Recently, in one of India’s premier institutes of technology, a condom and sexual wellness manufacturer known for its social post faced backlash and was forced to withdraw its cheeky communication from the college fest arena. The incident did not raise eyebrows. It raised questions about the societal discomfort surrounding sex education, open dialogue about sexual wellness or anything near it. Is this the right approach? Are the students not legally adults? Don’t they already have access to such information at their fingertips? What were the administrators and segments of stakeholders who removed these humorous, cheeky communication thinking?
A Closed Society and Its Taboo.
India is a country with a large population; it also happens to be one of the most reluctant and closed when it comes to talking about sex. However, the ancient texts and many architectural designs point to a far more open society in the past.
Formal sex education is almost non-existent in most schools. The topic remains taboo even in college settings- graduate or postgraduate- it does not matter. Despite legal recognition of consensual sex for individuals aged 18 and above, the subject is met with cringes, hushes, and moral policing from parents, teachers, and administrators.
This discomfort isn’t just generational; it’s cultural. It looks like we, as a society, have not moved. The idea of discussing sexual activities, acts and wellness publicly is seen as “too Western” or corruptive. Ironically, ancient India is the birthplace of Kamasutra. The irony deepens when one realises that college students, often considered the crème de la crème of intellect and modernity, are treated like children when it comes to sex education and information.
Why Such Hypocrisy?
The primary argument from colleges or parents is the need to maintain “discipline.” In their view, cheeky taglines or condom branding at a fest might corrupt young minds or distract them from their studies. But let’s pause and think: are these minds so naïve? By the time students reach college, they’re well aware of sexual health, relationships, and intimacy—whether through personal experiences, peer discussions, or the ever-available internet. And it’s not that these students do not indulge in relationships and sex.
It is this very reluctance to address sex openly that often leads to misinformation. The internet, while informative, is also rife with myths, harmful stereotypes, and unrealistic portrayals of intimacy. Instead of countering this with proper education and awareness, banning communication at a college fest is akin to shoving the issue under the carpet. I am sure that a large population appreciates this constraint and applauds the administration for acting the way they do. They also pardoned the brand- as it withdrew the communication.
Encouraging the Wrong Curiosity
When you make something forbidden, you inadvertently make it more alluring. By suppressing healthy conversations around sex, we’re encouraging students to seek answers elsewhere—often from unreliable sources. Worse, it creates an aura of shame and guilt around what is a natural and integral part of human life.
Wouldn’t it be better to take a proactive approach?
College administrators and parents could use such opportunities to introduce workshops, panel discussions, or campaigns that address sexual wellness holistically. From contraceptives and consent to emotional intimacy and mental health, these conversations can empower students to make informed decisions and less trauma.
The Case for Openness
Sexual wellness is not just about condoms or safe sex. It’s about understanding boundaries, respecting consent, preventing sexually transmitted infections, and fostering healthy relationships. By brushing these topics aside, we’re doing a disservice to students already navigating these challenges in silence.
The argument that such communication would corrupt values or lead to immoral behaviour is laughable in an age where explicit content is just a click away. If anything, access to proper sex education and open dialogue would reduce risky behaviour.
Let’s Move Past the Taboo
The incident at the college fest reflects the larger societal discomfort with sex education in India. But it’s high time we acknowledge that students are not children. They are adults capable of critical thinking and decision-making. Instead of shying away from the topic, we must embrace it as a necessary and responsible step towards holistic education.
It’s silly—and frankly counterproductive—for colleges to stifle conversations around sexual wellness. Ignorance is not a virtue, and silence does not equate to sanctity.
Let’s empower young minds with the tools and knowledge they need to lead safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives. If we genuinely care about their well-being, then let’s stop treating sex like a dirty word and start treating it like the essential part of life that it is.
After all, if the internet can teach them, why can’t we?
BLOG/ 111/2024 To connect, send an email, join on Twitter S_kotnala or subscribe to the weekly update.
