which connects hearts in difficult times is far stronger than hatred.

One of the organizers of the campaign shared a message on social media stating that during their efforts to raise funds for their little angel Anika Sharma, they visited Bombay Bazaar in Indore. What they witnessed there was a pure picture of humanity beyond all boundaries and differences. The sacred month of Ramadan carries a message of charity and compassion. They went there with hope and returned with prayers and immense love.

With the strong support of the local councilor, shopkeepers, and people present in the market, nearly ₹1.20 lakh was collected for Anika in a short time. People not only contributed generously but also invited them to return before Eid, saying that the crowd would be larger then and more help could reach the little fighter.

This is the love that rises above religion, community, and every difference. The people of Bombay Bazaar proved that humanity comes first. Heartfelt thanks were expressed to everyone who supported Anika and lit a lamp of hope in her battle for life.

In Indore, three-year-old Anika Sharma may not realize that behind her smile, her parents are fighting a daily battle against time, money, and fading hope. The treatment is possible, but it costs a full ₹9 crore. Just one injection could give Anika a chance at a normal and healthy life.

Anika Sharma with parents

For the past three to four months, her parents have been trying to collect this seemingly impossible amount through crowdfunding. They knocked on every door where a ray of hope appeared — politicians, industrialists, traders, social workers, and well-known personalities. Singer Palak Muchhal and actor Sonu Sood have also raised their voices for Anika.

When the Indian cricket team arrived in Indore from Jaipur, Anika’s mother appealed to captain Rohit Sharma for her daughter’s life. Despite all these efforts and the support of thousands of people, around ₹4.5 crore has been collected so far. The destination is still halfway away. However, the most painful reality is that there is another condition for the treatment, and that is Anika’s weight.

According to doctors, the injection must be administered before her weight reaches 13.5 kg. Gaining weight with age is natural, but for Anika’s parents, this natural process has become a source of fear. Every day, they pray that her weight increases slowly so they can gain some more time. Because of this fear, she is not being given the regular diet that children usually receive. She is not given roti or rice, but only juice, milk, and fruits to keep her weight under control.

A social media user posted a video of people collecting money in the month of Holy Ramzan in Indore:

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Himanshu Soni (@unofficialhimanshu)

At present, Anika weighs around 10.5 kg. Doctors say that within one to one and a half months, she may reach 13.5 kg. Time is passing quickly. As a last hope, a unique mission has emerged — “Children Will Save a Child.”

READ MORE: When Kalam, Ansari, Dilip Kumar prayed in the mosque as common Muslims

In collaboration with an NGO, Anika’s parents have appealed to all schools in Indore. If 4.5 lakh students in the city donate just ₹100 each, the remaining ₹4.5 crore can be raised.