“Managing every tumour with humour”, award-winning author, performance storyteller, and motivational speaker Ramendra Kumar wins the prestigious Mr. India Cancer Warrior crown at a unique pageant now in its Season 3.
Ramen with the winner’s certificate and crown
A Triumph of Resilience and Hope
Former Chief of Communications at Rourkela Steel Plant, award-winning author, performance storyteller, and motivational speaker Ramendra Kumar (Ramen) was crowned ‘Mr. India Cancer Warrior 2025’ at the grand finale of the Ms. & Mr. India Cancer Warrior Pageant – Season 3, held at Taj Vivanta, New Delhi.
Thirty cancer survivors from across the country participated in the prestigious event, which featured three rounds designed to showcase courage, confidence, and charisma.
Three Inspiring Rounds
Round 1: Traditional Attire and Introduction
The pageant began with the Traditional Attire and Introduction Round, where participants shared their journeys.
In his emotive introduction, Ramen said:
“I am a writer by passion, a storyteller by obsession, a perfect husband by aspiration, and a cancer warrior by determination. I knocked on the door of death three times and walked back to the kingdom of the living. Madhavi, my beautiful wife, played Savitri to my Satyavaan. I now have three permanent attachments – a stoma bag to the right, a diabetic insulin pump to the left, and my gorgeous partner in my heart. I face all crises in my life with my mantra of ‘managing every tumour with humour.'”
Ramp walking in the traditional round in a resplendent sherwani
Round 2: Western Wear and Personal Questions
The Western Wear Round combined style and substance as contestants fielded personal questions.
When asked how cancer had changed his perspective as a man, Ramen responded:
“I have realised the power of resilience and hope, which, for me, is the most important four-letter word. I know that in cancer, the only certainty is uncertainty. But I don’t focus on the fears of tomorrow and smudge, smother, and smash the beautiful moments of today. I don’t pull the shutter down. I never wait for the light at the end of the tunnel. I rush forward, grab it, make it my own, and share that light with others.”
“I never wait for the light at the end of the tunnel. I rush forward, grab it, make it my own, and share that light with others.”
Round 3: The Final Question
In the Final Round, the top six contestants were asked a common question:
“If a young man told you that physical strength was more important than mental toughness, how would you respond?”
Ramen’s powerful reply won hearts:
“I would tell him that it is always the mind that triumphs over matter. One can move mountains with the power of the mind. Self-belief and faith in God are far more vital than physical strength.”
Ramen giving his acceptance speech
A Celebration of Life Beyond Cancer
The top three winners were announced amid loud applause and emotional standing ovations.
The esteemed jury comprised renowned oncologists, transformative coaches, entrepreneurs, and motivational speakers.
The Ms India Cancer Warrior winners on stage
A highlight of the event was the release of Ramen’s book ‘Coping with Cancer’, an Amazon bestseller in its category, by the esteemed jury.
Coping with Cancer book launch by the Jury and Ramendra KumarThe event was curated by Abhilasha Patnaik, Founder and Director of Shining Rays of Hope (SROH), an organisation dedicated to supporting cancer survivors and spreading awareness through creative platforms.
Speaking about the event, Abhilasha Patnaik said:
“The pageant is dedicated to warriors who epitomise courage, resilience, and optimism, and who prove that nothing is chronic. It is not just an event; it is a celebration of life beyond cancer. Each warrior who walked the ramp is a beacon of grit and grace. We are proud to provide them a platform to rise, shine, and inspire.”
About the Initiative
The Ms. & Mr. India Cancer Warrior Pageant provides cancer survivors a national platform to reclaim confidence, share their stories, and redefine beauty and strength.
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