Neerja Malik, INTERVIEW IN ENGLISH
Motivational Interview with Mrs. Neerja Malik on 11th July, 2019 in Chennai
Mrs. Neerja Malik beat Breast Cancer twice, and she calls herself "Conqueror" not "Survivor". She was first diagnosed in 1998, and again in 2004. Both times, she defeated Cancer with her positive attitude and will power. Mrs. Malik is the author of the book "I Inspire". Honored to meet such an amazing person! Mrs. Neerja Malik's pearls of advice for every person combating cancer: "1. Cancer is only a word, nothing less and nothing more. 2. When you are diagnosed with cancer, don’t think it is the all and end of existence. It is simply a short detour from your destination. 3. Laughter is the best medicine. 4. Cherish ten treasures of life - Love, Fun & Laughter, God, Faith, Miracle, Death, Acceptance, Attitude of Gratitude, Abundance and Living in the Now“. My heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Ambili Santhosh for connecting me to Mrs. Malik.
By, Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy, Founder, BCH
From Neerja Malik..
My story
I was born to very caring and supportive parents 65 years ago and my life was a series of happy and exciting adventures.
They were God Loving, not God Fearing folk and this thought became deeply embedded in my psyche. There is a deep sense of Gratitude to the Almighty for gifting them to me.
My mother always proclaimed that everything happens for the best and in retrospect that is always so.
My father's advice to me, when, at being diagnosed the first time I told him I would fight cancer was "Why don't you face it rather than fight it? Fight is a negative word and is aggressive in nature. Face is positive. It shows that you can and will overcome it."
I revelled in this Positivity from a very early age and my passion is to literally live as if to pass on this attitude to all sections of society. This habit is so deeply ingrained in me that it has become a natural part of my persona.
God had already decided, I believe, the purpose of my existence and apart from doing my graduation in Social Work and getting a B.Ed. degree, He made me study a great deal in the University of Life.
My journey has been strewn with innumerable hurdles including broken bones, many miscarriages, a still born, premature twins, many surgeries, cancer twice and septicaemia through a major part of 2018.
My vast experience as both a Social Worker and a Teacher in various schools honed my skills and prepared me to do what I was meant to. Counsel patients afflicted with cancer and their family members and care givers for the last 21 years, with unbridled passion and dedication.
I call myself a Conqueror rather than a Survivor and started the Apollo Cancer Support Group on the 8th of March, 2004 and inaugurated the Pollachi Cancer Support Group on the 2nd of February, 2018.
In this regard I was invited by the Department of State, USA, as a participant for the first ever IVLP (International Visitors Leadership Program) in Breast Cancer in October of 2008. A glorious 21 day exposure to hospitals and NGOs in six major cities dealing in the different aspects of Awareness, Prevention and Cure in the field of Breast Cancer and to study the latest trends of Treatment in terms of Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation. We also took part in the famous 3 day, 60 miles "Race for the Cure" in Tampa, Florida.
I have discovered that I lead by example because I very strongly state that if "I can do it, so can you".
The direct and simple way I speak about the incidents in my life that were quite traumatic and shattering, the treasures I have discovered along my path like "Love, Fun and Laughter, God, Faith, Miracles, Death, Acceptance, Attitude of Gratitude, Abundance and Living in the Now" and how these have helped me face and tackle adversities and conquer not only cancer but LIFE as well.
My intense belief in God, the Power of Love and Prayer and my deep sense of gratitude first inspires and encourages them and then gives them the hope and strength to overcome their challenges with courage, joy, positivity, grit and grace. My book "I Inspire" narrates the story of my very existence.
Since 2015 I have been professionally counselling my patients and their family and friends at my residence.
I am available 24x7 as a pillar of strength to countless distraught people needing emotional, mental and spiritual succour from all over the world and am also an Inspirational Speaker and have addressed many Schools, Colleges, Universities, Hospitals, Corporates, NGOs, Clubs and recently even addressed the gathering at the Lok Sabha Secretariat regarding my work as part of a Breast Cancer Awareness Program.
With the Grace of God I have received many awards for my unstinting work done in this field.
Countless articles have been written about me and YouTube has many videos including "Woman Icon, Neerja Malik, Cancer Conqueror and Counsellor", "Let's Talk With Vinay", "Be Like Neerja", "Circle of Success" and my TEDx Talks are inspiring and impactive and have been like a guiding light at the end of a tunnel for many.
By Neerja Malik
Inspiring Interview with Mrs. Neerja Malik on 11th July, 2019 in Chennai, India