NITI Aayog (Oct’16-Aug’24); Only lateral entrant to work with 3 successive VCs; Covid Management Core Team; Daddy’s Girl; Stage 4 Cancer Survivor; Views My Own
In perhaps the toughest year of my life, this comes as a pleasant surprise - the good folks at
@BWBusinessworld
have nominated me as 1 of 100 most influential women in India in 2023, after gauging 700+ senior leaders’ contributions.
#womenleaders
#influentialwomen
#publichealth
Living with Stage 4 Cancer, birthdays hold a special significance. Despite stereotypes, I challenge expectations and defy the odds, embracing my journey with grace and courage. Yesterday marked not just my birthday but a celebration of resilience among all Cancer survivors.
15 odd tablets/day, terrible anxiety, plenty of symptoms/side effects to manage, doctor/hospital visits, living a nightmare that most cannot even imagine. Yet, I get up, dress up & show up. On most days anyway. Unbelievably proud of myself. I think I’ve earned the right to gloat
Looking back at 2023 I can only think of one BIG achievement - I SURVIVED! And also managed to look like this, on the good days :)
I *survived* my second year of living with Stage 4 terminal cancer. I *survived* a TERRIBLE relapse when totally unexpectedly a drug which was
This is me just last week. Perfectly “normal” & poised during a regular day at the office. Last night, I was a mess. Completely broken & shattered. I hated myself, my very existence. I could only scream & cry in the silence of the night. This is the ugly reality of cancer that we
Since the age of 29, I have witnessed my mother, father & finally me being handed out death sentences by doctors. We have often been reduced to a mere statistic. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer last year & also suffering a relapse within just 11 months of starting
This is unaffordable for most Indians. I have done remote consultations through MSK’s India Centre. It is not only extremely expensive but in my experience also highly inefficient & unprofessional. They only seemed to be interested in making money.
There was an inordinate delay
Five years ago, I chose
@MSKCancerCenter
in New York for lifesaving care from a team of oncologists and surgeons. In 2022, I was honoured to cut the ribbon with distinguished guests at MSK’s India centre in Chennai. Today, MSK serves India via a remote
#secondopinion
program, and
*Not your typical couple*
We got married in 2016. While most couples our age talk about future career plans, travel, kids, cities they hope to live in, homes they hope to build together etc etc most of our married life has been spent discussing hospitals, tests, drugs,
Ever since my
#cancer
diagnosis have got many comments on my appearance - “You have lost weight/you have put on weight. Oh you haven’t lost your hair! Oh you look surprisingly well for a cancer patient! And so on & on.”
The reality is people with cancer don’t have one look or
After enduring years of my parents’ health challenges, the untimely demise of my father last year & finally receiving a terminal diagnosis myself this year, I’ve contemplated ending my life several times.
Next Friday marks the completion of my 8-year long tenure at NITI Aayog. I am the only lateral entrant who worked at the highest levels with 3 successive Vice Chairpersons, Member (Health), and Former CEO NITI Aayog, Mr. Amitabh Kant. In addition, I had a 1.5-year stint at the
I’m still here though putting up the best fight that I can because somewhere deep inside I still hope & believe it will be worth it. Don’t give up. Also don’t be ashamed for feeling this way.
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay
Don’t know what’s scary about families who ask questions, want to take notes. It’s a right. As long as interactions aren’t acrimonious or abusive. As for families in denial when disease progresses, it’s not unnatural when it’s your loved one. Should be handled with compassion.
There is so much life gyaan on the internet these days. Everyone seems to be an ‘influencer’. So I was hesitant to write this. But I think being a terminally ill young person (a prisoner on death row in layman terms) who has witnessed disease & death in its rawest & worst forms
So I went to watch the
#TheVaccineWar
as someone who was in the thick of India’s national
#Covid
response myself. As someone who spent day & night crunching data that would equip the nation to better fight this unknown virus. As a public health professional who went to work
All other variables being favourable, would you hire a Stage 4
#Cancer
Survivor? After my diagnosis, a few people told me that I was now unemployable since I had a life threatening ailment.
