Shivani Wazir Pasrich, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Cultural Forum, appropriately chose the National Epilepsy Day to announce the dates and venue of the 2nd Commonwealth Cricket Cup. Along with Dr. Manjari Tripathi, President of Ekatwam, a charity that helps people with Epilepsy, Shivani Wazir Pasrich spoke to Press at a special event hosted at the French bakery L’Opera at Bikaner House. She said that the match will be played on November 23rd, 2018 in Hong Kong, at the Kowloon Cricket Club between six consulates. Players from India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Great Britain, including Anshuman Rath, Hong Kong National Cricket Captain will participate. Through an auction, resources will be pooled to raise awareness about epilepsy and fashionable safety helmets will be showcased for people with epilepsy.
Commonwealth Cultural Forum, brings together people from 53 countries through Art, Culture, Cuisine and Sport for a good cause Murali Kartik who captained the maiden Commonwealth Cricket Cup which was held in New Delhi in March 2018 said “Don’t shun people with Epilepsy. Whether it is your family or friends or people at work, know that this disease is curable and you can lead a normal and very healthy life despite it”
Atul Wassan said “It was wonderful to be a part of the Commonwealth Cricket Cup. The bonhomie among the diplomats and Cricketers was great. I hope through this goodwill game we were able to raise awareness about epilepsy and I commend and cheer the untiring warriors who are sensitizing people about the disorder and helping individuals and families fight and overcome the issues”
Dr. Sarat Chandra (Senior Professor Department of Neurology, AIIMS) said, “After a headache, Epilepsy is the next most common problem. Many don’t seek medical attention or even realize that it is curable. During a seizure the patient should be laid to the side so that there is no danger of choking. The person will be fine once the seizure ceases.”
Amir Singh Pasrich (Chairperson, Law & Justice Committee PHDCCI and Managing Partner, ILA Pasrich& Company) gave the legal perspective with respect to Epilepsy and said, “Epilepsy is no longer considered a mental illness, it is now described as a neurological disorder. This is a step in the right direction to remove the unfair stigma people with epilepsy face”
High Commissioner of Ghana, H.E. Mr. Michael Aaron N. N. Oquaye said, “Due to superstition in Africa too people with Epilepsy suffer intensely”
Shivani Wazir Pasrich said “With a successful launch of the Commonwealth Cricket Cup and tremendous support from legendary cricket players like Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The Commonwealth Cultural Forum is now taking the cup to Hong Kong, post which it is planned in Kuala Lampur. We are keen to travel to all the commonwealth nations with the cup and this mix of sports and entertainment for a good cause to brings out the commonwealth spirit. As a board member of Ekatwam, I am especially happy that Hong Kong is taking forward the initiative to raise awareness for epilepsy and we hope more nations will follow.”
FACT
Epilepsy affects 50 million people globally, of these over 12 million are from India. One in a hundred people will develop a seizure. The good part is however that 75-80% patients can be completely cured with medicines at a fraction of cost as compared to other diseases. It is neither infectious nor hereditary in more than 95% cases. The treatment gap is mainly because of social stigma and lack of awareness. India has one the largest treatment gap globally (95%). This must change!
