Umashanker Yadav, 22 July 2026, Mumbai

Fifteen Days, Five Hours and a Lifetime of Lessons

People often know me as an entrepreneur, filmmaker, or founder of the Ahmedabad International Literature Festival.
Over the last three decades, I have built businesses, produced films, organized festivals and navigated countless professional challenges. People usually associate entrepreneurs with confidence, resilience and decision-making.
But fifteen days ago, I was reminded that before we are entrepreneurs, leaders or public personalities, we are simply human beings.
Everything changed with one medical diagnosis.
A routine eye examination revealed that my wife, Umlesh, had already lost nearly half of her vision. Unless immediate action was taken, she risked losing it completely.
That moment changed everything.
The businessman in me immediately began gathering information.
The husband in me was falling apart.
We consulted one doctor after another. Second opinions became third opinions, then fourth opinions. Eventually, multiple specialists confirmed that the real problem was not the eye but a tumour near the pituitary gland that was compressing the optic nerves. The condition was also causing excessive growth hormone secretion, gradually changing several physical features.
Now came the hardest decision.
Who do you trust when the surgery involves both the brain and eyesight?
We finally placed our faith in the extraordinary hands of Dr. B. K. Misra at PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, one of the most respected neurosurgeons of India.
People often think courage means not being afraid.
I learnt that courage is moving forward despite being terrified.
For fifteen days, my mind constantly asked one question.
“What if?”
What if we become that tiny percentage no family ever wants to become?
I cried more during those fifteen days than I probably had in many years.
Not in front of people.
While driving.
During workouts.
Sitting alone in my office.
Inside a bathroom where nobody could hear.
After more than thirty years of togetherness, memories don’t arrive one by one. They arrive like a flood.
I thought about our daughter.
I thought about unfinished dreams.
I thought about how quickly life can remind us of what truly matters.
The day of surgery finally arrived.
Although the operation began in the afternoon, preparations started early in the morning. Watching my wife being wheeled towards the operation theatre was one of the most difficult moments of my life.
The next five hours were endless.
I walked through hospital corridors.
Travelled between floors.
Ordered a cappuccino I could barely drink.
Answered every unknown phone call, hoping it was the hospital.
At around 6:30 in the evening, my phone finally rang.
“Please come to the fifth floor.”
Those few words made my heartbeat race.
Then came the words I shall never forget.
Dr. B. K. Misra looked at me calmly and said,
“Everything has gone well. She will be fine.”
Sometimes, the shortest sentences become life’s greatest blessings.
Soon afterwards, Dr. Abhijit Warade, senior neuro surgeon of the surgery team, explained that the tumour had been removed, pressure on the optic nerves had been relieved and her vision had already begun improving.
I could not stop my tears.
Not tears of fear.
Tears of gratitude.
This experience has humbled me in ways no professional achievement ever has.
It strengthened my faith in doctors, in science, in technology and in human excellence.
It reminded me that behind every successful surgery stands years of relentless learning, discipline and dedication by medical professionals.
I shall forever remain grateful to Dr. B. K. Misra, Dr. Abhijit Warade and entire team of PD Hinduja Hospital Mumbai, my dear friend senior paediatrician Dr. Rupesh Shah and very respected neurophysicians Dr Pranav Kharod, Dr Ripa Vaishnav and Dr Nilesh Kanjani and all the doctors and support staff at various hospitals and the diagnostic centres for their expertise, guidance and reassurance throughout this journey.
Most importantly, I learnt a few lessons I wish to share.
• Never ignore unusual health symptoms.
• Don’t hesitate to seek multiple expert opinions.
• Invest in your health as seriously as you invest in your career.
• Work hard and save enough so that financial constraints never stand between your loved ones and the best possible medical care.
• And above all, never lose hope.
Life has a remarkable way of reminding us what truly matters.
Success is wonderful.
Recognition is satisfying.
Awards are meaningful.
But nothing compares to hearing a doctor say,
“Everything has gone well.”
Some victories are not celebrated with trophies.
They are celebrated with restored vision, renewed hope, silent prayers answered, and the privilege of walking back home together.
Life has given our family a second chance.
For that, I remain deeply grateful.