Formerly known as the Indian Epilepsy Association, Mumbai Chapter; the Samman Association has been working to empower people with epilepsy and caregivers since 1971 and also raising epilepsy awareness. These programs include rural medical clinics, support group meetings, educational and awareness programs at schools and hospitals, personality development and training. Epilepsy remains one of the most chronic neurological disorders, with at least 55,00,000 cases in India.
People in India suffering from epilepsy face many hassles and drawbacks such as children being denied schooling, people being denied jobs, marital issues, etc. It is considered an evil disease and most people lack the compassion, understanding and knowledge about it. Dr. Pravina Shah, who previously was the head of the neurology department at K.E.M. Hospital was also the president of the Indian Epilepsy Association.
Dr Sangeeta Ravat is the current president, Dr Joy Desai is the Vice-President and Dr, Jayanti Mani is the Secretary, Dr Pradnya Gadgil is Jt. Secretary and Ms Pooja Nandi as treasurer, there are many notable people who serve as Committee members. Dr Urvashi Shah, Ankush Talesara, Aditya Mehta, Mahesh Palan, Jyoti Katkar and Salil Kulkarni. Besides this, Dr Bhim Singhal, Dr Mithu Alur and Mr Ashokbhai Parekh are the patrons. Of course, there are people who have epilepsy constantly adding to the Association.
On the occasion of Friendship Day – this 6th of August, 2023 Samman Association conducted its first-ever Monsoon Walkathon. The participants were told to bring one friend along with them as they chose to take part in this walkathon.
A momentous occasion, it also marked a significant milestone for Samman Association as it celebrated over 50 years of unwavering commitment to the epilepsy community. The primary objective of the event was to generate widespread awareness about epilepsy, debunk all the myths and misconceptions associated with it and promote inclusivity and compassion towards those affected by epilepsy. Being held on Friendship Day, the event also emphasised the building of a supportive network of friends, parents, siblings and spouses to help empower those living with epilepsy.
The route was from the ADAPT building in Bandra right up to the MANNAT building (Shah Rukh Khan’s bungalow) and back – a total of 3 Km. To ensure that it was professionally curated, Sports Reconnect – a leading sports management agency lent its expertise to organise and manage the event.
What was notable was the amount of enthusiasm and solidarity shown for this event. While the event flagged off at 7.30 AM, people from all across the city showed up to support the cause.
2 Comments
The route was bandra right up to Mannat bldg total 3k.m. We didn't stop in between, walking slowly enjoying ourselves, we flagged up our event.The organiser were talking video and photos and we were posing for some of our own photos. It didn't rain that day,but weather was good and cloudy. We went to bandra beach to end our walk taking our group photo, and cheering for ourselves. We had a great weekend as it was a Sunday.I hope we can do another walk for making ourdr
I hope we can, and surely will do another walk for ourselves not for more awareness.