Ottawa, March 16: A Sikh mother and her 11-year-old daughter residing in Canada have made a deeply personal contribution to cancer patients by donating their hair in memory of a late patriarch. Gagandeep Samra and her daughter, Ruhbani, chose the occasion of the girl’s grandfather’s birthday to offer the tribute, as he had previously passed away due to cancer.
The story, which was featured by CanadaHelps, carries significant weight due to the religious tenets of the Sikh faith. Traditionally, Sikhs maintain uncut hair, known as Kesh, as a symbol of devotion and respect for the natural form. The decision to part with their hair was described by the family as a way to turn a personal loss into a helpful gesture for others battling the disease.
“For my father’s birthday, we wanted to do something meaningful in his memory,” Gagandeep stated. She affirmed that because cancer had claimed his life, the duo felt this specific act served as the best possible tribute to his legacy.
The experience proved to be an emotional journey for young Ruhbani. While she initially agreed to the donation, the reality of the process brought her to tears after the cutting was complete. Gagandeep maintained that explaining the purpose and the help it would provide to patients helped the 11-year-old cope with the transition.
The Samra family, originally from Punjab, maintains strong ties to their roots, frequently visiting their home in Chandigarh’s Sector 11. Their story has resonated within the community as a noble balance between honoring a loved one and upholding the spirit of selfless service.
