A 13-year-old boy in India, known for his rare condition that caused his head to tilt completely backward, has peacefully passed away just eight months after a life-changing operation.

Mahendra Ahirwar lived with a rare condition called congenital myopathy, which left the muscles in his neck extremely weak. Despite everything, he had been feeling well that morning.

According to his mother, Sumitra, 36, Mahendra ate lunch, lay down to watch TV, and around 3 p.m., he suddenly became unresponsive.

Dr. Rajagopalan Krishnan, the surgeon who performed Mahendra’s groundbreaking operation in February, said the news left him deeply shaken.

“I can only assume there may have been a sudden cardiac or breathing-related event,” he shared. “These conditions can progress quietly, without warning. Mahendra’s muscle weakness, including those supporting breathing, may have played a role.”

Dr. Krishnan described Mahendra as one of the bravest children he had ever met.

“The moment his head was finally upright and he smiled — that moment reaffirmed why I dedicate my life to helping children with severe spinal conditions,” he said. “His smile was brighter than the sun.”

Mahendra’s parents, Mukesh Ahirwar, 42, and Sumitra, spoke openly about their heartbreak.

“I had so many dreams for him,” Sumitra said. “He wanted to open a small general store one day, and we planned to help him achieve that dream.”

She recalled the final moments they shared together — a normal day filled with small joys. Cartoons on TV. A quiet afternoon. His soft voice saying, “I’m absolutely fine, Mum.”

“That voice still echoes in my heart,” she said. “Our home is filled with his belongings. Everything reminds me of him.”

Mahendra was laid to rest in a traditional Hindu ceremony, surrounded by loved ones.

His story had touched hearts around the world. A mother from Liverpool, Julie Jones, helped raise £12,000 to make his surgery possible. His journey was later featured in the Channel 5 documentary “The Boy Who Sees Upside Down,” which followed his remarkable 10-hour operation and recovery.

Doctors were amazed by how quickly he healed and how joyful he became after finally seeing the world upright.

“His passing was not related to the surgery,” Dr. Krishnan explained. “If it were, it would have happened immediately — not eight months later. But at least, for a short while, he experienced a new way of living.”

Mahendra cherished every moment of that time — the city lights, big cars, gifts on his bed, and his favorite toy car that never left his side.

“Dr. Krishnan gave my son a new vision of the world,” Sumitra said. “He lived those eight months with happiness. I only wish he had more time.”

“He is with God now,” she added softly. “I hope he is finally at peace, free from pain.”