There is no doubt about the seriousness of my condition. But equally true is that I work
Scan day. Always strikes me that something considered dangerous/poisonous for some humans, is so normal and way of life for cancer patients. No doubt medical science has advanced, but we have an extremely long way to go. Anyway, if you have some good wishes to spare do send them
Multiple hospital stays, a
#cancer
recurrence & countless tears have dominated my last several weeks. But in the moment my name was announced & I heard the cheer from the audience, my heart was full 😌💖
And I can finally share the news! I have been recognised as one of 75 Indian young achievers on the occasion of 75 years of Indian independence at the UK parliament.
#75at75
#IndiaUKAchievers
Yes I’m doing office + walking 2.5 hours daily + doing speaking engagements/writing articles/dancing/meeting friends/watching movies, all with Stage 4 cancer + severe depression + anxiety. Only thing affected at the moment is my sleep due to a medication side effect. So it is
I'm seriously genuinely asking this - Is there anyone who is focusing well on fitness(gym), work(8 hrs a day in the office), side projects, life and fun(hobbies) while also getting 8 hours of sleep everyday? Is that even possible??
It is my proud privilege to announce the Naresh Nandan Prasad Endowment Fund for recognising girls from poor families who excel in school.
A tribute to the most loving father & husband, valued friend, exemplary national & international civil servant & exceptional human being.
#Covidupdates
#Cities
#Thread
How are top 25 cities/districts faring on new cases?
1) Maharashtra - Stable in Mumbai but no decline yet; increase in other districts - Pune, Thane, Nashik, Jalgaon, Raigad
@CMOMaharashtra
@mybmc
(Data used till 16 July)
With all due respect to the Fully Abled, many Differently Abled individuals excel in their work DESPITE their challenges. As someone living with Stage 4 Cancer, facing physical and mental obstacles, I believe in the capabilities of individuals like myself. Performance reviews
As this debate is blowing up-
With all due respect to the Differently Abled. 🫡
Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability.
The nature of the
#AIS
( IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to
Just the boost I needed as I’m passing through a very difficult phase in my fight against cancer.
This has been the most important project for me since the last 2 years & indeed the no. 1 item on my bucket list. Indebted to
@ambesh_tiwari
for making this happen. My dad’s
Birthdays acquire an extra special meaning after a
#cancer
diagnosis. Also my dad always celebrated my birthdays to the fullest so I try to do the same even though I miss him bitterly.
Hoping the universe allows me more birthdays to be with the people I love & do what I love
And the birthday celebrations continue with my oncologist 😊We share such a complicated relationship! An oncologist is usually the last person anyone wants to meet and yet since the last two years he’s been such an integral part of my life. Although he hardly let me eat any of
Living with Stage 4 Cancer, birthdays hold a special significance. Despite stereotypes, I challenge expectations and defy the odds, embracing my journey with grace and courage. Yesterday marked not just my birthday but a celebration of resilience among all Cancer survivors.
@HarshithMahadz
Not really. Cancer is not a homogeneous disease. It is 200 different diseases. And that is why within oncology too you have specialists. And if someone is paying lakhs of rupees for a consultation with an “expert” you would expect to be connected with someone who really
It’s two years Papa but that morning of 3rd July feels just as raw. When the world kept going for everyone but mine stopped forever. The hole in my heart is just as big & the knife still pierces through it just as strongly.
I am convinced that it is the trauma of your leaving
“The strongest ppl win battles we know nothing abt”
Don’t know abt winning but as someone with experience of anxiety, depression & suicidal ideation, can only say stay hopeful. Don’t give in to stigma. Hope u find the support & compassion u deserve.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2022
When you have put on 20 kilos thanks to the cancer treatment, when you frequently loathe what your body has now become, when you have been unable to sleep for days on end thanks to a new drug being added to your already enviable cocktail of medicines BUT you still make the effort
And I made it to Businessworld’s Healthcare 40 under 40 list!
