Noted classical dancer and choreographer Mallika Sarabhai has underlined the significance of health communication, with a focus on malnutrition, sexual and mental health, and empowerment of communities. Ms. Sarabhai addressed a TEDx event at a health institution in Jaipur, bringing together activists and changemakers.

The fourth edition of TEDx, organised by the Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) University, brought a new perspective on health, innovation, entrepreneurship, social impact, culture, and the arts. A battery of activists working on the issues of child rights, disability and public health attended the event.

Ms. Sarabhai said the conversations around mental health and sexuality, which rarely happened in society, could bust the myths and move people’s consciences. “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,” the Padma Bhushan recipient and Darpana Academy’s director said. An effective communication about health could resolve several issues, Ms. Sarabhai added.

The TEDx event was dedicated to the theme, “Ignite the unseen”. IIHMR University president P.R. Sodani said new ideas and experiences in the healthcare sector could challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful changes.

The speakers from diverse fields threw light on the concepts which are often overlooked but have the potential to shape the society. Besides public health and child rights, other subjects included performing arts, assistive technology, music, entrepreneurship, and wildlife conservation.

The 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.