MSSI Pune participated in the Purple Jallosh event held from January 17, 18, 19, 2025, at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Pimpri, Pune. Organized by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Divyang Bhavan Foundation (DBF), the event provided a platform for people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) to showcase their talents and raise awareness about MS. MSSI Pune’s participation was coordinated by Asha Merchant and supported by Anjali Vyas, Mohna Paranjpe, and others. The stall featured stories from PwMS, along with artistic visuals by Aruna Ashtekar depicting MS symptoms. MSSI also encouraged PwMS to sell their creations, such as artwork and food items.
Over the three days, the stall attracted over 190 visitors, with significant engagement on the first two days. Special highlights included performances by disabled artists and appearances from dignitaries like Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM, and Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, who emphasized inclusivity and empowerment. MSSI Pune also networked with organizations such as DDRC Pune and Mahatma Sewa Sangathan.
The event not only boosted awareness about MS but also empowered PwMS by providing a platform for financial and social recognition. The success of the event demonstrated the positive impact of community support and the importance of fostering collaboration for future initiatives
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- Group picture of chief guests during Inaugural ceremony with Mr. Ajit Pawar in the middle, Mr. Shekhar Singh (on the left) and Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal (second to the left).
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- Items made by PwMS for sale at MSSI’s stall.
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- L – R : Group picture of Asha Merchant (Sec. MSSI Pune ), Krishna Yadav (Rep from UNICEF), Anjali Vyas (Jt. Sec, MSSI Pune/PwMS) & Shweta Jawale (PwMS) at MSSI’s stall.
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- L – R : Group picture of Rahul, Anushri, Shweta (all PwMS), Shahuraj.S (Patient Coordinator), Sheetal & Renuka (both PwMS), Shweta’s mother, Poonam (Patient Coordinator), Kiran & Mohana (both PwMS) at MSSI’s stall.
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- L – R : Group picture Shahuraj.S (Patient Coordinator), Radhika.H, Madhuri.K (Committee member), Asha Merchant (Sec. MSSI Pune ), Poonam (Patient Coordinator), Shweta (PwMS) with her mother and Mohana (PwMS).
Testimonials
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- Renuka Newaskar
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- Shweta Jawale
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- Sheetal Kahire
Renuka Newaskar
The purple jallosh was an excellent place for celebration of inclusivity and networking. MssI had a stall functioning at the fest with different kinds of items made by Ms patients for sale thus attracting all sorts of people and spreading awareness as well as building contacts.
Kiran Pandya
Hindi : “Purple jallosh hamre liye ek anokha experience tha .Waha pur sabhi log bahut helpful the ,Waha hamare liye jo exibition tha wo bhi kafi had tak hamare kam ka tha for example hamre liye modify clothes and many other things Programme bhi hamne dekhe jo motivational the.”
English translation : Purple Jallosh was a unique experience for us. Everyone there was very helpful. The exhibition set up for us was also quite useful, showcasing things like adaptive clothing and many other items. We also attended programs that were motivational.
Shweta Jawale
Marathi : “Purple festival khup chan hote, tyani amhala stall lavyachi sandhi dili Jithe amha lokana kuthech platform bhetat nahi tithe amchatlya kala sadar karta alya.”
English translation : The Purple Festival was really wonderful. They gave us an opportunity to set up a stall, where we could showcase our talents in a place where people like us usually don’t get a platform.
Sheetal Khaire
“I am Sheetal, a patient with multiple sclerosis, participated in the Purple Jalosh event where many people with different disabilities gathered. We need to take good care of the health that God has given us. At the event, we raised awareness about multiple sclerosis, as many people were not familiar with the condition and were surprised to learn about it. It is a disease that requires more awareness, noticed this need during the event.”