After being nominated as 1 of the 25 most influential women in healthcare & 100 most influential women in India in 2023 across fields, I am pleased to share that the BW HealthcareWorld 40 under 40 Jury Panel,
@adhnan_rasheed
There is a medical definition. In simple terms it means someone likely to have an unfavourable outcome because their condition is very bad. But the point is they no where on their website or elsewhere said that they only consult for patients likely to have a favourable outcome!
For Cancer Survivors Day tomorrow, a few lines that I have *lived*.
@ThanksCancer
Dear Cancer,
You took my health.
You took my happiness.
You took my sleep.
You took my peace of mind.
You took my confidence.
You took my self esteem.
You took my dignity.
You even took my tears.
Ravi ji this brought tears to my eyes. All I can say is I hear you and I feel so much for you and your family. Being a fellow sufferer, I admire the same spirit I see in you to live fully and not be confined to a hospital bed or any bed for that matter. I am really hoping with
#Thread
: प्रिय कैंसर, शुक्रिया।
जनवरी 2021 में जब तुम फेफड़ों में आए, मैं घबरा गया था। तुमसे कुछ दिनों की मुहब्बत की गुज़ारिश की। अनुरोध किया कि थोड़ा साथ तुम दो, थोड़ी इज़्ज़त हम देते हैं। साथ रहकर देखते हैं। तुमने बात मानी।एहसानमंद हूँ तुम्हारा।
#LivingWithLungCancerStage4
Thank you
@swarup58
Chachu for dedicating your latest book to dad
@TweetsNaresh
. Really touched my heart. I’m sure dad is cracking some joke about this up there though in his usual style!
Life after a
#cancer
diagnosis
I am a public health professional, working at the Indian government’s policy think tank while also undergoing treatment for cancer & facing many challenges.
Yes life changes, becomes tough in countless ways after a cancer diagnosis. But it does
Restarting my belly dancing journey with this pretty piece by Sakshi Malik. Taken me a lot of effort physically & mentally to get back to dancing post my diagnosis & illness. If you like the effort do let me know :)
#bellydance
#lovedance
#dancer
How are Top 5 States with the highest currently active
#COVID19
cases faring?
#Thread
1)
#AndhraPradesh
has the highest total cases per million population among the top 5.
I agree with you. Part of the reason why crimes against women continue unabated is because those in power only raise these issues when politically convenient for them to do so. It needs each one, regardless of gender, political party or state to come together on this issue at
And what about Dr Moumita who have been brutally Raped and Murdered in your state capital . When will you speak ?
It’s about your state madam.
She was bleeding from both eyes
She was bleeding from mouth
Her Private parts were lacerated and bleeding .
Her lips , limb , head ,
Cancer & Depression - My Story
It all started when after a terrible bout of illness & a battery of tests, I was handed out a rare cancer diagnosis, like a bolt from the blue. A cancer that most, even doctors, had never heard about.
In this piece, I try to share as simply as
Words of WIPO’s Staff Council in honour of my dad. As his colleagues put it my dad was always very understanding of staff & their staunch supporter. During the pandemic last year, he went out of his way to help colleagues. Traits of a true leader. I learn from you daily, papa.
The last message I got from my dad. I was his pride. His only asset as he would say. On days when I am overwhelmed by grief, pain, anxiety & depression I read his messages to remind myself why I am still in this fight against all possible odds.
#cancer
#cancersurvivor
Discussed the type of
#COVID19
vaccine likely to be most effective in India along with elements critical for its supply & distribution including decentralisation, technology use, cold storage strengthening, training & community engagement with
@frp09
in this
@rajyasabhatv
show.
I am overwhelmed as I hold the first copy of my dad’s book in my hands. This was his labor of love (typed entirely on his mobile phone - yes I can’t stop saying that!) and then it became my most special project over the last two years.
There have been so many downs in this
I always point out that every govt. which has the opportunity but chooses not to prioritise healthcare is culpable. You can’t become “ pandemic ready” just like that. Requires years of consistent & adequate investment in quantity & quality of health personnel & services.
International COVID deaths and lost GDP.
