The TEDx event of the medical facility brings a new perspective on innovation, social impact

Dancer Mallika Sarabhai. Photo: Special arrangement.

Renowned classical dancer and choreographer Mallika Sarabhai highlighted the importance of health communication focusing on malnutrition, sexual and mental health and community empowerment. Ms. Sarabhai spoke at a TEDx event at a healthcare facility in Jaipur where activists and changemakers met.

Organized by the Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) University, the fourth edition of TEDx brought new insights into health, innovation, entrepreneurship, social impact, culture and the arts. The event was attended by a battery of activists dealing with the issues of children’s rights, disability and public health.

Ms Sarabhai said conversations about mental health and sexuality, which rarely happen in society, could debunk myths and move people’s consciences. “Talking about the invisible, about shame and about malnutrition and violence is part of communicating about health,” she said.

“We started going into the community, finding their myths, their songs, their stories and putting a twist on the story. We managed to break the fear and shame of speaking up,” said the Padma Bhushan recipient and director of the Darpana Academy. Effective health communication could solve several problems, Ms. Sarabhai added.

The TEDx event was dedicated to the theme “Ignite the Invisible”. IIHMR University President PR Sodani said new ideas and experiences in healthcare could challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful change.

Speakers from various fields shed light on concepts that are often overlooked but have the potential to shape society. In addition to public health and children’s rights, other subjects included the performing arts, assistive technology, music, business and conservation.

Participants included Om Prakash Gurjar, 2006 International Children’s Peace Prize laureate and founder of the Paathshala Trust; musicologist Gauri Yadwadkar of Roundglass Music; disability rights advocate Prateek Madhav; and conservationist R. Udayan Lahiry.

Published – 27 Aug 2026 02:08 IST