Health minister calls for responsible choices & honest conversations around sexual health
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 30: The State Central Library in Shillong came alive on Saturday with a unique blend of dialogue, creativity and advocacy during ‘Youth Uncut: Real Talk on HIV’ and ‘Multiverse Saga 2025–Cosplay with a Cause.’
The twin segments combined serious conversations on health and stigma with vibrant displays of youth talent and pop culture, drawing enthusiastic participation from local youth and performers from Nagaland.
The first half of the programme, Youth Uncut–Real Talk on HIV, featured a candid panel discussion where young people engaged directly with policymakers and experts on HIV/AIDS.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh interacted openly with the audience, encouraging them to raise bold, unfiltered questions.
She also underscored the urgency of breaking the silence around HIV, calling on young people not to hesitate in seeking help.
The health minister reassured participants that “help is just one phone call away” through the national helpline 1097, and stressed the need for empathy rather than sympathy toward people living with HIV.
She also touched on issues such as dating apps, hookup culture and STI awareness, urging responsible choices and honest conversations around sexual health.
Speaking to reporters about the unique setting of the event, Lyngdoh said, “Here we are experimenting with different ambience—how do you get the kids come experience this environment and take time out to give them awareness about the evils of HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, an issue which is really now not addressed may scale very dangerous heights. This is a typical situation and we see this is working. Kids are coming forward and getting educated with information that is the basic idea now.”
She further noted the depth of questions raised by the participants. “Most of the kids of this generation feel they are tormented by loneliness. Loneliness is not a government situation alone, it is family, support system, institutions—everybody needs to come on the same platform to address this very serious problem, which is what MDA 2.0 is doing,” she added.
The second half of the event, Multiverse Saga 2025–Cosplay With a Cause, transformed the venue into a colourful celebration of pop culture with youth dressed as their favourite comic, anime and film characters. Beyond entertainment, the cosplay was tied to the central theme of awareness and breaking stigma, with participants linking their performances to messages of courage, acceptance, and resilience.
Cosplayers from Nagaland joined their Shillong counterparts, adding cross-state vibrancy to the show. Their creative portrayals were met with cheers from the crowd, proving how art and advocacy can powerfully combine to reach young minds.
By blending heartfelt dialogue with the energy of cosplay, the event highlighted a fresh approach to youth engagement—one where education and entertainment merge to drive conversations on some of Meghalaya’s most pressing health and social challenges.