IN THE MIRROR

The Indic cultures had embraced open discussions on sexuality, with the myths, (Kamasutra) literature, sculpture and architecture reflecting an understanding of sensuality, intimacy and human relationships. However, colonialism and changing societal norms suppressed these conversations, turning’ sex’ into a taboo subject.

In today’s modern India, this silence has resulted in misinformation, confusion and an utter lack of sexual education for adolescents. In Indic regions, sex education tends to center heavily on biology- anatomy, reproduction, and disease prevention. These elements dominate textbooks and curricula.

Conversely, the emotional, social, and identity-based aspects of sexuality are often sidelined or completely absent. This imbalance raises the need for a more holistic, human-centered approach.

The ritual is the silence around sex and sexuality in Indic households and classrooms.It is the quiet, unspoken rule: “We don’t talk about this.”This silence is passed from generation to generation often masked as protection, modesty, or tradition.