#COVID19India
has low deaths but high GDP loss - a price of long term underinvestment in healthcare - driving widespread fear and uncertainty & slowing economic activity. When people are scared, they consume less, invest less & work less.
114 countries, 148 higher education institutions, 1300+ applicants, 3 finalists in the professional achievement category in India. Thank you
#UKAlumniAwards
. My UK education shaped me personally & professionally and equipped me with the knowledge & networks for catalysing change.
Had the opportunity to share my experience of living w/ anxiety & depression during the “Talking Mental Health” seminar organised by NITI Aayog. The session included a discussion w/ top clinicians & an inspirational lived experience msg from
@shubhrata_p
#WorldMentalHealthDay
If you know of a
#Cancer
patient from a poor family in need of financial support for ration/food/medicines pls DM. OPDs are currently happening remotely for many & patients are having to purchase medicines (in some cases for several months at a time) in their villages.
When you plan a surprise for mom’s birthday but mom being mom starts singing for your long life instead 😊 Mothers ♥️♥️♥️ If nothing else, for her sake I hope I can surpass all the currently very short estimates of my lifespan thanks to miserable
#Stage4cancer
.
#motherdaughter
A dedication to the unrelenting spirit of cancer survivors: Usne kaha ki jal gaya sab toh bacha kya hai, humne kaha ki bach gaye hum toh jala kya hai?
(If everything has been burnt, what is left, they said. What has been burnt if we are still here, we said.)
#cancer
A seemingly educated lady in ironically a women empowerment related roundtable nonchalantly came up to me and said “You don’t look like you have cancer. What type is it?” Not the first time it’s happened.
Apart from wanting to respond to her somewhat like my pose in this
Always a pleasure meeting my former boss at NITI and mentor
@APanagariya
. So much to learn from every conversation. Thank you Sir for taking the time out.
My new initiative for cancer survivors & caregivers launching soon. As a public health professional, cancer caregiver & survivor myself, this is something I am deeply passionate about. Stay tuned for more details!
@PatientsEngage
@IndianCancerSoc
@ThanksCancer
#Cancer
is not just a physical disease but affects the whole life of a patient & his/her family. To address the emotional, social & overall well-being of patients & their families we are launching Spcace tomorrow. If you think someone can benefit from this community, please do
Thoroughly enjoyed this panel discussion at the Festival of Bharat. Got the opportunity to share how the health sector in India has changed in the last few years & why there is every reason for optimism for the future.
A group of health & tech experts brought together by CEO, NITI Aayog showcased a new telemedicine product to the PM this week. This private sector led initiative has created a truly world-class healthcare solution for India, especially our underserved population
@nathealthindia
Not just actors but celebrities in various other fields too. Yesterday during the India-Pakistan World Cup cricket match I saw an advertisement featuring
@virendersehwag
and Sunil Gavaskar promoting some form of paan masala. It’s ironic that government’s anti-tobacco
Back to college! 16 years ago I joined a class of 26 students from 19 countries across the world for my MPhil program.
I was apprehensive about doing this program as I was one of the youngest to be admitted & most of my classmates had considerably more work & life experience
The way to respond to rising cases is NOT to reduce testing but to test even more till the positivity rate is consistently <5%. Testing less can lull some people into thinking a possible peak has been achieved but that will only be artificial & not reflective of the reality.
At a time when
#Maharashtra
is contributing to 23% of India's daily
#COVID19
cases & having 26% avg. daily test +ve rate, which is on an increasing path, it's unfortunate that the state chose to reduce its daily testing everyday for the past 7 days
👉Is it your only way to peak?
Agree. The idea that the outcome of your cancer diagnosis, how long you survive etc, is dependent on how hard you fight is totally flawed. We are human. Not warriors out in some battlefield. Our strength/courage/resilience helps us endure the harsh treatments but doesn’t give us
My message to cancer survivors during the World Cancer Survivor Month celebrations in Varanasi: You shouldn’t have to be a “celebrity” to talk about
#cancer
.
