The IMSD26 webinar Resilience in Action, hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India – Delhi Chapter, marked the opening celebration of India MS Day 2026. Held on 31 January, the session brought together people with MS, caregivers, and allies from across India and abroad, creating a powerful space for shared learning, empathy and hope.

Setting the Context: Why India MS Day Matters

Opening the webinar, Bipasha Gupta, Chairperson of MSSI Delhi, traced the journey of MS awareness in India. While World MS Day is observed globally on 30 May, India adopted its own observance in 2016, choosing the first Sunday of February to ensure better weather, accessibility and participation for people with MS.

She underlined that MS Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is about breaking stigma, encouraging early diagnosis, enabling access to treatment, supporting research and advocacy and, most importantly, building resilience. The 2026 theme, #AcceptAdaptAchieve, framed every conversation that followed.

Stories of Resilience

Nilima Pradhan: Choosing Life, Again and Again

Nilima Pradhan shared her decade-long journey with MS, beginning with sudden speech slurring in 2015 and a diagnosis she initially struggled even to pronounce. Living alone and managing her care independently, Nilima spoke candidly about fear, financial strain, repeated relapses and the emotional toll of uncertainty, especially during a particularly difficult phase in 2017 when she experienced multiple attacks and temporary vision loss.

Her turning point came with the right treatment and a conscious decision to live intentionally. Nilima described how MS reshaped her outlook on life, teaching her that “life is now.” She went on to write her memoir, create more than 200 educational videos, travel solo and support newly diagnosed individuals by sharing practical, real-world guidance. Her message was clear: mindset, self-belief and informed choices make a profound difference.

Avinash Rathi: Acceptance with a Fighting Spirit

Avinash Rathi, diagnosed with MS in 2015 while preparing for his Chartered Accountancy exams, spoke about facing neurological symptoms during one of the most demanding phases of his life. Instead of giving up, he chose acceptance with determination.

Avinash emphasised that while MS is often described as incurable, strength, discipline and a positive attitude play a vital role in shaping outcomes. Completing his CA, being open about his diagnosis with his life partner and building a family rooted in trust became key milestones in his journey. His story reinforced the idea that acceptance is not surrender; it is the beginning of resilience.

Anju Bhatia: Choosing Joy, Voice and Visibility

Joining the conversation with warmth and humour, Anju Bhatia shared her long journey with MS that began in her teenage years. Speaking candidly and bilingually, Anju reflected on how acceptance took time, but once it came, it transformed everything.

She spoke about refusing to let MS define her identity, choosing conversation over silence, and laughter over fear. Anju highlighted how not talking about MS often leads to overthinking and emotional isolation, while openness creates understanding. Her ability to make light of difficult moments, advocate for awareness and live fully, without constantly centring MS, stood out as a powerful example of emotional resilience and self-acceptance. Her story reinforced that strength can coexist with vulnerability, and joy can be a conscious choice.

Rupali Anand: Resilience with a Smile

Introduced with pride and affection, Rupali Anand shared her journey that began at the age of 16. Known for her infectious energy, Rupali spoke about living with MS for nearly two decades while choosing optimism, humour, and dialogue over withdrawal.

Calling her wheelchair her “magic chair,” Rupali challenged perceptions around disability and beauty, and spoke passionately about the importance of awareness. For her, talking openly about MS is the key to changing mindsets, from sympathy to understanding. Her belief in dreaming boldly and celebrating life captured the spirit of #AcceptAdaptAchieve in its most joyful form.

Strength through Community: A Truly Global Gathering

Throughout the session, Bipasha Gupta and Puja Chadda emphasised the importance of support systems, timely medical care, rehabilitation services and peer networks facilitated by MSSI. Real-life examples from across chapters illustrated how sustained support can help people move from despair to dignity.

Participants joined the webinar from Assam, Kerala, Pune, Indore, Punjab, Haryana, and Berlin, reflecting the reach and unity of the MS community.

Voices from the Audience

Great meeting full of enthusiasm,learnt to be happy and we shall overcome.THANK YOU – Divya Singh- Gurgaon

Thanks Ma’am, the session was really amazing. I also got inspiration today after listening to the speakers which I think was missing a bit after coming here.
Please pass my regards to Bipasha ma’am and whole MSSI team members for doing all this hard work – Deepak -Berlin

Prabal Malaker: all the speakers for their fortitude, positive energy and stories. Bravo

Excellent session… sincere thanks – Seema Sekhri- Delhi

mam it was soo good time ka Pata nahi chala kab end time aa gya very inspiring from my brother’s and sisters
thank you soo much mam it was very inspiring – Sudhir Kumar Verma, Chandigarh

It was great, they all were so encouraging n positive minded. MSSI DELHI u rocked once again– Shalini Monga, Delhi

All the speakers for their fortitude, positive energy and stories. Bravo– Prabal Malaker:- Goa

Moving Forward

Resilience in Action was more than a webinar; it was a reminder that strength grows when stories are shared, voices are heard, and communities come together. As India MS Day 2026 unfolds, the spirit of #AcceptAdaptAchieve continues to guide the journey of every person living with MS, their families, caregivers, and allies.