The Cerebrovascular Society of India celebrated its Silver Jubilee by hosting the 25th Annual Conference – Neurovascon2025 – at JW Marriott Hotel, Sahar, Mumbai, from September 26 to 28, 2025. The event brought together neurosurgeons, neurologists, stroke specialists, and healthcare professionals from across India to commemorate 25 years of advancing stroke care, research, and surgical excellence.
Distinguished Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, renowned scientist, technologist, and the visionary popularly known as the “BrahMos Man of India.” As Chief Guest, his presence lent distinction to the landmark celebration. He praised the Society’s contributions and called for collective action by doctors, policymakers, and citizens to minimize stroke incidence through awareness and prevention.
Showcasing a 25-Year Journey
Neurovascon2025 highlighted the Society’s pivotal role in shaping stroke awareness, prevention strategies, and advanced surgical techniques over the last quarter century. The three-day conference served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collaboration, drawing both senior experts and young neurosurgeons eager to strengthen India’s stroke management ecosystem.
Focus on Rising Stroke Burden
India is witnessing a surge in stroke cases, largely driven by hypertension, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, and low awareness. Stroke has emerged as one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability, placing an enormous burden on families and society. Experts repeatedly emphasized the need for public education, early detection, and preventive health strategies.
Scientific Sessions and Public Awareness
The conference featured workshops, panel discussions, and awareness campaigns addressing prevention, diagnosis, surgical innovations, and technological advancements in stroke care. Experts strongly promoted the BEFAST acronym—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time—as a simple tool to recognize stroke symptoms and seek urgent medical help.
Expert Insights on Prevention and Timely Care
Dr. Batuk Diyora, Organizing Secretary, highlighted hypertension as the most important yet often neglected risk factor. He urged people to adopt preventive measures such as regular check-ups, healthy diets, physical activity, and timely consultations.
Dr. Sangeeta Ravat, Neurologist and Dean, KEM Hospital, underlined that “every minute matters” during a stroke. She explained that nearly 1.9 million neurons are lost per minute in an acute ischemic stroke, reinforcing the critical “golden window” of 4 ½ hours. She stressed the urgency of public awareness, early recognition, and access to stroke-ready hospitals to prevent lifelong disability.
Alarming Statistics on Stroke in India
India records about 1 million new stroke cases annually. The incidence is 130 per 100,000 people, and the prevalence is 203 per 100,000 adults above 20 years. Nearly 28% of patients are under 65, proving that stroke is no longer confined to the elderly. Risk doubles every decade after 55, making prevention a lifelong necessity.
A Call to Action
As per the press release, the Silver Jubilee Conference reaffirmed the Society’s mission to bridge medical expertise with public awareness. It concluded with a strong call to intensify awareness campaigns, prioritize prevention, and expand timely access to advanced stroke care.
As India faces a rising tide of strokes, Neurovascon2025 set the stage for the future of stroke prevention and treatment. It united science, skill, and societal commitment to combat one of the nation’s fastest-growing health challenges.