The ‘ill’k to survival

She didn’t let a personal setback stop her from striving higher. Author Neelam Kumar not only survived cancer, but is now thriving on life and giving back to society. She was in Bengaluru to launch her inspirational book To Cancer, With Love—My Journey of Joy.

Neelam tells us of her love for the city, although she wishes, “I love Bengaluru for the fact that people still read in this city as the pace of life is not as crazy as many other cities. But what concerns me is that this city is the Breast Cancer capital of India and very little is being done to raise awareness about this. I had an uplifting launch at Shri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Bengaluru, where three eminent oncologists held a thought provoking panel discussion.”

Talking of her book, she explains, “It is not limited to cancer alone. It is about every struggle of life — every person struggles with various issues. I wanted to share my happy ending with those who feel hopeless. I’m confident that my journey will inspire others and fill their hearts with hope. Also, my biggest takeaway has been the immense potential and resilience a human being possesses. Just connect with your highest self and dip inside for courage, compassion and wisdom. If we do some sincere “inner gardening” and what we call “human revolution,” we will be surprised at the amazing resources that exists within. It has a very powerful foreword by the noted actress Manisha Koirala who herself is a survivor.”

Neelam is many women rolled into one. “I conduct training programmes on communication and soft skills under my banner ‘9 to 5 corporate lounge-The training hub’ and also conduct workshops on How to write your book in 6 easy steps. I like to call myself a cancer beater rather than a cancer survivor. Just look at the gifts I got — curly hair (earlier it was poker straight), new cells, a perspective as vast as the ocean, a compassion as deep as the sea and a wacky sense of humour,” states Neelam with a never-say-die spirit.

Reminiscing on her journey, she adds, “I was brought up in Russia as both my parents were working there. I went on to write five books, including one with Khushwant Singh. I was fortunate to receive an award from Rotary Foundation, Illinois, USA as the Rotary ambassador of goodwill. The award enabled me to complete my Masters from USA. I have led an action-filled life during which I have faced the challenges of widowhood, single-parenting, financial hardships, relationship breakdowns and communication deadlocks. When I was diagnosed with cancer a second time, I began to deal with the battle inside me. In my strong side, I discovered this long-haired, fun and fearless girl called Carol. She became my inspiration throughout my rough journey. She caught hold of my hand and said, “C’mon honey! It’s only life — nobody gets out of it alive anyway, so let’s rock it and show everyone the stuff you’re made of!” It was Carol’s positivity and fearless spirit that infected me and made me write. One chapter of my book is titled ‘Love in the time of cancer.’ It was in the corridors of Tata Memorial Hospital that I witnessed raw human drama and realised the true gravity of those simple words ‘I love you.’ I propose that each couple who necks and pets each other before marriage should compulsorily be brought to this hospital to understand the true meaning of love. They should see for themselves the huge responsibility that saying the words ‘I love you’entails and then decide whether their relationship can stand this ultimate test.”