Implemented by Plan India, Durex The Birds and Bees Talk reaches millions of adolescents across 10 states, promoting comprehensive, age-appropriate life skills education fostering respect, responsibility and inclusion.
KOHIMA (India CSR): The 25th edition of Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival, celebrated as the “Festival of Festivals”, concluded on a historic note with an unprecedented 2.5 lakh visitors gathering at Kisama Heritage Village. This year, Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT), Reckitt’s transformative life skills program, emerged as the official Health Partner, pioneering impactful conversations around consent, inclusion, and empowerment.
Asia’s First Consent Café Makes History
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Durex TBBT introduced Asia’s first Consent Café, a safe and engaging space dedicated to fostering critical awareness on consent and healthy relationships.
The café was inaugurated by Anoop Khinchi (IAS), Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, and Thavaseelan K (IAS), Principal Director, School Education & CEO, State Health Authority. Prominent dignitaries such as T.R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister, and G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor, Land Resources, also attended the launch.
Innovative Platforms for Social Change
Day 2 of the festival saw the launch of the Durex TBBT Rap Album at a vibrant Music Carnival. Featuring five talented local artists—Moko Koza, G’nie, DonKam, SR, and A. Hosea—the album highlighted TBBT’s five core pillars: Consent, Awareness, Protection, Inclusion, and Equity.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, launched the album and praised its unique approach, stating, “The creative use of music to communicate vital messages reflects how tradition and modernity can come together for a purpose.”
Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, shared, “At Reckitt, we firmly believe that knowledge is the cornerstone of empowerment. The 25th Hornbill Festival was a magnificent celebration of heritage, creativity, and community. Through Durex The Birds and Bees Talk, we are proud to have sparked transformative conversations using innovative platforms like Asia’s first Consent Café, Dr. Rexpert, and the Rap Album. These initiatives underscore the power of music, art, and culture to create lasting societal change. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Nagaland for their continued support in driving meaningful impact and shaping a brighter, more informed future for youth.”
Launch of Dr. Rexpert: An AI-Powered Solution
The festival also introduced Dr. Rexpert, an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot offering scientifically accurate, youth-friendly content aligned with UNESCO’s global sexuality education standards. Designed to complement TBBT’s life skills program, Dr. Rexpert empowers adolescents with knowledge to make informed decisions, promoting healthy behaviors and respect for consent.
With an immersive design featuring light installations, pulse connections, art, and music, the café successfully provided a platform for transformative conversations.
Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, Reckitt – South Asia, noted, “By launching Asia’s first Consent Café, we aim to inspire young minds to embrace progressive values. This initiative demonstrates the power of cultural celebrations to drive real, meaningful change.”
Durex TBBT Arena: A Festival Highlight
The Durex TBBT Arena became a major crowd-puller with its interactive features, including a 360-degree camera booth, instant photo opportunities, and engaging giveaways such as tote bags, postcards, and magnets. The program’s cheerful mascots, Joy and Bubble, won hearts with their infectious energy, spreading smiles and positivity throughout the festival grounds.
Shri Toka E Tuccumi, Joint Director, Department of Tourism, expressed, “Reckitt’s partnership has beautifully amplified the values of consent, inclusion, and awareness. Their thoughtful initiatives have created a lasting impact, and we look forward to nurturing this collaboration in the years ahead.”
A Vision for Empowering the Youth
Reinforcing Reckitt’s commitment to social change, Ravi Bhatnagar stated, “Our partnership with Hornbill Festival reflects our dedication to integrating vital conversations into cultural platforms. Initiatives like the Consent Café and Rap Album offer young people the tools they need to lead empowered, inclusive lives.”
Gaurav Jain echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are proud to use innovative platforms to drive lasting change. By harnessing art, music, and technology, we are inspiring adolescents to shape a more informed and inclusive future.”
A Legacy of Inclusivity and Social Impact
As the curtains came down on the 25th Hornbill Festival, Durex The Birds and Bees Talk left a powerful legacy, seamlessly blending education with entertainment. By addressing topics such as consent, protection, and equity, Reckitt’s initiatives created meaningful, transformative conversations, inspiring youth to embrace responsible and progressive values.
Implemented by Plan India, Durex TBBT has already reached millions of adolescents across 10 states, promoting age-appropriate life skills education that empowers them to make informed decisions, fostering respect, awareness, and inclusion.
About Reckitt
Reckitt is a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, with iconic brands like Durex, Dettol, and Lysol. Committed to a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable world, Reckitt harnesses innovation to drive meaningful societal change.
The 25th Hornbill Festival not only celebrated Nagaland’s vibrant culture but also served as a transformative platform for empowerment and awareness. Durex The Birds and Bees Talk set new benchmarks in fostering conversations on consent and inclusivity, creating a blueprint for future cultural celebrations to drive social change.
(Copyright@IndiaCSR)
