Baramulla, Mar 23: In a heartwarming moment filled with emotions and joy, 9-year-old Burhan from Pattan returned to his Dagger Pariwar school on Saturday after his successful surgery in New Delhi earlier this year.
Born on August 31, 2015, Burhan’s struggle began early on when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening cardiac issue that required immediate attention. He was battling against daunting health challenges, including an intellectual disability and a critical cardiac condition.
After he was diagnosed with cardiac issues, Burhan was taken to local doctors who recognised the severity of his condition and recommended a catheterization study followed by complex heart surgery, treatments that necessitated advanced medical facilities available in Delhi.
Following this, the Indrani Balan Foundation, Pune, and the Indian Army joined hands and managed the surgery for the 9-year-old boy at the prestigious Army Hospital Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantt earlier this year.
On Saturday, Burhan’s school mates and teachers were eagerly waiting for his homecoming. As Burhan, accompanied by his parents and uncle, reached the school gate, it was a scene of pure happiness and celebration. Bouquets and flowers greeted him, symbolising the collective joy and support from the school authorities.
His first steps into the school were met with heartfelt gestures from teachers and classmates alike. One particular moment stood out amidst the jubilation which was Burhan’s smile upon meeting his favorite teacher. It was a smile that expressed his inner feeling without uttering a single word.
As one of his peers welcomed him with a placard, “Welcome Burhan”, the campus resonated with cheers as Burhan settled back into his routine life. It was a heartwarming moment as the Dagger Pariwar School enrolls the specially abled kids, who stood in long queue to welcome Burhan to his school.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, his father Abdul Ahad Malik said that two years after Burhan was born, they came to know about his serious ailments that his two veins were blocked.
“We started his treatment in 2017 and in 2023 the local doctors told me here that his treatment can be made outside Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
At this stage Burhan was enrolled at Dagger Pariwar School following which his father shared the awful tale with the management. “When I shared my problem with the school management, they discussed it with higher ups of the Army and facilitated the surgery of my son,” Malik said.
He said the surgery was made possible with the joint efforts of Indrani Balan Foundation, Pune and Indian Army and the surgery was done at the Army Hospital Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantt.
“I am happy to see him back in school,” he said. Neha Kour, Burhan’s school teacher said that as per the local doctors Burhan’s treatment was not possible in Kashmir and it would cost Rs 25 lakh.
“The doctors said that if the treatment would have not been done, he could live for only two years. But he is alive among us once again,” Kour said.