Taking Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness beyond urban boundaries, the Pune Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) achieved a meaningful milestone with its first-ever rural outreach programme in Maharashtra. Held on 16th and 17th November 2025 at the Dr. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil Medical Rural College, the initiative aimed to bridge critical knowledge gaps and strengthen multidisciplinary understanding of MS among healthcare professionals serving rural communities.
This impactful collaboration was made possible through the dedication of Jyoti Ronghe, a Governing Council member of MSSI and a person living with MS. Her personal outreach to Dr. Satish Mahajan, Dean of the Medical College, was met with immediate enthusiasm and support. His encouragement paved the way for a comprehensive Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme that brought together general practitioners and medical students from Neurology, Physiotherapy, Urology, Nursing, and allied disciplines, creating a shared platform for learning, dialogue, and collaboration in MS care.
Set within the college’s expansive campus, complete with a fully equipped hospital and dedicated departmental buildings, the CME sessions were conducted in modern auditoriums accommodating 150–200 participants. Advanced audio-visual facilities ensured a smooth and engaging learning experience for all attendees.
The two-day programme commenced on an auspicious note with a traditional Deep Prajwalan ceremony led by Dr. V. M. Magare (Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Satish Mahajan (Dean), neurologists, ophthalmologists, and MS warriors, symbolising hope, knowledge, and collective commitment.
Given that MS remains relatively unfamiliar to many students and rural practitioners, the CME held immense significance. Expert speakers, including Dr. Gautam Kale, Dr. Mukund Vidhate, Dr. Tejaswi, Dr. Kurapati and Dr. Shubhangi Navgire outlined the role of their respective specialities in comprehensive MS management. Each session was followed by interactive discussions, with pamphlets and brochures in English and Marathi distributed to reinforce learning.
Representing MSSI, committee members Jyoti Ronghe and Mohna Paranjape – both living with MS – presented the organisation’s services and initiatives. Their personal stories resonated deeply with the audience, offering not just medical insight but also powerful perspectives on resilience and lived experience.
The presence of the Vice-Chancellor throughout the programme added immense value. He expressed how deeply moved he was by the courage of the MS warriors and the breadth of MSSI’s work, acknowledging that the programme had significantly enhanced his own understanding of MS. Both the Dean and Vice-Chancellor extended heartfelt appreciation to MSSI for bringing this vital awareness initiative to their institution.
The outreach concluded on a highly positive note. Participating neurologists committed to informing their MS patients about MSSI so they could benefit from its support services. Additionally, an MS person identified on campus has already been contacted and is being guided towards registration and support.
This first rural outreach programme has opened new pathways for MS awareness, early identification, and support in remote regions of Maharashtra. It marks a promising beginning, and MSSI looks forward to building on this momentum with many more impactful initiatives in the days ahead.
