The 25th Hornbill Festival, renowned as the Festival of Festivals, witnessed a record-breaking 2.5 lakh visitors, significantly boosting local economic activity. Reckitt’s Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) program played a pivotal role as the festival’s Health Partner, introducing Asia’s first-ever Consent Café to drive impactful discussions on consent, equity, and inclusivity.
The innovative Consent Café, inaugurated by ShriAnoopKhinchi (IAS) and ShriThavaseelan K (IAS), emerged as a key attraction, reinforcing social awareness through immersive art, music, and interactive engagements. Additionally, the launch of the Durex TBBT Rap Album showcased the program’s core pillars—consent, awareness, protection, inclusion, and equity—via collaborations with five local rap artists.
The economic boost in Kohima was notable, with local markets experiencing increased footfall and heightened demand for artisanal goods, food stalls, and hospitality services. The integration of educational initiatives with cultural events provided new opportunities for businesses, particularly those catering to youth-oriented health and wellness sectors, aligning economic growth with social progress. Gaurav Jain, EVP, Reckitt South Asia, highlighted the program’s success, stating, “By leveraging cultural platforms like the Hornbill Festival, we’re not only driving awareness but also contributing to local economies, empowering youth, and fostering sustainable societal change.”
