The healing touch of a wish

In 2015, Rishab, one of the children who braved a life-threatening medical condition, made a wish to meet the person he adored — music director A.R. Rahman.

On Saturday, he took centre stage among a group of children, parents, doctors and social activists who believe in the healing power of a wish come true, composing his own music. “In 2015, I went to the studio and I was tense. He [Rahman] suggested joining his music academy. My wish is to become a music composer,” said Rishab.

“A total of 2,700 wishes of children have been granted in Chennai,” said Bakhtawar Murali, honorary programme director, Make A Wish, Chennai division. The wishes include meeting cricketer M.S. Dhoni, visiting the Taj Mahal, becoming a pilot and a girl’s wish to get dressed in a saree like her mother.

Doctors who participated in the event said the fulfilling of wishes of children leads to them feeling stronger and battling their life-threatening medical conditions better.

“A child who underwent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant has made a wish. After the wishes were fulfilled, we saw a big difference, medically, in such children. A simple wish fulfilled has various psychological aspects,” said Revathi Raj, a physician.

Aditya, who met music composer Anirudh on July 17 last, said he was excited when he met the artiste. “We danced for his ‘Aaluma Doluma’ song,” said Aditya.

Pooja, who met Dhoni, said she was a big fan of the cricketer. “It was an unforgettable memory,” she said.

All the children have improved, medically and psychologically, showing the healing power of the fulfilment of a wish, said V.P.K. Alagesan, a volunteer with the NGO.