A Young Scholar's Battle Against SMA: A Story of Hope and Resilience
A New Hope for Rupshikha Nath
Rupshikha Nath, a PhD scholar at GU, battling Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Photo: AT)
Mangaldai, Sept 29: In a touching moment filled with relief and gratitude, a 25-year-old resident of Mangaldai, who has faced a rare and challenging illness since childhood, has received a new lease on life, thanks to the prompt action of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Rupshikha Nath, who lives in Jyoti Nagar, Mangaldai, is currently pursuing her PhD at Gauhati University. She has been fighting Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder, and has now been granted life-saving medication valued at Rs 50 lakh by the State Government.
For her retired parents, both former Assam Police officials, this assistance feels miraculous.
Rupshikha has received 20 bottles of the essential medication, which will sustain her treatment for the upcoming eight months.
“I have been provided with 20 bottles for eight months. After this period, I will undergo evaluations to monitor my progress, and then I will receive additional medication for another eight months at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh,” expressed a hopeful Rupshikha.
Her parents emphasized that this achievement would not have been possible without the Chief Minister's support.
“Without Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's intervention, this medication would have remained an unattainable dream for us. We are forever thankful to him for his support towards our daughter,” they stated with gratitude.
They also conveyed their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, for their unwavering guidance and assistance.
Rupshikha's journey is a testament to her incredible bravery. Despite facing significant physical obstacles, she achieved 73.67% in her Higher Secondary exams, graduated with Honours in Political Science with 81.50% from Mangaldai College, where she received immense support from her teachers and staff, and completed her Master’s in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, with 71% and First Class honors. Undeterred by her challenges, she is now working towards her PhD at Gauhati University.
Her battle against SMA, alongside her academic accomplishments, serves as an inspiration to many.