7-year-old Abha Nongrum becomes Meghalaya’s youngest Nikshay Mitra

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 30, 2025

The District Tuberculosis Office, East Khasi Hills, Shillong, is proud to highlight the inspiring story of Abha S. Nongrum, a 7-year-old Class 2 student of Little Flower School, who has emerged as Meghalaya’s youngest Nikshay Mitra under the Government of India’s National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

At an age when most children are just beginning to understand the world around them, Abha has already committed herself to supporting those affected by tuberculosis (TB). With a deep sense of compassion, she began saving a portion of her pocket money—contributed by her parents and relatives—to purchase nutritional support packages for TB patients across the state. She has also expressed her wish to personally visit patients when possible, offering not just food but words of encouragement and hope.

“Little did she know that her small contribution could be the greatest blessing in someone’s life,” said her mother, expressing immense pride.

Abha’s efforts are a powerful example of how even the smallest acts of kindness can contribute to a larger cause. In addition to her social commitment, Abha has excelled in extracurricular activities—she is a State-level Silver Medalist in Taekwondo and a marathon winner at the age of five, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

Abha joins a growing network of 253,809 Nikshay Mitras across India, including 314 from Meghalaya, who have collectively pledged to support 2,327 TB patients. These efforts are breaking the stigma around the disease and reinforcing the importance of community participation in achieving a TB-free India.

The Government of India, through NTEP, has set an ambitious goal to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global target. Stories like Abha’s are a reminder that age is no barrier to making a difference, and that compassion remains a cornerstone in the fight against TB.

The District Tuberculosis Office commends Abha Nongrum and her family for their exemplary initiative and hopes her story will inspire many more to come forward in support of TB patients across the state and beyond.