In this deeply moving episode of Open Mic, brought to you by Aditya Birla Group's Soundbox Initiative, host Madhu Vijayan sits down with Aarti Pathak — author of Triple Negative: A Tale of Love, Faith & Surrender — and her husband Rohit Pathak, CEO of Birla Copper.
Aarti’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and surrender. Diagnosed with one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer — Triple Negative Breast Cancer — just hours after losing her mother to COVID, she faced unimaginable grief and physical pain. But through it all, she found strength in love, faith, and the unwavering support of her family.
In this conversation, Aarti and Rohit open up about:
Navigating a life-changing diagnosis,The emotional and physical toll of treatment, The role of love and partnership in healing, Turning pain into purpose through writing, The importance of community, surrender, and faith.
Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will touch your heart and remind you of the quiet strength within us all.
About the Guests:
Aarti Pathak – Author, poet, and editor of "Triple Negative: A Tale of Love, Faith & Surrender." A bilingual writer who has edited the "Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul" series and contributed to numerous publications, Aarti transforms her cancer journey into powerful, universal wisdom.
Rohit Pathak – CEO of Birla Copper, Aditya Birla Group. A leader, husband, and father, Rohit’s quiet strength and unwavering support were central to Aarti’s healing journey.
Follow & Connect:
🌐 Aditya Birla Group – https://www.adityabirla.com/
🔔 Open Mic: https://www.adityabirla.com/media/podcasts/open-mic-rohit-pathak-aaarti-pathak/
🔔 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmuCmtaKmn5ouwaOYl3phlw
🎬 Watch "Force for Good" corporate films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7UEtsnKkO0
00:00 - Introduction to Open Mic and today's guests
01:41 - Aarti's story: Losing her mother and finding cancer
03:40 - Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer
05:26 - The emotional and physical toll of treatment
08:32 - Rohit's perspective: Finding strength through the journey
10:59 - Their relationship through crisis
11:49 - Reframing chemo sessions as "16 dates"
12:52 - How writing became a healing process
15:29 - How the experience shaped Aarti as a writer
17:16 - Rohit on telling their story
18:13 - The impact of the book on readers
19:24 - Advice for those newly diagnosed
22:38 - Message for caregivers and family members
24:29 - The meaning of faith and surrender
26:09 - Closing thoughts and gratitude
#openmic #aartipathak #RohitPathak #triplenegativebreastcancer #breastcancerawareness #cancersurvivor #LoveAndFaith #healingjourney #resilienceandcourage #inspirationdaily #podcastindia #AdityaBirlaGroup #SoundboxInitiative #LifeLessons #Wellbeing #inclusionmatters #leadershipmatters #empowermentstories