A survivor of multiple sclerosis, Arti is dedicated to educating and empowering people about the disease, and dispelling myths about it. She received an award at the Womennovator Global Summit 2021 for creating awareness about MS on an international platform. She firmly believes that self-love is the ultimate remedy for overcoming life's challenges.

Arti Vishal Mital is a survivor of Multiple Sclerosis-MS and a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India, Hyderabad Chapter.

Originally from Kolar Gold Mines, Arti is currently settled in Hyderabad. She pursued post-graduation and then moved to Bangalore, where she worked for the Kirloskar Company. Thereafter, she got married and had an ideal family and husband. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 24 years ago and has been living with it since 1998. She remembers visiting many doctors who could not diagnose her condition until she met Dr. Mohan Das, a senior neurophysician, who recognized her illness.

Arti explains that MS is an autoimmune neurological disease that affects the brain and the spinal cord (the central nervous system). She says that this disease has no cure and can only be managed. She explains that multiple sclerosis occurs in visible forms, in which one goes on complete bed rest and wheelchair dependency, or in non-visible forms, allowing talking and walking. She shares that her symptoms include fatigue and intense burning sensations. Though the condition is incurable, she has learned to live with it happily.

Arti remembers asking her doctor for a solution, and he replied, “Don’t worry, be happy.” However, it was not easy for her to avoid stress. Her family accepted and supported her, but she was in denial and struggled to accept her condition. She says her life has been an enormous struggle because her multiple sclerosis left her right eye blind in 2001. Fortunately, she received the perfect medication at the correct time and was fully supported by her family, her husband, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India. She emphasizes the importance of diagnosing MS at the right time, as it can be fatal if left untreated.

Arti shares that joining the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) was the best thing she could have done. She joined the society in September 2005 when Meena Gupta, its founder chairperson, approached her. At that time, the society had just six members. She informs us that MSSI is a non-profit organization that acts as an umbrella for people suffering from MS, allowing them to connect with each other and share their problems. They created their own funds by organizing stage shows and inviting performers like Usha Uthup and Manjari Chaturvedi. Through these funds, they help those who cannot afford to buy medicines.

As an active social worker, Arti shares that MSSI organizes seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. They provide counseling to caregivers of people who are bedridden due to MS. They organize monthly events, including doctor's meetings, social recreational activities, and festival celebrations. Initially, these events were offline, but they are now held online. They also invite physiologists for special sessions.

She encourages MS patients to speak out and connect with their local chapters of MSSI. The society conducts seminars across the country and advocates that disability certificates should be given to people suffering from MS to enable them to get aid from the government.

Drawing from her own experience, she aims to create awareness, acceptance, and management of the disease. She urges individuals with MS to accept themselves as they are and learn to live happily with the condition. She suggests managing their diet and daily routine, including exercises, believing that self-care can lead to a happy life.

Arti recommends that new MS patients follow their doctors' advice, avoid doing their own research, remain patient, and most importantly, love themselves because self-acceptance is key to surviving this disease.

She shares that after joining the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), she received an MS identity card, which became her lifeline. During a trip, when her condition worsened and she couldn't speak, showing the card enabled immediate treatment from a doctor. They are working to get a similar disability card from the government to help recognize the problem wherever the patient goes. She shares that MSSI helps in embracing multiple sclerosis, offering guidance on diet, meditation, and an overall lifestyle for a peaceful life.

Sharing her achievements, Arti says that she received an award at the Womennovator Global Summit 2021 for creating awareness about MS on an international platform. Arti feels that inspiration also comes from within. When she looks at herself, she feels glad about how she has managed her MS. She believes that every part of our lives is an experience, and whatever we do can inspire others. She feels content when she inspires patients with MS to live a happy life.

When asked about her role models, Arti says that her husband and in-laws have been a huge source of motivation and support for her. Her doctor has always guided her, and Meena Gupta, the founder of MSSI, inspired her to speak at public events.

Arti says that she used to teach kids, but when her MS was diagnosed, she stopped teaching and engaged in meditation. She keeps herself occupied and likes to raise awareness about MS. She highlights the nine chapters of MSSI, including Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore, encouraging people to connect with them through their website.

Arti remembers taking part in debates in her school, and while working in Bangalore, her boss gave her the opportunity to become the anchor of a show they were organizing. She has always been a social person and liked talking. Now, being an active member of MSSI, she feels happy to talk to so many people, inspire them, and guide them in their journey with MS.

Recalling her childhood, she says she had a beautiful childhood and was pampered by her parents. She was an introverted child who liked reading books.

If given a chance to go back in time in a time machine, she would like to return to her childhood days when she was healthy. However, she feels very happy that she can walk, talk, and inspire others despite her MS.

Arti quotes, “Life is a beautiful journey. No one knows what the future holds, so accept it the way it comes and enjoy it to the fullest.”