Mallika Sarabhai urges bold health talks on taboo topics through community stories

Classical dancer and choreographer Mallika Sarabhai has called for effective health communication that confronts taboo subjects including malnutrition, sexual health, mental health, and violence, speaking at a gathering that brought activists and changemakers to Jaipur.

Addressing the fourth edition of TEDx organised by the Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) University, the Padma Bhushan recipient argued that conversations around mental health and sexuality, which rarely happen in society, could bust myths and move people's consciences.

Breaking shame through community storytelling

The Darpana Academy director described her approach to reaching communities by working with their existing cultural material. "Talking about the unseen, about shame, and about malnutrition and violence is part of health communication," she said. "We have started going into the community, finding their myths, their songs, their stories, and putting a twist in the tale. We have managed to break down the fear and shame of speaking," Ms. Sarabhai explained.

She added that effective communication about health could resolve several issues.

Diverse voices on overlooked concepts

The event, built around the theme "Ignite the unseen," drew speakers from fields including child rights, disability advocacy, and public health. IIHMR University president P.R. Sodani said new ideas and experiences in the healthcare sector could challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful changes. The speakers threw light on concepts which are often overlooked but have the potential to shape society.

Participants included Om Prakash Gurjar, 2006 International Children's Peace Prize laureate and founder of Paathshala Trust; musicologist Gauri Yadwadkar of Roundglass Music; disability rights advocate Prateek Madhav; and wildlife conservationist R. Udayan Lahiry. The programme covered performing arts, assistive technology, music, entrepreneurship, and wildlife conservation alongside public health and child rights.

Activists working on issues of child rights, disability and public health attended the event.

Source: The Hindu