India MS Day 2026 was celebrated on 8th February at Hotel Ritz, Pune, in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. This year’s theme, #AcceptAdaptAchieve, has been reflected in the spirit and resilience of our MS community.
The day began with breakfast, allowing members, caregivers, committee members, and volunteers to connect and interact. The formal program commenced with a deeply emotional tribute to our beloved Asha Merchant Ma’am. We fondly remembered her energy, positivity, dedication, and unwavering enthusiasm, which continue to inspire us. All MSSI members observed two minutes of silence in her honour, creating a solemn and respectful moment of remembrance.
Following the tribute, we introduced our newly appointed Secretary, Mr. V. V Ramani, who shared heartfelt words about Asha Ma’am. Our Founder Member, Ms. Mini Grant, also spoke, reminiscing about her invaluable contributions and the legacy she has left behind.
In keeping with this year’s focus on mental health, we recognised the growing need for emotional strength and motivation among our MS persons (MSPs). With this in mind, we organised a Mental Health Group Therapy Session conducted by a renowned senior clinical psychologist Dr. Bharati Rajguru. The session was insightful and empowering, addressing various mental health challenges associated with MS. The expert also demonstrated the correct technique of pranayama and guided participants through relaxation therapy exercises, which were highly beneficial for stress management.
To further support our members, anxiety and depression assessment forms were distributed to all MSPs. This evaluation process will help us identify individuals who may require counselling and additional psychological support.
After the psycho enriching session, the most awaited segment of the day began – a live musical band performance. The program opened with a soulful Ganesh Vandana, setting a positive tone. The singer then captivated the audience with a mix of classic and contemporary songs. The versatility of the performer, effortlessly rendering both male and female voices, left everyone pleasantly surprised. The music filled the hall with joy and enthusiasm, encouraging many MSPs to dance and celebrate. The atmosphere became vibrant and energetic, with melodies that truly mesmerised the audience.
We sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support provided by BNY volunteers. Their assistance in helping MSPs with mobility, distributing evaluation forms, and serving food ensured the smooth execution of the program. Without their dedicated support, the event would not have been successful.
The celebration concluded with a sumptuous lunch, where members continued bonding, sharing laughter, and enjoying moments of togetherness. The day was marked by meaningful communication, fun, and renewed motivation.
A total of 88 attendees participated in the event, including 32 MS persons, along with caregivers, our committee members, and BNY volunteers.
India MS Day 2026 ended on a truly positive and uplifting note, leaving everyone inspired to continue embracing life with courage to Accept, Adapt, and Achieve.
