National Epilepsy Awareness and the Fight Against Stigma
Founded by Dr Nirmal Surya in 2009, the Epilepsy Foundation of India initiated National Epilepsy Day , observed every year on November 17th , to raise awareness about epilepsy, educate the public on its treatment, and support individuals living with the condition. Globally, efforts to promote epilepsy awareness date back several decades. In 1969 , the Epilepsy Foundation in the United States designated November as a time for awareness campaigns. Later, in 2003 , the U.S. Congress officially recognised November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) . During this month, initiatives such as “Share Your Purple Power” encourage people to wear purple —the colour symbolising epilepsy awareness—to show solidarity with those affected and to help spread understanding about the condition. Pioneers in Epilepsy Research Epilepsy research has a rich history shaped by several medica...