Kohima (Nagaland) [India], December 3 (ANI/NewsVoir): On World AIDS Day, Durex with its youth and adolescent-focused initiative The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) program is supporting the 23rd edition of Nagaland's iconic Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village Kisama. The ten-day 'Festival of festivals' is getting special attention as India is planning to showcase Hornbill Festival to G-20 in adherence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recommendation to not limit G-20 to urban cities and display India's rich heritage and culture. Durex The Birds and the Bees Talk with the Department of Tourism, Nagaland will be celebrating the rich culture, art and music of the tribes in the beautiful Kisama Heritage village during the 23rd edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival 2022 as its 'Health Partner'.

The Chief Guest of the festival Jagdeep Dhankar inaugurated the ceremony on 1st December with Jagdish Mukhi, Governor of Nagaland, host Neiphiu Rao, Chief Minister of Nagaland, festival host H. Khehovi Yeputhomi, Advisor Tourism Art and Culture, Honored guests Emmaneul Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, Alan Gemmell, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India and Barry O' Farrell Ao, Australian High Commissioner to India.

On 2nd December, the Chief Guest of the festival Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt addressed the keynote speaker session stating that "Nagaland has pioneered its approach in addressing discrimination and erasing the stigma that marginalized people suffer. The support of the people of Nagaland to The Birds and the Bees Talk initiative focusing on inclusion, equity, awareness, consent, and protection indicates a deep understanding of sexual diversity and acceptance." The session was hosted by Mmhonlumo Kikon, Advisor Information and Technology, Science and Technology, New & Renewable Energy.

TBBT is taking the opportunity to reach out to the youth and adolescents to spread awareness and information towards important issues of growing up through innovative Gaming and Virtual Reality experience during the festival. The exhibit situated in a bamboo pavilion was inaugurated by Thavaseelan K (IAS), Principal Director, School Education, Project Director, NECTOR & CEO, State Health Authority, Government of Nagaland.

Students from GHSS Jotsoma were the special guests of the exhibit and they experienced beauty of Nagaland from a bird's eye view through virtual reality. The Birds and Bees Talk focus on the principles of Protection, Awareness, Consent, Inclusion and Equity are incorporated in the game in a completely new avatar. The festival is also supported by Assocham Foundation.

Saying that Northeast India is a strategically important region for them to make a significant difference to the health of the country, Gaurav Jain, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Reckitt, said, "Reckitt aims to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of creating a cleaner and healthier world. Reckitt's Economic and Social Impact initiatives contribute to 13 of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals to help people in India lead healthier and more hygienic lives. Our collaboration with the prestigious Hornbill Festival is our way of ensuring that our vision of One Health, One Planet, One Future is taken forward by the young adults and youth in the Northeast."

Attaching the TBBT association with the larger goal of having informed and responsible youth, Temjen Imna Along, Minister Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Govt. of Nagaland, said, "The Land of festivals Nagaland is proud to host the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival and with The Birds and Bees Talk being a health partner for the festival, together we stand strong for the youth of Nagaland by making their future healthier and happier."

"TBBT program in Nagaland focuses and provides training and awareness to adolescents on critical life-changing skills. The program always introduces innovative and fun ways to connect with the youth and community as well. Partnering Hornbill as the purpose health partner is a great way to spread the right knowledge and information," said Thavaseelan K (IAS), Principal Director, School Education, Project Director, NECTOR & CEO, State Health Authority, Government of Nagaland.

"Hornbill signifies the unity in diversity and a way to bring people together from all over. TBBT talks about core values like consent, equity, protection, inclusion and awareness among adolescents. And this year TBBT being a part of the grand festival as a purpose partner is a needed intervention," said Keduosieu Metha, Director, Department of Tourism, Nagaland.

"I would like to extend my thank and gratitude to the Department of Tourism, Nagaland for providing full support in making the program grow exponentially. The continuous inputs from the system welcomed and boosted our efforts and gave us a nudge to perform better and affect millions of lives of youth for their overall development," said Asif Mohammed, Executive Director, Plan India.

The festival of festivals will host guests from across states and nation representing rich culture of various tribes of Nagaland and with The Birds and Bees Talk as Health Partner, the partnership will reach out the youths and people of Nagaland ensuring that we make the youth and future of India healthier and happier.

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