Nandu Mahadeva was laughing to inspire others even when cancer attacked every organ. Despite losing his leg due to cancer, Nandu continued to inspire others by carrying his mother on his shoulders with the help of an artificial leg. His confidence inspired many cancer patients to live.

Nandu did not give up even though cancer had spread to his lungs from the top of his leg. He was determined to defeat the disease. In September 2019, the disease had subsided in front of his determination. When the growth of cancer cells stopped, Nandu wrote on Facebook, 'This girlfriend is not allowed to love me. I'm going to let her down.' However, 'she' came back stronger than ever and the infection spread to his lungs.

After completing his degree, Nandu was living with his family at Chenkottukonam and was looking after a catering business. He was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2018 and his leg was amputed.

Nandu had formed 'We Can', a collective of cancer survivors to provide support and courage to cancer patients. Members ranged in age from one and a half years old to fifty-five. Many cancer patients received medical help through this collective.

Nandu needed a ventilator while staying in the hospital from April 1 to 12. After getting discharged from the hospital, he greeted his friends on Vishu day by singing a Krishna kirtan along with his mother. During his final days, Nandu wrote, 'Life is too short. No matter how much it is, we will enjoy it through childish jokes, good writing, positive thoughts and friendly quests. Will love everyone without any barriers.'

Nandu, a native of Bharathannoor in Thiruvananthapuram, passed away on Saturday morning at MVR cancer hospital in Kozhikode. On Friday, he was shifted to ICU after he experienced shortness of breath. The body was cremated at the Kozhikode West Hill Cemetery.

Nandu, who had faced the disease with extraordinary courage, had received immense support from social media. He was the main organiser of the Facebook collective Athijeevanam.