It’s an illness, nothing to be ashamed about. Every person with cancer is unique & special. Every story of courage
Happy birthday, my love. Thank you for being my best buddy for the last 11 years & also for staying true to the marriage vow ‘For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness & in health.’
Being together when everything is going well is one thing but not abandoning a
From a small village where the birth of a girl child is the ultimate misfortune comes this heartwarming story of “Neerja” who defies all odds to become “Madam IAS”. Gives me goosebumps every time I listen to this audio story. Great to see such content being created.
The worst two years of my life & this year by far being the hardest didn’t think it was even possible to smile but I do manage to every now & then.
On this occasion prompted by my friend & colleague
@Chhatarmatha
Interestingly I have completed 7 years at
@NITIAayog
at a time when the institution has been in the news, especially in the context of its lateral entrants!
I walked into NITI Bhawan for the first time on September 17, 2016, the same building in which my grandfather Shri A.N.
It’s been an honor to serve the nation in public health & policy making. While I am not sure that I deserve to be part of such an illustrious list, my struggles have taught me to celebrate every small milestone & keep pursuing my goals in a field I am very passionate about.
The latest edition of the
@BWBusinessworld
healthcare magazine is out. It features profiles of the 40 under 40 in healthcare who were felicitated in June this year. Thanks to the BW team for capturing my thoughts on public health, motivation for working in this sector and how I
Happy anniversary to my better half
@ambesh_tiwari
. Thank you for standing by me in illness, trauma, grief & depression. I think we have gone through enough downs for a lifetime in our 6 years of marriage. Hoping for more ups in the times to come.
#COVID__19
#Update
#TestingForCovid19
1) India conducted >50% of its total Covid tests in July (data till 29th) with States like TL, KL, UP conducting >65% of total tests just in July. Testing has been ramped up overall; needs to⬆️more for both RT-PCR + Rapid Antigen
*Trigger warning*
I had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal cancer and was in the mental space at the time of my 36th birthday when I was seriously contemplating ending my life. Such was the hopelessness. BUT I survived that phase and I’m still here (at least for now!) so
As a civil servant, my mother has always believed in working in the background & maintaining an extremely low profile. Post retirement & without the restrictions of the “code of conduct”, my father & I constantly nudged her to share her wealth of experience in the public domain.
In just 9 minutes, I attempted to narrate the essence of my journey as a person with Stage 4 ALK positive cancer at the Oncology Conclave in New Delhi yesterday. It is almost 2 years now since I received this life shattering diagnosis.
The key points I chose to highlight while
#COVIDUpdates
#cities
#deaths
How are top 25 cities/districts (74% of total deaths) faring on daily deaths?
1) MH - Mumbai stable; Pune sharp ⬆️
P.S. These are not just stats but lives lost..govt.s must do their bit but let us not slip up on masks & hygiene..can save lives!
An honour to receive the healthcare changemakers award (rising star) for excellence in healthcare from a formidable lady
@M_Lekhi
in the presence of another formidable lady i.e. my mother 😊 who makes it possible for me to do the work I do. Thank u
@healfoundation1
@SWADEEP
Looking forward to my first Twitter space discussion :) on
#Omicron
, the current
#COVID19
situation in India, the future course of the pandemic and more. Do join if you can!
What would I not give to feel the warm and reassuring embrace of this man again..one of those days when I so dearly wish there was a stairway to heaven and I could meet you Pa even if just for a moment 😔💔
Spoke about the Hon’ble PM’s vision for making climate action a people-led movement to promote mindful & deliberate consumption of scarce resources as well as facilitate adoption of healthy lifestyles.
@narendramodi
@Pop_Council
@Niranjan_PC
#MissionLiFE
Came close to death in 2022, only to be included in the 25 most influential women in healthcare & 100 most influential women in India in 2023.
Again came close to death in 2023, only to now be included in the most influential women in healthcare list for 2024!
Losing the most
Resilient public health systems are not built in a day, week or month. Beyond the immediate crisis at hand, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, VC, NITI Aayog and I outline the key steps needed to strengthen public health in India in this edit piece for
@FinancialXpress