My heart deeply aches as I read in the local newspapers about young Hafsa, a brilliant 5th-grade student of Presentation Convent, Srinagar, who recently lost her battle to an exceptionally rare form of blood cancer at SKIMS. Though I did not know Hafsa or her family personally, learning of her story brought tears to my eyes.
For decades together, while anchoring health programs on Doordarshan Srinagar, I have interviewed dozens of oncologists and hematologists and discussed the many rare disorders of blood cancer—including the one Hafsa was suffering from. Yet, no clinical discussion or medical commentary can ever prepare one for the emotional anguish of seeing such a vibrant child face such a cruel, unyielding illness.
While speaking with her noble father, he shared that her painful ordeal began in November 2025 with an unremitting fever, marking the start of a grueling battle against the rarest of rare blood diseases. Exceptionally gifted, Hafsa stood out remarkably among her siblings. Had destiny spared her, her brilliance and intellect would undoubtedly have taken her to dizzying heights.
Throughout it all, Hafsa was a true symbol of courage. Through every painful procedure, she stood remarkably brave, patient, and smiling without a single complaint—standing out as the most disciplined child patient. Her extraordinary fortitude and brightness deeply moved the medicos in the Department of Clinical Hematology at SKIMS.
They treated her with exceptional care, creating a special room purely dedicated to her, where she reigned as the crown and pride of the ward. Even under strict medical isolation, her invincible spirit shone bright—she kept herself immaculate, wore her lovely clothes, and remained happily engaged in her creative hobbies. Her quiet grace and unshakable faith in her final days were far beyond her ten young years.
Tributes have poured in from all walks of life—and from many parts of the globe—as countless people saw her story and read on social media about the daring courage, grace, and resilience she displayed throughout her trial.
The attending doctors and paramedical staff at SKIMS deserve the highest compliments for their boundless compassion. By offering toys, gifts, and tender warmth to this disciplined little angel, they brought immense comfort to her bedside. Their selfless dedication reflects humanity at its finest and serves as a poignant model of what true medical practice should be.
Such noble behavior ought to be the hallmark for all doctors, particularly those in private and commercial hospitals who so often look through the wrong side of the telescope—focusing only on draining what they can rather than healing with heart.
My heart goes out in profound sympathy to her grieving parents and family. May Almighty Allah bless her family with patience and strength, keep them under His protective care, and grant sweet, brave Hafsa the highest station in Jannat-ul-Firdaus. May medical science soon find miraculous cures so no child ever has to endure such pain again.
Aameen. Rest in eternal peace, dear Hafsa.
(The Author is a former civil servant from the Administrative Service. Email: [email protected])
