In a rare display of community solidarity, Jamia alumni, including some residents of Jamia Nagar, came together to help Aaqib Sanaullah, a student of Jamia Millia Islamia Polytechnic, who suffered a severe heart attack outside class on August 28. The incident sent shockwaves across the campus and quickly became the talk of students and faculty members, highlighting how medical emergencies can strike suddenly and how collective goodwill can literally save lives.
“On that day, as he came out of the building after attending class, he suddenly collapsed. Initially, students thought he might have stumbled and would get up on his own. When he didn’t, one of his friends administered CPR in an attempt to revive him. When that didn’t work, the students rushed him to Holy Family Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU in critical condition. He remained on a ventilator for 15 days and was unable to speak due to the impact on his brain. Today, he has been discharged,” said an alumnus who has been following his case from day one and played a key role in crowdfunding efforts, especially after attempts to seek help from the Jamia administration for his treatment could not yield positive results despite students contributing to health insurance.
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As the student came from a financially weaker section, his family struggled to meet the medical expenses, according to a reliable source familiar with the case, who requested not to be quoted. The source said it was then decided to pool funds to ensure he received proper treatment and his life could be saved. The effort proved successful, allowing him to undergo the necessary care.
Sudden collapse outside class after heart attack
According to reliable sources, Aaqib collapsed unexpectedly after attending the class and lost consciousness. “It all happened within seconds,” said a teacher. “He complained of chest pain and then fainted. Students rushed him to the hospital immediately.”
Aaqib was admitted to Holy Family Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a major cardiac arrest. His condition was critical, requiring intensive care and specialised cardiac treatment. Many were surprised by the severity of his condition, noting that Aaqib was lean and thin not someone typically considered at high risk for heart problems.
The suddenness of the incident and Aaqib’s young age underlined the fragility of life and the importance of immediate action in emergencies.
Community mobilises support
As news of Aaqib’s condition spread across the campus and nearby areas, friends, neighbours, and alumni, including local residents quickly mobilised to provide support. Leading the efforts were Nadeem Chaudhary, who organised a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for Aaqib’s treatment, said an alumni, adding that once the request was floated on WhatsApp and online, it got overwhelming support. “In just four days Rs 7 lakh was collected,” he said.
And over a period of time the campaign successfully raised ₹13 lakh, a significant sum that reflected the generosity and solidarity of the community. “It was heartening to see people from all walks of life come forward, even those who didn’t personally know Aaqib,” said the alumni involved in the campaign. “Every contribution counted and helped save a life.”
Such acts of collective compassion are not new to Jamia Millia Islamia and its neighbourhood, renowned for its strong social fabric. Over the years, residents and alumni have come together in times of crisis raising funds for accident victims, arranging oxygen during the Covid-19 pandemic, and providing urgent assistance to families in distress. During the pandemic, areas like Batla House, Shaheen Bagh, and Abul Fazal Enclave became hubs for community-driven relief, distributing oxygen and medical aid across Delhi, often at great personal risk. These stories of human resilience and philanthropy have been documented in a recent book by a senior Okhla-based journalist.
Hospital support and discharge of heart attack student
After weeks of treatment and careful monitoring, Aaqib’s condition gradually improved. Doctors advised extended rest and follow-up care. Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan personally visited Holy Family Hospital to facilitate his discharge today. In a social media post sharing a photo, he wrote: “During the process, approximately ₹3 lakh of the total hospital bill was waived off, thanks to the hospital’s goodwill and intervention by local leaders. I went to the hospital myself to ensure everything went smoothly. The doctors and staff were cooperative, and we are grateful to Holy Family Hospital for their understanding and support.”
Aaqib’s discharge marked a moment of relief and celebration for his family, classmates, and the wider community who had rallied to support him in his hour of need.
Gratitude and reflections
Following the news of his discharge, messages of gratitude and relief flooded social media platforms and local WhatsApp groups. “This is what humanity looks like,” said resident Javed Khan. “At a time when people are often divided, Jamia once again showed unity and compassion. What surprised me most was that such a young student suffered a massive heart attack something unheard of years ago. People need to take better care of their heart health and go for regular check-ups. Cases of fatal heart attacks have increased,” he said.
Javed Khan also recalled an incident a few weeks ago in which a popular mathematics teacher suffered a heart attack and could not be revived. The teacher’s son had earlier told the OT that his father had no prior history of heart-related ailments.
The incident has also prompted conversations about the health challenges facing young students today. Doctors note that increasing stress, irregular sleep, and sedentary lifestyles can contribute to heart-related complications even among the youth. Community members have suggested organizing regular free medical check-ups and awareness sessions, particularly focused on cardiac health and stress management, to prevent similar emergencies in the future.
Testament to community compassion
As Aaqib continues his recovery, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of community spirit and the importance of timely medical intervention.
Jamia Nagar, often recognised for its resilience and activism, has once again demonstrated that in moments of crisis, collective empathy, swift action, and selfless support can save lives, turning a potentially tragic incident into a story of hope and human solidarity.
