“Bhailog- Ben Log….I am organising this meet on (date] , at (time)….No gifts/flowers it’s a fun meet- come HUNGRY -there will be a HUGE spread of vegetarian meal. “
This is how we all received an invitation from our one and only Dr. Pradhyumna Mamtora sir- an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon practicing at Vile Parla, Mumbai for the last 37 years, serving patients from 8 am to 11 pm, tireless… and always smiling, playful, and full of masti — that’s Dr. Pradhyumna Mamtora sir, a father figure for many of us. And when he invited us, his old students, for a get-together… Jaana toh banta thaa! I responded with an immediate YES!💛 I was all set to go back into a time I deeply cherish. Yesterday was one such evening.
Back to 2000-2001, when I had the privilege of being his houseman; those days were intense — long hours that began with early-morning rounds, OPDs full of patients, assisting in surgeries, coordinating care, and sometimes not even finding time to eat until late evening. By any standard, it was demanding. And yet, I never felt tired or burdened. To date, I call those six months the Golden phase of my Life!
Because what he created was not a workplace — it was a space of joy, learning, belonging, and respect. There was no pressure, shaming, or fault-finding, only encouragement, laughter, trust, and a sense of shared purpose.
He never made us feel like subordinates. He made us feel like co-creators. I could own my responsibility without feeling small.
I still remember something he once shared:
“The smile on my face is because of my wife…” and then he expressed why. That one sentence and his love for her taught me more about life than many textbooks ever could. They make a beautiful couple that inspires so many of us!
Confession time 😄 Sir always had a fantastic sense of humor (he still has it) and a thirst for it… and I completely lacked it! But I made up for it by being his loyal audience — laughing generously at all his PJ’s, I swear! And since I was a sincere, hardworking houseman… I guess he chalaofied with me 💛
Yesterday, as I met colleagues and spoke to a friend working in the corporate world, our conversation made me reflective as I reached home: Why do two equally demanding paths feel so different?
Both involve long hours, demanding unpredictability, and stretching your limits.
And yet, one feels exhausting, while the other feels fulfilling!!
Probably, it is not the work, but the environment in which the work is done.
When you feel: Valued, Encouraged, Trusted, Seen…even the hardest work feels meaningful.
That foundation — the one Dr. Mamtora unknowingly laid years ago — still lives within me.
Even today, when I sit with a patient for hours, when meals get delayed, when energy is stretched…
I don’t feel “I have to do this.” I feel: “I get to do this.” And that makes all the difference.
🙏 Grateful beyond words for mentors who don’t just teach skills, but shape the way you experience life itself.
Yesterday was filled with nostalgia, laughter, warmth, and deep gratitude.
Thank you for being you sir 🙏. Thank you for being a guiding light in one of the most crucial phases of my life 🙏. Each time I meet you, I learn silently- how to enjoy life and not endure it.
Have you ever had a chance to work in such an environment?
I would love to hear from you.
Chao!
