Jhilik Bhattacharjee Donates National Award Prize Money for 17-Month-Old SMA Patient, Appeals for Support

Bhubaneswar: Odia filmmaker and National Award winner Jhilik Bhattacharjee has donated her National Award prize money towards the treatment of 17-month-old Trishika, who is battling the rare genetic disorder Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2.

Bhattacharjee met the infant and her family and said she was deeply moved by the child’s condition. She decided to contribute her National Award-winning prize money towards Trishika’s treatment, describing the gesture as a meaningful use of the award money.

“Today, I met little Trishika, a beautiful 17-month-old angel who is battling the rarest of rare diseases, SMA Type 2 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy),” Bhattacharjee said in a social media post.

She handed over the amount to Trishika’s mother and appealed to people to come forward and contribute towards the child’s treatment.

“Even a small contribution can make a difference and give this little angel a fighting chance,” she said.
Bhattacharjee also appealed to the Odisha government and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to intervene in the case and extend possible assistance for Trishika’s treatment.

“She is just a little child with her whole life ahead of her—the future of tomorrow,” she said, urging the government to look into the child’s condition.

Bhattacharjee also offered prayers to Lord Jagannath for Trishika’s strength, healing and speedy recovery, and urged people to come together to support the child’s treatment.
The appeal comes after Bhattacharjee’s Odia film Lahari won the Best Odia Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards.