#UnlearnToRise - Sanjay Singh

This World Inclusion Day, we bring you #UnlearnToRise, a new series continuing our conversations around unconscious bias. Through real stories from across Mahindra, we look at the assumptions we make about people and the beliefs we need to unlearn to create a more inclusive workplace.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer in July–August 2025, it was the last thing I expected after already having gone through a massive heart attack and an angioplasty. A diagnosis like this becomes a life-changing event, not just for the person, but for everyone around them. Along with the uncertainty of the illness came concerns about not only my future but also of the people I love and who are close to my heart.

Having lived with diabetes for over 15 years, suffered a heart attack in 2018 and then cancer, I began to look at my life and lifestyle more closely. I decided to take a more active role in my well-being, while remaining thankful to my treating doctors and the care I received.

Having access to a company-sponsored insurance policy also meant I did not have to worry as much about the cost of treatment. It made me realise how much of a difference such support can make during an already difficult time.

Cancer can be draining in every way. It can take away many things from you like a peaceful life, finances, and a future. But an eternal optimist that I usually am, I began to ask myself – Does Cancer only takes away? Does it not give anything back. Actually, it does in terms of an opportunity to rethink about lifestyle that we live. My cancer experience gave me an opportunity to rethink my food habits, physical and mental health.

I continue to see my oncologist and undergo scans to monitor my health. The difference is that with certain changes to my lifestyle I am more confident now and this confidence is helping in my battle with cancer.

Cancer, to me, has played a bartering game. It told me, ‘I am here to take something from you, but in return I will give you an opportunity to rethink what you are doing.’ And I decided to take that offer.

This is how I #UnlearnToRise.”