Message from Founder
Dear Friends,
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood medical emergencies.
When I began my neurology practice in Navi Mumbai in 2019, I observed a concerning reality—many people were unaware of what a stroke is, how to recognize its warning signs, or where to seek immediate treatment. Valuable time was often lost because patients and their families did not realize that stroke is a medical emergency requiring urgent intervention.
This realization inspired me to dedicate my efforts to creating widespread stroke awareness among the general public, healthcare professionals, and healthcare institutions. Over the years, I have conducted numerous awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, educational sessions, and healthcare worker training initiatives across Maharashtra, including remote regions of Raigad and Ratnagiri.
Through these efforts, we have reached and educated more than 500,000 people about stroke recognition, prevention, and timely treatment.
One of the most important messages we continue to promote is that “Time is Brain.” Modern stroke treatment has evolved significantly, and patients who reach an appropriate medical facility within the golden period of 4.5 hours may be eligible for life-saving clot-busting therapy, which can dramatically improve recovery and reduce disability. Early recognition and rapid action can make the difference between independence and lifelong disability.
During my journey, I encountered several challenges. Many healthcare facilities lacked adequate infrastructure, trained personnel, or confidence in administering acute stroke therapies. Some healthcare professionals were unfamiliar with the latest treatment protocols, while others were hesitant because of the complexities involved in stroke care. These challenges strengthened my belief that a systematic and sustained effort was needed to build a stronger stroke care ecosystem in India.
This vision led to the establishment of the Astra Stroke India Foundation.
The Foundation was created with a clear mission: to transform stroke awareness, improve access to timely treatment, empower patients and caregivers with knowledge, and support healthcare institutions in becoming stroke-ready centers. We work towards strengthening every link in the stroke care chain—from community awareness and early recognition to emergency response, hospital preparedness, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery.
Our goals are simple yet powerful:
To educate communities about stroke symptoms and the importance of immediate medical attention.
To promote rapid access to neurologists and stroke-ready hospitals.
To support healthcare institutions in developing effective stroke management systems.
To train healthcare professionals in evidence-based stroke care.
To advocate for better stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and patient support services.
To build a nationwide movement where every individual understands that stroke is treatable when recognized and acted upon in time.
At Astra Stroke India Foundation, we believe that awareness saves lives, education empowers communities, and preparedness improves outcomes.
Every person educated, every healthcare worker trained, and every hospital prepared represents another opportunity to save a life and preserve a family’s future.
I invite you to join us in this mission. Together, we can create a future where no stroke patient loses the opportunity for recovery because of lack of awareness or delayed treatment.
Thank you for your support, trust, and commitment to this important cause.
Dr. Aarti Kulkarni
MBBS, MD (Medicine), DNB (Neurology)
Founder, Astra Stroke India Foundation
Consultant Neurologist
Dr. Prathamesh Kulkarni
Dr. Prathamesh Kulkarni is a highly respected and skilled Hematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist serving patients across Navi Mumbai and the Raigad region. With over 12 years of experience in Hematology, he has successfully performed 40+ bone marrow transplants and has extensive expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex blood disorders and hematological cancers.
He is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centred and compassionate care to both adults and children, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment and improved quality of life.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Prathamesh Kulkarni is deeply committed to community health and social initiatives. Together with his wife, Dr. Aarati Kulkarni, he has actively supported and participated in stroke awareness campaigns, public health initiatives and efforts to improve access to care for people affected by stroke and other neurological disorders.
As Co-Founder of ASTRA Stroke India Foundation, he brings his medical expertise, community commitment and passion for public health to ASTRA's mission of building greater awareness, prevention, timely response and holistic recovery from stroke across communities.
Expert Team
Glimpse of the team Members
Healthcare Professional
Community Advocate
Public Health Champion
Commited to saving lives.
Our mission is simple:
Awareness saves lives.
Stroke Awareness
Why Stroke Awareness Matters
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability
Timely treatment within the Golden Hour can save lives
Awareness can prevent up to 80% of strokes
Our Impact
25,000 +
Lives Reached
1,200 +
Awareness Sessions
350 +
Institutions Engaged
100 +
Corporate Partners
100%
Commitment to saving lives
