India celebrates MS activist for International Women’s Day

Sheela Chitnis, founding member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI)

Inspiring MS activist Sheela Chitnis

India marked this year’s International Women’s Day by celebrating the inspirational journey of our colleague Sheela Chitnis, founding member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), from housewife to influential MS activist.

As a leading figure in the #Beboldforchange campaign for International Women’s Day, Sheela has inspired the world with her story.

It all began when her husband was diagnosed with MS in 1985, 14 years into their marriage.

Faced with a frustrating lack support for, and awareness of, the disease, Sheela left behind her life as a housewife and teamed up with Dr Noshir Wadia and Mrs Rehmut S. Fazalbhoy to set up MSSI in 1985.

Sheela recalls, “I was transformed from a housewife to a breadwinner to a social worker.”

MSSI has since gone from strength to strength, now supporting around 4000 people affected by MS through a range of services including access to treatment, practical support, vocational training, and more.

Read more about Sheela’s inspiring work in this moving interview.