MSSI Hyderabad Chapter’s Patient Welfare Program under the theme #AcceptAdaptAchieve
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) – Hyderabad Chapter recently hosted a meaningful Patient Welfare Program aimed at empowering people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Supported by Gemini Edibles and Fats India Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the program brought together persons with MS, caregivers and supporters for an afternoon of learning, reflection and commu
nity bonding.
The event reflected the spirit of this year’s theme #AcceptAdaptAchieve, encouraging participants to navigate life with MS with resilience, purpose and hope.
Opening Address
The program began with a warm welcome from Chairperson Mr. Vasudev Naidu, who addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the Hyderabad chapter’s commitment to supporting the MS community. His remarks emphasised the importance of community-driven initiatives that provide not only information and resources but also emotional encouragement for people living with MS.
Introducing the Speaker
The keynote session was introduced by Mrs. Chitra Jayanthi, who warmly welcomed the speaker for the day, Dr. Viranchi Sharma. She highlighted Dr. Sharma’s work and the relevance of psychological resilience for individuals navigating the unpredictability of chronic conditions like MS.
Embracing Life with Uncertainty: Building Psychological Resilience in MS
In an insightful and deeply relatable session titled “Embracing Life with Uncertainty: Building Psychological Resilience in MS,” Dr. Viranchi Sharma explored the psychological dimensions of living with MS and how resilience can transform the way individuals face uncertainty.
Dr. Sharma explained that the human brain naturally seeks certainty, about health, control and the future. However, life often challenges these expectations, especially when living with conditions like MS. When our illusions of certainty break, we are confronted with fear and anxiety.
True resilience, he explained, comes from loosening our grip on certainty and learning to embrace uncertainty.
One of the key messages of the session was that MS should not define a person’s identity. Instead, it is simply one chapter in a much larger life story. Dr. Sharma spoke about how the mind can create negative narratives, thoughts such as “I will fail” or “I am unlovable.” Recognising these thought patterns and consciously challenging them is a powerful step toward emotional strength.
He encouraged participants to focus on the present moment rather than catastrophising the future, reminding them that hope grows when we allow ourselves to believe in possibilities, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Dr. Sharma also emphasised the role of mindfulness and presence in navigating life with MS. By grounding ourselves in the present, we can adapt better to change, rediscover meaning and cultivate inner strength.
He beautifully reframed the idea of strength by saying that being strong does not mean being invincible. True strength lies in having the courage to face uncertainty and continue moving forward. A person’s worth, he reminded the audience, is not defined by health conditions or achievements, but by the ability to embrace life as it unfolds.
A Message that Resonated
The session struck a chord with participants, leading to an engaging and interactive discussion filled with thoughtful questions and meaningful reflections. The lively Q&A session allowed attendees to share experiences, seek guidance and connect with the ideas discussed.
The core message of the session was clear:
Accept. Adapt. Achieve.
By accepting life’s uncertainties, adapting to changing circumstances and focusing on what truly matters, individuals can lead purposeful and fulfilling lives.
Gratitude and Felicitation
The session concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Secretary Mrs. Arti Vishal Mital, who summarised the key insights shared by Dr. Sharma and expressed appreciation for his inspiring and thought-provoking session.
As a token of gratitude, Dr. Viranchi Sharma was felicitated by Committee Member Mrs. Farida Raj, acknowledging his valuable contribution to the MS community.
Ending on a Joyful Note
Following the knowledge-packed session, participants enjoyed a lively Tambola game and refreshments, thoughtfully arranged by Co-founder Mrs. Vinodini Agarwal. The activity brought smiles, laughter and a sense of camaraderie among attendees, reminding everyone that moments of joy and connection are equally important in the journey of living with MS.
Through initiatives like this Patient Welfare Program, the MSSI Hyderabad Chapter continues to create safe and empowering spaces for people living with MS to learn, connect and grow stronger together.
With the guiding message of #AcceptAdaptAchieve, the program reinforced a powerful truth:
Even in uncertainty, resilience can help us find purpose, hope and the strength to move forward.
