World is changing rapidly, so is the youth. Education, awareness and knowledge have largely been responsible for this change. Given the exposure to explosion of information but with the lack of correct knowledge; youth have a lot of unanswered queries regarding their overall health and wellbeing. The leading associations of gynecologists, FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India) and MOGS (Mumbai Obstetrics & Gynecological Society) in association with Rotary Club of Parleshwar, Sathye College and Prin. L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool) came together to reach out and create a better awareness about health, safety, wellbeing and issues about family life & sexuality among the youth, at YOUTHCON, an informative and interactive program at WeSchool campus on February 2.

Ulrika Sundberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai, was the chief guest at the event attended by a large number of young students from paramedical/nursing streams from different colleges in the city along with management students from the healthcare vertical at WeSchool. The event was inaugurated by planting a tree, a symbol of life, at the hands of the Consul General along with Dr. Rishma Dhillon Pai, the newest President of FOGSI, Advocate S.K. Jain, Chairman, LMC, WeSchool and Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, Rtn Moha Kamath, President, Rotary club of Parleshwar, Prof Dr Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool and members from the FOGSI and MOGS teams.

While the event began with a brief welcome note by Dr Sudha Tandon, Chairperson, FOGSI Sexual Health Committee and Dr Priti Vyas , Organising Secretary, the same was followed by an address by Organizing Chairman Dr. Suchitra Pandit where she described the thought process behind the YOUTHCON.

In her keynote address, Dr. Rishma Dhillon Pai, top Gynaecologist and Consultant Obstetrician and President, FOGSI outlined her vision for FOGS future initiative to empower women and youth, “As a society, we need to overcome the stigma attached to issues pertaining to physical and mental well-being. In the case of youth, we need to impart proper knowledge and answer their queries rather than them being misled by factually incorrect information that they may get over the internet or through non-qualified sources.”

Advocate S.K.Jain, Chairman, LMC, WeSchool and Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali shared his words of wisdom, “Owing to globalization there is a rapid change, we face new challenges as there is a change in the lifestyle, thought process, and work culture. Hence, healthcare is one area where maximum attention needs to be given.” He urged the organizers to address the issues of the low income groups living in villages and slums and make healthcare available to them.

Ulrika Sundberg, Consul General of Sweden said, “There is an urgent need to create a more open and transparent society which lets people have a dialogue about sexuality. The new generation can be curious and can venture out at an early stage, there needs to be a system wherein they can get proper guidance and verified information.”

Prof Dr Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool reaffirmed his commitment to the Social initiative by saying, “We are proud to partner with this path-breaking initiative by creating a conducive environment for youngsters to reach out to doctors with their problems without any apprehensions. At WeSchool, we believe in the power of ‘We’, we are all part of this society and it is our responsibility to collaborate to make it a better place for all of us.”

The conference unfolded with lively interactive sessions on  Let’s get rid of Anemia’, ‘ Build Strong Bones, ‘PCOS - What we must know’, ‘Prevention of Cervical Cancer’, and panel discussions on issues about gender, family life and  sexuality conducted by eminent doctors. There were moments of entertainment and excitement as well. Renowned Bollywood singer and composer Toshi Sabri joined the medical fraternity on the dais to release an informative booklet and also regaled the audience with a couple of bollywood hits. The Karwa Maga team took center-stage to display some easy-to-learn defense techniques for self-protection and prevention of violence.

Today, it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the people and planet and give back socially, whether you are a corporate, educational institute, medical professional, government or a common man. YOUTHCON was one such example where professional bodies like FOGSI and MOGS, leading educational institutes like WeSchool and Sathaye, corporates and individuals came together to address the health issues of the most educated generation that are going the be the innovators, thinkers, leaders, the movers and shakers that will shape India’s destiny and lead it to become the next superpower.