Aizawl: Dr. Mrinalendu Das of RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata, has won hearts across Mizoram by ensuring life-saving surgery for six-year-old Cicilya Laltleipuii, even when her family could not afford the full cost.
Cicilya, the eldest of three children from the remote village of Dilzawl, was born into deep poverty. Her father is a farmer, and the family still lives without electricity. She has suffered seizures from a young age, and in 2018 doctors discovered she had a hole in her heart. Although treatment outside Mizoram was advised, her family could not afford it until the Zo Inspiration Foundation, a Mizoram-based charity, took up her case and began fundraising.
In January 2025, she was taken to RN Tagore Hospital, where she underwent her first surgery. After returning to Aizawl, her health deteriorated in May due to serious complications. Doctors warned she would not survive beyond two months without another operation. She was rushed back to Kolkata and underwent her second surgery on July 21, 2025.
Her total medical expenses reached nearly ₹13 lakh. Donations through the Zo Inspiration Foundation covered ₹6.25 lakh, while Dr. Das and the hospital waived the remaining ₹7,24,892. Cicilya was discharged on July 30 and returned to her village, reachable only by boat during the monsoon season.
The Zo Inspiration Foundation hailed Dr. Das as “an angel sent by God” in a Facebook post that has since gone viral, with hundreds praising his generosity and the hospital’s support.
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May God continue to bless Dr Das with his talent, health and happiness 🙏