Chandannagar puja organisers give new lease of life for SMA girl
The Statesman | 28 October 2025
The idol of Goddess Jagadhatri at Chandannagar’s Helapukur this year has been adorned with gold and diamond jewellery, prompting devotees to name the deity “Sonar Maa” (golden mother) with due reverence and affection.
But it is not just this glitter that is making the Puja popular; a humanitarian act of benevolence that has given a young girl a new lease of life is also making Helapukur a star attraction.
And the Puja was not inaugurated by just a celebrity, but also by this girl child. This time, it was Asmika, who hails from Ranaghat and is on the way to recovery from an uncommon disease, spinal muscular atrophy.
SMA is a rare, inherited genetic disease that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting. The brain’s messages cannot reach the muscles because of the malfunctioning motor neurons, leading to muscle damage and atrophy.
Asmika’s father Subhankar Das said, “A huge amount was needed for the treatment of my child. It was practically impossible for me to raise these funds. However, the Chandannagar Helapukur Jagadhatri Puja Committee came forward with a lump sum, with people from all walks of life spontaneously coming forward with their help. It was finally possible to procure a very expensive medication that was injected, and now there are positive signs of improvement in my daughter. Her listless face now bears smiles of happiness.”
Puja Committee general secretary Sumit Sarkar said the puja was celebrating its 56th year this year. He revealed that a gold merchant from the city had, out of his faith and devotion, offered to adorn Maa Jagadhatri with the jewellery, giving it a spectacular and befitting look.
On the day of Chaturthi on Saturday, Sonar Maa was inaugurated by Asmika along with state minister Indranil Sen. The proud father said he was very happy with this gesture taken by the committee to bring Asmika to inaugurate the Helapukur Jagadhatri Puja. The committee has set an example of social service and benevolence. There are many other children like my daughter suffering from deadly diseases but are unable to go ahead with the costly treatment. The puja committee is carrying out the motto of ‘service to mankind is service to God’ in the true sense.
Minister Indranil Sen was all praise for the puja committee. Its benevolent activities had saved the life of the child. Chandannagar Municipal Corporation deputy mayor Munna Agarwal and other dignitaries were also present during the inauguration.