Real talk: candid thoughts, periods and chocolate.

Sex education in India is like a rusted jar covered in dust sitting in a corner of a storeroom. It gets to see the sun's rays on special occasions, like when she gets her period or when preparing her for the “upcoming unexpected event” after marriage. But unfortunately, the information confined in the jar is never fully opened…come on! Ever heard of the phrase, “half-baked knowledge is dangerous?”

I would like to put forward my personal experience concerning this. I had zero clue about womanhood and how to go about it. I still remember, it was a Monday and my cousin enlightened me with the not-so-fascinating concept of periods. (p.s. it sucks) and sex. 10-year-old me was in sheer shock and disbelief as I did not come into being by simply falling out of the sky.

I used to be very careful while using sanitary napkins, praying that no one would hear the sound of me unwrapping it. But reaching 17, it has become very normal. One of the many conversations I had with my juniors was – “darne ka nhi ki awaz aye na aye. aygi toh I will get you a chocolate!” (Don’t be afraid about the sound it makes, if it does, I’ll get you chocolate!)

Lastly, I feel that our generation, or as what people like to call, the "GEN-Z" is doing a far better job in making topics such as sex education and personal hygiene which can be normally discussed, with a cup of coffee and without any hesitation, which is undoubtedly a revolutionary step!

PREETI KAANGAR

17