JamejamshedOnline

This year, the first synchronized universal initiative to create consciousness and emphasize the rise in the cases of MS was launched on May 27 - First World MS day . The highlights of the World MS Day in India was the Human Chain that ran across all the nine chapters in the different cities, linking up our entire subcontinent in augmented partnership, pledging to be a part of the World MS Family; with the commitment and the will to support, empathize and serve both the MS patients and families alike.

Multiple Sclerosis is an incurable Neurological Disorder, in which the simplest everyday tasks can no longer be taken for granted; there are 40000 to 50000 estimated cases of MS in India . The MSSI has 9 chapters all over India since 1985. We are affiliated to the MS International Foundation, along with similar societies from 42 other countries.

The MSSI, Mumbai Chapter spearheaded by Ms. Anita Vesuvala (Hon. Secretary), dexterous organizer and compere of the evening, initiated the event similarly, with the Human Chain. Masina Hospital, Centenary Hall saw nearly 45 MS persons and families streaming in from 4.30pm, leaving the hospital grounds buzzing with action. Everyone was given cards to strung round their necks, reading - ' Always there, ready to care. Let's fight it together! ' - standing as a testimony and reassurance towards this cause, connecting, as they linked hands, hearts, minds and souls in a single chain of humanity, resolving to be more determined with every hand that mutually bonded. Bestowing upon the Centenary Hall, Masina Hospital, an ethereal glow !

Participants forming Human Chain

Dr.Mrs. Piroja Wadia, Dr. Noshir Wadia led by Anita Vesuvala to join Human chain

Mr.Vandrevala Felecitating Dr.Wadia

Anita Vesuvala,Dr.Wadia,Mr.Vandrevala,Sheela Chitnis

Dr.S.M.Katrak, had compiled an Audio-Visual presentation on Dr. Noshir Wadia, moving were the black n white photographs of the days of yore which sent us reminiscing into the different eras of his life. Felicitation of Dr. Noshir Wadia at Masina Hospital - If one speaks of Neurology in connection with Dr. Wadia , it invariably means Father of Neurology in India . The Humble Pillar of Strength, standing for selfless devotion, needs no introduction. Being a Founder Member of the MSSI and on the Medical panel ever since its inception in 1985, his involvement is immeasurable and he has always contributed in every possible way. On behalf of the MSSI Mr. Firdose Vandrevala , our proficient Hon. Nat. President gifted Dr.Wadia with a magnificently bound Book of Memoirs, including letters of Gratitude and Appreciation from all over - the Medical Fraternity, Patients, Caregivers, Family, Friends, etc compiled by the MSSI (Mumbai chpter.) The felicitation of such a maestro had a grand audience, as befitting as his stature. Spectacular were the stars that shone that evening - Eminent Neurologists, Dr. B.S.Singhal, Dr.S.M.Katrak, Dr.S.V.Khadilkar, Dr. Joy Desai, Dr.Homi Dastur, Dr. Petrasp Wadia, Dr. Joseph (Pharmocologist), Dr.Y.A.Matcheswalla (Psychiatrist). Many Dignitaries from the Parsi community, including Mr. Firdose Vandrevala, Mr. Dinshaw Tamboly from the World Zoroastrian Organisation, Mr. Dinshaw Mehta, Ms. Armaity Tirandaz from the Bombay Parsi Panchanyat and many, many more.

Mr. Firdose Vandrevala
Hon. Nat. President

Dignitaries at the Function

Dr.Singhal humbly Wheeling MSP Rita

Dr.B.S. Singhal (Hon. Chairperson) spoke on the topic - 'Message of Hope for MS' towards further developments in treatments and hopeful cures and the optimism being exuded, towards stem cell therapy, especially after the encouraging nod of President Obama in this direction.

The Grand Finale - the evening culminated with a song, ' Hum Hoge Kamyaab' (We Shall Succeed), sung by one and all, with little torches shining up onto the ceiling symbolizing the rays of light emitted from every heart - vowing their commitment towards this cause. The MSSI is ever so grateful to the 45 patients (with badges reading, ` I have MS, MS doesn't have me! ') their families, doctors, dignitaries, sponsors donors and wellwishers ,that took the trouble of attending, spurring us on with energy to achieve more - in our fight against MS.

MSSI is serving approx. 400 MS patients in Mumbai and 3000 all over India through their branches in Bangalore , Chennai, Delhi , Hyderabad , Kerala, Kolkata, Pune, Mangalore & Mumbai ! On May 22 nd there was a Press Conference with the objective to Boost Awareness about this debilitating disease. The function was attended by Dr. Noshir Wadia, Dr.B.S. Singhal, our Cause Ambassador - Milind Soman, Mr. Firdose Vandrevala, Ms. Sheela Chitnis, Ms. Anita Vesuvala and MS Person Mr. Causi Randeria.

Most importantly, Dr.Wadia is doing an ongoing research on Multiple Sclerosis. According to the survey conducted by him, the highest percentage of MS cases recorded in India is in the Parsi community . Keeping this in mind, we need to target this population as active participants to boost the levels of understanding in MS towards a much needed direction. The society tries to lighten some of the burdens of the patient by providing various Services ~ Counselling, Regular Home Physiotherapy, Home Nursing, Home Visits by Social Workers, Home help for Caregivers, Medical Reimbursements, Providing MS Injections at Concessional Rates, Supplementary Medicines donated by Pharmaceutical companies, Aids and Equipments ~ Wheelchairs, Walkers, Canes, Air/ Water Beds, Incontinence Products etc. To carry on all the above activities the society needs a constant flow of funds and help in any possible way. It is here that we would appreciate your association and your kind generosity would help us in our endeavours.

For further information please contact: Multiple Sclerosis Society of India 259 Seeta Sadan, Flat No. 2, Ground Floor, Sion (W), Mumbai - 400 022. Email- mssimumbai@gmail.com Tel- 24037390 / 24037399 All donations are exempt from Income Tax under Section 80G .

Dr. Wadia, we are honoured to have you in our midst