Meet V.S. Raj,

V.S. Raj’s story is one of self-belief and unwavering strength. Through a series of life-altering experiences, he’s proven that life’s challenges can be met with courage, resilience and an unshakeable commitment to move forward.

Hailing from the South of India, Raj’s journey has taken him across the country, living in cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Indore, Bhopal, Bangalore, and now, Mumbai. Through all these relocations, his family—his wife and their two grown children—stood by him, enduring the constant shifts and finding joy in the friendships made along the way.

In 2014, Raj fulfilled a long-held dream by purchasing a new home in Mumbai. But within a year, a devastating fire broke out, turning his new apartment and several neighboring homes into a scene of tragedy. The incident not only left his home in ruins but also caused tragic losses for nearby families. Though his own family survived, they had to face the painful aftermath of the disaster. They moved to a service apartment and slowly rebuilt their lives, all while carrying the weight of this tragedy for years. Raj and his family endured judgment from neighbors and the silent burden of loss. Determined to stay and deal with it, Raj found the strength to rebuild and move forward.

Just as they were finding stability, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing new challenges. Raj was the first person in his building to contract the virus, leading to the infection of his entire family. During those isolating days, he experienced both the stigma of illness and the kindness of a few supportive neighbors who stood by them. Despite the fear and uncertainty, they emerged from this crisis stronger than before. Raj conquered fear with positive thinking and resilience, which helped his family emerge stronger from the crisis.

But the most difficult battle was yet to come. In April 2021, Raj was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma, a form of blood cancer. For two years, he underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation, followed by a bone marrow transplant. Remarkably, he chose to schedule his treatments on Saturdays so that he could continue his work during the week. Throughout his fight with cancer, Raj kept looking forward, fueled by self-belief and the power of a positive mindset.

Through each of these trials, Raj relied on his deep self-belief and the power of a positive mindset. He firmly believes in surrounding himself with forward-thinking, optimistic people who inspire and motivate him. This approach has been central to his resilience and ongoing strength. For Raj, self-confidence and a positive environment are essential. He surrounds himself with people who uplift him and finds motivation in dreaming about the future. He strongly believes in the power of visualization and is determined to keep moving forward in life. As he puts it,