The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) Chennai Chapter’s impactful World MS Day 2025 campaign not only created awareness on the ground but also caught the attention of several leading media houses, amplifying its message across platforms.
Media Showcases Chennai’s Holistic Approach to MS Awareness
This year, MSSI Chennai curated a series of thoughtfully designed programs around the World MS Day 2025 global theme, “My MS Diagnosis”. From large-scale public awareness gatherings to creative therapy workshops, the events drew attention from publications like The Hindu, The New Indian Express, Anna Nagar Times, and Hindu Downtown, each of which provided in-depth coverage of the initiatives.
Anna Nagar Tower Park: The Heart of the Campaign
The Hindu and The New Indian Express extensively covered the flagship event held at Anna Nagar Tower Park on May 30th, 2025. With over 50 participants, the open-air event brought together persons living with MS, caregivers, doctors, volunteers, and the public to raise awareness on early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Venkataraman Karthikeyan (Kauvery Hospital) emphasised through media interactions that early diagnosis plays a vital role in minimising disability progression, a message widely quoted across publications. Ann Gonsalvez, Honorary Secretary of MSSI Chennai, was also prominently featured, underlining the lack of awareness about MS and the critical need to educate both the public and healthcare providers.
Anna Nagar Times highlighted the community-building aspect of the event, focusing on the soulful live performance by the TGS Music Show, interactive sessions, and support resources provided to attendees.
The Hindu Focuses on The Science and The Social Impact
In multiple stories, The Hindu delved deeper into MS challenges and interventions. A feature titled “Awareness campaign organised to mark World Multiple Sclerosis Day” not only explained the importance of timely diagnosis but also highlighted the demographic reality that MS commonly affects people aged 18-40, during their most active years.
Art Therapy Workshop Garners Downtown Health Coverage
As part of pre-WMSD activities, an Art Therapy Workshop held on May 3rd received detailed coverage in The Hindu Downtown Health and digital editions of The Hindu. The reports captured personal narratives, including that of Sujatha Karthik, who described how art helped her manage MS-induced numbness and anxiety.
The feature highlighted how art therapy provides an emotional outlet for persons with MS, blending creativity with healing. Occupational therapists and art experts explained how such sessions could aid neurological recovery, emotional regulation, and community bonding.
Yoga and Holistic Wellbeing Featured in The Hindu
The Chennai Chapter’s special Yoga and Wellness Session, held in association with Yogavihini Foundation and Kauvery Hospital, also earned prominent coverage. Articles showcased how MS care extends beyond medication, with yoga, mindfulness, and rehabilitation playing a critical role in improving the quality of life.
Ann Gonsalvez was once again quoted, emphasising the importance of creating platforms for PwMS to engage with experts, share experiences, and adopt new coping strategies.
A Media-Driven Awareness Movement
Through consistent media support, the Chennai Chapter’s MS awareness efforts reached a far larger audience this year. The coverage not only spotlighted MSSI’s diverse programs but also elevated the discourse around MS care in India — breaking misconceptions, encouraging early diagnosis, and promoting holistic support for PwMS.
As Chennai’s media echoed: MS may still be underdiagnosed and misunderstood, but thanks to these collective awareness efforts, the narrative is steadily changing.
