Let’s talk about sex

It’s 2020, and even now when you talk about sex, you automatically lower you voice and whisper. Even when you’re having a conversation about it, you tend to mute out and just mouth words like ‘abortion’ or ‘condoms’. Sex education is nothing more than an unfunny joke. But don’t you think as a country with the second largest population in the world, sex education and awareness should be one of our top priorities? Won’t this help solve burning issues like poverty, unemployment, and even traffic for that matter. 

Taking up the initiative helping the youth with sex education through stories centred around critical yet taboo social issues such as modern contraception, medical abortion, consent, tuberculosis and nutrition, MTV Nishedh is set to air on MTV from today. Singer Neeti Mohan, who has also sung a track titled Khul Ke Bol, shares why she is a cause supporter of the show:
 
What got you interested in the show? 
I believe that music has a lot of power to connect people. And if there is a cause that you can make a song about, nothing like it. I’ve always encouraged songs that bring people together so they can understand certain things. MTV Nishedh is a youth-based show which talks about sex, contraception, abortion, tuberculosis, medical health, nutrition of youth and all very important topics. It is the early years that make or break the life of youth, it is important that we responsibly create content and songs which have a message for people and reach out to them. Everybody on this show has come together to promote these causes and so many good actors are a part of this series. So I hope that people will watch it and the message will definitely reach them.  

What is your contribution towards the show?
I have sung the song. And as a cause supporter, I think nowadays the youth are travelling a lot, they are interacting and learning from experiences, so what we can do is exchange our experiences and tell each other to be careful. You know, especially girls must be careful about their choices so that they do not have to be sorry later on. I strongly believe in that. My sisters and I, constantly through our line of entertainment, be it music or dance, are trying to empower women so that the world is just a better environment and a place to live in. 

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about sex education according to you? 
I think people are taught that if you touch each other or kiss each other, you get pregnant. That is the first thing I had heard about sex when I was very young. Parents are also reluctant to talk about it. They tell their kids that storks deliver the babies to mothers from heaven, or that babies grow on trees, and it should not be like that. When the age is right, when the child is ready for the information, they should be honest and explain to them about sex in an appropriate and educational way. 

Kids in school learn from each other, and sometimes this can be fatal. Wrong things can happen, that can leave them scarred for life and dejected in society. You don’t want someone to compromise on their health because they are shying away from talking about sexually transmitted diseases. 

We need to create a society where people can help each other. 

What was your experience with sex education as you were growing up?
I went to a girls’ boarding school. We were all at a very impressionable age and did not know what sex education is all about. Whatever we used to hear from other school mates, used to be the truth for us — like when somebody watched a scene in a movie, they would come and tell us what happened and we used to think that was it. For sure, I was very scared about it, I thought it is something bad that should not be done because that’s what you get to hear from everyone. 

About how my parents handled it, for sure they told me very clearly that if someone touches you inappropriately, make a noise about it. There I became confident. I knew not to allow anyone to touch me unless I am okay with it. 

But about sex, our entire generation perhaps has learnt about it from their peers, who didn't know any better. There were some things that we learnt from our parents, like our value system, but some things we only learnt outside, like about sex. 

I feel the more you talk about it and are educated about it, the more you understand that it's a beautiful process. You have to make it beautiful and not be ignorant about it. It should not be something you regret later on. When you’re watching the show, parents can talk about the issues with their kids — if you’re in this situation, this is how you can deal with it. These fictional stories can help you start the conversation at home, among family. 

Tell us what’s happening on the music front?
I recently sang Nachi Nachi from Street Dancer in three languages and I’m very excited about that song. About my independent projects, I’m working on a lot of music and collaborations. I’m also doing something with my sisters. My goals for this year are to definitely do a lot of collaborations, make independent music, take active interest in social causes, put myself out there and do my bit for society, spend time with family, anf take regular breaks from work so that I always feel refreshed and can come up with new ideas. 

Which artist would you like to collaborate with?
I’m in love with Ed Sheeran’s music. I also listen to a lot of Billie Eilish and Charlie Puth. I’m really inspired by their music. 

ST Reaser Service
MTV Nishedh will air on MTV starting from today, every Saturday-Sunday at 8 pm