Hyderabad : – India MS Day was solemnly observed at Hotel Vivanta at Begumpet on Sunday. The event featured the launch of a groundbreaking book titled “Unbreakable Spirit— Navigating Life with MS.”
The author, Ms. Farida Raj, a non-MS professional turned author, presented the first-ever book dedicated to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness. The launch took place amidst the presence of dignitaries, including Mr. Durga Prasad, former DGP of CRPF, Raunaq Yar Khan, Mrs. Meena Gupta (Founder and Chairperson, Multiple Sclerosis Society of India), and Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a distinguished Neurologist from Apollo Hospitals.
The objective of “Unbreakable Spirit” is to raise public awareness about MS, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment, care, and support for individuals to lead long, active, and healthy lives. The book, priced at Rs 249/-, is available online on Amazon.
Farida Raj’s journey took an unexpected turn when she encountered individuals grappling with MS, fueling her passion to shed light on this lesser-known disease. The book provides a holistic perspective on the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of MS, exploring its impact on youth, relationships, parenthood, and the challenges of confronting fears.
Through heartfelt narratives and personal experiences, the author shares insights, practical advice, and a sense of community, empowering individuals to navigate the challenges of MS. “Unbreakable Spirit” stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Farida Raj, an executive committee member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India-Hyderabad chapter (MSSI), has silently contributed to society’s welfare. The non-profit organization is affiliated with MSIF (Multiple Sclerosis International Federation), working for people affected by MS.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS), creating challenges for many families. Dr. Sudhir Kumar highlighted the book’s significance, stating it goes beyond medication, addressing aspects often overlooked by traditional neurological literature.
Mrs. Meena Gupta advocated for MS patients’ insurance coverage, making it the theme for this year’s MS Day (#InsureMyMS). She sought support for easier government disability certificates for MS patients.
The program began with a sensitizing video about MS, as the prevalence of the disease is rising in India, with an estimated burden of 2.5 lakh cases. Farida Raj, originally from Mumbai and a resident of Hyderabad for 41 years, has not only contributed to MS awareness but also worked extensively in the areas of Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs) and women’s health.
Farida’s diverse contributions include three insightful books on SLDs, focusing on empowering teachers and parents, as well as addressing reproductive and mental health aspects for Urdu-speaking women. Her journey from addressing learning difficulties to advocating for MS awareness showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
