When faith and friendship crossed boundaries: A Christian couple, a Muslim friend, and the will to carry on
In an age marked by increasing social divides, the story of Geetha, David, and Amir Unnisa stands out as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and compassion beyond religious lines.
Geetha, a 70-year-old Christian woman from Hyderabad, spent decades earning a living by selling flowers outside temples. Alongside her was her husband, David, a skilled cook and her lifelong partner. Though they never had children, their bond was rich with love and shared hardships. Earlier this year, however, their world was shaken when Geetha lost her right leg to diabetes.
Following her amputation at the government-run Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad in January 2025, David gave up his job to care for her full time. It was a reversal of roles; just months earlier, Geetha had looked after David when he underwent surgery for appendicitis, despite her worsening health. With no immediate family to turn to, the couple leaned solely on each other, their days marked by quiet courage and unwavering devotion.
But help arrived from an unexpected place. Hearing about their plight from faraway Mumbai, Amir Unnisa, David's childhood friend made the journey across States to support them. Despite her modest means, Amir Unnisa tirelessly sought help for her friends, knocking on doors across Hyderabad. Her efforts initially met with disappointment, until a local auto driver, familiar with the city's charitable networks, took her to Helping Hand Foundation (HHF).
Moved by Geetha's condition, HHF quickly stepped in, pledging to provide financial assistance and facilitate her ongoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital. 'They need monthly support until Geetha can walk again and return to her flower-selling work, which HHF will be supporting,' said Mujtaba Hasan Askari of Helping Hand Foundation.
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