In a time where personal success often overshadows community spirit, a heartwarming act of kindness by a 10-year-old student from Loyola School, Jamshedpur, is inspiring many to rethink the values in children.
Maya Koh, a Class 5 student, chose to donate her hair to support cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy — a gesture that may seem small to some but carries immense emotional significance for those battling the disease. Her thoughtful act serves as a moving reminder of how children, when guided with compassion and empathy, can make a meaningful difference in others' lives. Her hair will be used for making wigs for Cancer patients.
In April 2025, Maya made a selfless decision to donate her hair to cancer patients. This small yet significant gesture not only demonstrates Maya's kindness but also highlights the value of sharing something that holds greater value to someone else than it does to us.
Talking to The Pioneer, Maya said: "I had read in the paper about someone I knew who donated their hair, and I thought, wow — that’s so cool! It just stuck with me. When I found out I could do it too, I got really excited. I wanted to help someone feel happy and strong." She said that the step taken by her will also inspire others to come forward for the Cancer patients.
Maya’s mother Divya Taneja, an entrepreneur by profession, said that "Frankly, the idea was to sensitise her to the fact that something as small as this — something you’d sweep away on a parlour floor without a thought — could bring so much meaning to someone else. I didn’t want to tell her what to do, just help her see that what we often take for granted might be someone else’s source of hope or confidence. And she understood that in her own way — which makes me deeply proud."
She further added that by donating her hair, Maya has given cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy the opportunity to feel more confident and empowered during a challenging time. This act of kindness has not only benefited the recipients but has also taught Maya a valuable lesson about the impact of her actions on others.
Maya's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of teaching children to give and share. When kids learn to prioritize the needs of others and understand the value of their actions, they develop essential life skills such as empathy, compassion, and social responsibility.