World Multiple Sclerosis Day Observed in the Capital with Grand Puppet Show

Company Brief

Delhi, May 31, 2012

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) day was celebrated in Delhi along with the rest of the country with an aim to spread awareness about the disease and come to terms with the fact that Multiple Sclerosis in India is not invisible and neither are the people living with it.

The event was organised by Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), Delhi Chapter at Select City Walk Mall Saket and attended by patients, caregivers and social activists. Based on the theme “The 1000 faces of MS”, the theatre group gracefully brought to light the numerous issues that patients of MS face in their everyday lives. The 13 ft tall colorful human puppets amused the audience with their acts and tried to dispel the stigma that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experienced in social relationships. Supporters comprising of patients, caregivers and all stakeholders also took part in a human chain which provided a visually powerful symbol for the movement to end MS in India.

As per Bipasha Gupta, National Secretary, Multiple Sclerosis Society of India, “Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, as with any chronic illness, is difficult. However more difficult is to deal with the emotional and psychological effects. We need more number of neurologists and volunteers in the country to deal with the complex problem called MS which has till date no cure but can only be managed. World MS Day is not just another health day but a genuine effort to gather support for the numerous faceless patients suffering from MS in the country.”

According to global study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Multiple Sclerosis International Federation between 2005- 2007, there may be 50,000 MS patients in the country. Given that India does not record data the actual number is believed to be much higher.

Doctors are confident that patients of MS can live longer and healthier if the disease is timely diagnosed and effectively managed. According to Dr M V Padma, Professor, Department of Neurology, AIIMS, “The availability of more diagnostic centres with MRI facility is proving to be a boon for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients for whom the disease can otherwise be extremely difficult to be diagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression and minimize associated disability.”

MS is an auto-immune disease in which the body attacks its own cells and tissues. Due to damage in the nerve layer, transmission of signals from the brain and spinal cords gets affected. The most common symptoms are numbness, weakness in the limbs, sudden loss of balance, blurred vision and paralysis. Genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to MS, but a specific cause for the disease hasn’t been yet identified. It primarily affects the youth in the 20-40 age bracket, the most productive years of one’s life.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) is a charitable, non-profit voluntary organization founded in the year 1985. The organisation proactively works towards encouraging MS patients to lead a more productive life through counselling, rehabilitation and support through its various state chapters.

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Deeksha Bhatia

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