SUNDAY, 01 FEB 2025
About India Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day
India MS Day is observed on the 1st Sunday of February annually to raise public awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS), its impact, and steps to take post-diagnosis. February’s pleasant weather across India ensures comfort for persons with MS, as heat can worsen symptoms like fatigue and spasticity.
Organized by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), established in 1985 and affiliated with the MS International Federation (MSIF), the day features outdoor activities across nine chapters to engage communities and spread awareness. MSSI works to:
- Educate about MS prevalence and early symptom recognition.
- Provide emotional support and home care services to improve the quality of life for persons with MS and their families.
Join us in creating a supportive and informed society for those affected by MS.
Accept-Adapt-Achieve: A Journey of Strength, Resilience and Possibility
Accept • Adapt • Achieve reflects the lived realities of people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Acceptance is the first step, acknowledging the diagnosis and the changes it brings with honesty and courage. Adaptation follows, as individuals, families, and caregivers learn to adjust, find new ways forward, and build resilience in everyday life. Achievement is not defined by limitations, but by progress, purpose, and personal victories, big and small. This theme recognises that living with MS is a journey, not a pause, and celebrates the strength, determination, and hope that enable people to continue striving, contributing, and thriving beyond the condition.
Activity Updates
India MS Icon 2026
Kranti Munje | Winner
For over 15 years, Kranti Munje has been a steady and compassionate force in shaping the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) movement in Mumbai. A Person with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) herself and the Hon. Secretary of the Mumbai Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), she brings lived experience, empathy and purposeful leadership to everything she does.
Deeply involved in the day-to-day functioning of the Mumbai Chapter, Kranti has played a pivotal role in strengthening patient-centric support systems. From personally engaging with PwMS and coordinating therapy-led interventions, to initiating awareness walks, educational seminars, workshops, podcasts and public dialogues, her work consistently places people at the heart of advocacy. She also acts as a vital bridge between patients, therapists, doctors and the organisation, ensuring that care, dignity and independence remain central to all initiatives
Alongside her advocacy work, Kranti is a seasoned Human Resources and Management professional with over 33 years of leadership experience across IT, manufacturing, consulting, healthcare and the NGO sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Labour Studies from the University of Mumbai and a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany and Zoology from Amravati University. Her corporate journey includes senior leadership roles at organisations such as Shapoorji Pallonji, Kolsite, Patni Computer Systems, Bristlecone and Medusind, where she served as Chief Human Resources Officer, leading global HR transformation, organisational development and multiple India–US M&A integrations. She currently heads Aroha Advisory, a strategic consulting firm focused on organisational transformation and sustainability
MSSI honours Kranti Munje as an India MS Icon 2026, not only for resilience, but for responsibility in action, recognising leadership that is empathetic, advocacy that is purposeful and impact that is enduring.
OTHER NOMINEES
RUPALI ANAND
Delhi
Nominee – India MS Icon 2026
Diagnosed with MS at 16, Rupali Anand has transformed her journey into a source of strength for others. A dedicated MSSI Delhi volunteer, she creates inspiring digital content, provides counselling, and actively supports awareness initiatives. Balancing professional work with advocacy, Rupali’s confidence, creativity, and empathy make her a powerful voice for young people living with MS and a symbol of resilience and hope.
MUKUND KULKARNI
Bengaluru
Nominee – India MS Icon 2026
Mukund Kulkarni, a Person with Multiple Sclerosis, has been an active member of MSSI Bengaluru since 2017. As Honorary Joint Secretary and Governing Council Member, he plays a key role in awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, inclusive community initiatives, and fundraising. From engaging public figures to working with government representatives, Mukund’s leadership reflects commitment, collaboration, and sustained impact for the MS community.
ARTI VISHAL MITTAL
Hyderabad
Nominee – India MS Icon 2026
Living with MS since 1997, Arti Vishal Mital has been a pillar of MSSI Hyderabad for nearly two decades. Currently serving as Secretary, she has led extensive awareness efforts across educational institutions, community platforms, and public spaces. A mentor and counsellor to PwMS, Arti strongly advocates early diagnosis and effective management, earning national and international recognition for her sustained commitment to MS empowerment.
MEENAKSHI NANDAKUMAR
Chennai
Nominee – India MS Icon 2026
Meenakshi Nandakumar, a Committee Member of MSSI Chennai and a Person with Multiple Sclerosis, brings together grassroots service and global advocacy. She actively supports chapter programs, mentors PwMS, and leads MS-specific yoga and fatigue management initiatives. Representing Indian patient voices on international platforms such as MSIF and ECTRIMS, Meenakshi bridges global learnings with local impact through compassion, discipline, and service.
Upcoming events from across the chapters
