Varanasi :

Head of the department of neurology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Dr VN Mishra was awarded with the ‘Certificate of Achievement’ by the European Congress on Epileptology for impact of feature film ‘Ek Naya Din’ -fight against epilepsy in North Indian states.

‘Ek Naya Din’, an educative film for epilepsy awareness conceptualized by Mishra was screened during the 11th European Congress on Epileptology held in Stockholm, Sweden from June 28 to July 3. The film based on a real life story of a patient suffering with epilepsy has been also screened at schools and colleges of the north India.

According to Mishra, the film so far had been screened in 20 states of the country and many other countries of the world. The International journal of medical science and clinical Invention in its latest issue highlighted the impact of the film on epilepsy patients. He said that myth and misconceptions regarding management of epilepsy have been prevalent throughout the world. Epilepsy is still thought to be related with evil spirit possession by some, and spiritual rituals and religious healing are commonly believed to be effective treatments.

The 63-minute educative film highlights the most basic issues relating to epilepsy management like importance of drug intake, issues regarding the management during the time of attack, importance of family care. The film is about a young girl who is born in a typical north India joint family and is suffering from epileptic seizures from the age of six. Her parents take her to a doctor but her grand parents think that some evil spirit that is causing the seizures, so they call a witchcraft practitioner that aggravates the problem of the girl. The girl’s classmates also mock at her, but at the instance of her mother teachers and fellow students gradually realise her medical condition and begin to support the brave girl.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / July 16th, 2014