On February 14, 1996, India got a new helpline that addressed issues of sexuality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The helpline, launched by TARSHI (Talking About Reproductive and Sexual Health Issues), offered free and confidential information, counselling and referrals by trained counsellors on SRHR issues.

TARSHI’s work began with the belief that all people have the right to sexual wellbeing and to a self-affirming and enjoyable sexuality.

25 years since, we have continued our work towards this vision by supporting and enabling people’s control and agency over their sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. We have done this through trainings, publications, public education, and perspective building.

From our inception, we have held that work on sexual and reproductive health and rights should not be restricted to a disease-prevention, violence against women or sexual minorities framework, but be inclusive of a broader and an affirmative, rights-based perspective.

25 years on, this approach to sexuality continues to be as important as ever.

Along this journey, we have seen critical progress in societal attitudes and laws related to sexuality and wellbeing, and also observed that some other attitudes stubbornly remain no matter the efforts made to move to a more affirmative approach to sexuality! Mindful of our learnings from these 25 years, we remain eager to contribute to a Safe, Inclusive, and Sexuality-Affirming world.

We have been able to come this far because of the immense support we have received from all of you. Thank you! Below is an infographic that highlights key moments of this journey of which you are a special part.

Please visit this link to get a special 25% off on our much-loved publications on sexuality education for children, young people, and parents, teachers and other concerned adults. And look out for other events and promotions in the coming weeks!

Thank you once again for accompanying us on this adventure!

[slideshow_deploy id=’20823′]