The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 became a vibrant hub for creative expression and life skills education, with The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) program by Reckitt making a notable impact. Held at the festival’s largest Health Pavilion, TBBT drew over 30,000 visitors daily, sparking conversations on crucial life skills such as Inclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness, and Equity.
A standout feature of the program was the graffiti competition, curated by Guwahati-based artist Pulak Rabha, which offered young artists from Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal a platform to express their perspectives on TBBT’s core pillars. Shembhalang Thawbroi from East Khasi Hills won the top prize for his artwork on Protection, with other winners like Noibid Borah and Mrinmoy Boro also recognized for their talent.
In Gangtok, the festival’s focus on youth engagement resonated deeply with the local community. The event’s emphasis on health and education helped elevate awareness among younger generations, boosting participation in creative and educational initiatives. This influx of youth-driven activities is also creating new opportunities for businesses in Gangtok to align with socially-conscious, youth-focused movements, driving both cultural and economic growth in the region. Gaurav Jain, EVP, Reckitt – South Asia, highlighted, “TBBT uses art and culture as a powerful tool for education, fostering a safer, more inclusive world for the youth.”
