In a modest classroom filled with eager young faces, Reshma Arya entered, ready to lead what appeared to be a typical lesson. But this was no ordinary class. As Arya began to sing a Hindi song that poetically explained the menstrual cycle, the students’ attention was captivated. “Ek rani thi Andanu rui ke ghar me rehti thi” (The queen was an ovum living in the ovary), Arya sang, while an animated video played in the background, illustrating the process. This innovative approach allowed Arya to impart essential knowledge about menstruation without any awkwardness or discomfort.
Arya is the co-founder and Program Director at Manzil Mystics, a Delhi-based NGO founded in 2017 by a group of musicians dedicated to creating social inclusion and fostering education through music. The NGO also boasts an 11-member band that performs across various platforms. One of its flagship programs, WeBhor (We Rise Together), launched in 2018, aims to raise awareness and educate adolescent girls from marginalized and low-income communities about menstruation, sexual health, rights, and other topics often considered taboo.
Empowering Girls Through Song
The WeBhor initiative was born out of a deep-seated need to address the lack of education and awareness surrounding gender issues among young girls. In many communities, menstruation and sexual health are shrouded in silence, leaving girls with limited understanding and often a sense of shame about their bodies. WeBhor seeks to change that narrative by using music as a tool for education.
“We use metaphors like ‘rani’ (queen) to represent the egg or ‘mahal’ (palace) to symbolize the uterus,” Arya explains. “This approach makes it easier for girls to understand these topics and feel comfortable discussing them. Periods are still a taboo subject, and many girls believe it’s not something they should talk about. By using music and metaphors, we create a safe space for them to learn and ask questions.”
The Journey of Manzil Mystics
The story of Manzil Mystics began when Arya and her co-founder, Anurag Hoon, met at Manzil, a youth empowerment and learning center in Khan Market, Delhi. Both shared a deep love for music, a passion that had been nurtured from a young age. Arya inherited her mother’s love for singing, while Hoon’s musical talent had been evident since childhood. This shared passion led them to join forces with a few other like-minded individuals to start the Manzil Mystics Band in 2009.
Their journey took them to different parts of the world, where they both pursued further studies. Hoon studied Marketing in the US on a scholarship, while Arya, who had worked as a nurse in India, went on to study nursing abroad. However, their love for music eventually drew them back to India, where they decided to focus on using their talents to make a difference.
Upon returning, Hoon briefly worked in a corporate job but soon realized his true calling was in the nonprofit sector. He joined the NGO Manzil, where he worked in various capacities for five years before becoming the CEO of Manzil Mystics in 2016. During this time, he was also completing his Master’s degree in Social Work. It was while working on his thesis about using music as a learning tool that Hoon realized the potential of music to impart life skills.
Arya’s motivation to start the WeBhor program was deeply personal. She recalls her own experiences as a young girl, when her body began to change faster than those of her peers. “I would ask questions about my early periods and growing breast size, but my mother’s response was always the same: ‘zyada sawal nhi puchne lag gayi ho’ (you’ve started asking too many questions),” Arya says. These unanswered questions led her to study nursing, with the goal of helping other women and girls.
While working with Manzil Mystics, Arya attended a session on gender issues and realized that many girls, like herself, were uncomfortable discussing these topics. This realization, combined with her passion for music, led her to create WeBhor in 2018.
A Comprehensive Program for Holistic Learning
WeBhor’s curriculum is structured around four core modules: body anatomy, gender, well-being and mental health, and financial literacy. Each module includes songs that address important issues such as body image, the menstrual cycle, and breaking stereotypes. The program typically runs for six months, with the first four months dedicated to teaching and practicing songs on these topics. In the final two months, students are encouraged to write and compose their own songs, fostering creativity and reinforcing the concepts they’ve learned.
“We teach girls not only how to sing but also how to compose songs, all while focusing on gender-specific issues,” Arya explains. The program is designed for girls aged 12 and above, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of adolescence and beyond.
Hoon, who shares Arya’s belief in the power of music to challenge stereotypes, adds, “To change deeply ingrained societal norms, we must present taboo topics in a way that doesn’t reinforce the stigma. Our goal is to spread awareness and normalize these subjects in everyday conversations.”
Before starting the program, the NGO conducts an assessment to gauge the students’ existing knowledge on the topics covered. A post-program assessment is also conducted to measure the impact of their efforts. This data-driven approach ensures that the program is not only effective but also continuously improving.
Expanding the Program to Include Boys
While WeBhor has primarily focused on educating girls, Arya and her team recognize the importance of including boys in discussions about gender issues. They are currently working on developing a curriculum that will involve boys in these conversations, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to gender education.
“We can’t address gender issues without involving boys,” Arya notes. “It’s crucial that we educate them as well, so they can become allies in the fight against gender inequality.”
In addition to the educational program, Manzil Mystics runs an all-women band under the WeBhor banner, consisting of nine women artists. This band performs inspirational songs on women’s empowerment, further reinforcing the program’s message.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite its success, Manzil Mystics faces significant challenges, particularly when it comes to funding. “People don’t easily understand how music can be used as a learning tool, which makes raising funds even more difficult,” Arya explains. However, the impact of their work is undeniable. To date, the NGO has worked with around 20,000 girls, providing them with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles, Arya notes, is breaking through the deeply ingrained stereotypes and orthodox mindsets that prevail in many communities. “Because of these mindsets, many important topics related to the body are not addressed, leading young girls to feel that something is wrong with their bodies,” she says. But despite these challenges, Arya finds the work incredibly rewarding. “When young girls come forward to learn about these concepts, it’s a testament to the impact we’re making.”
Looking ahead, Manzil Mystics plans to continue expanding the WeBhor program, reaching more girls and eventually including boys in their gender education efforts. With a team of dedicated fellows, many of whom were once students in the program, Arya and her team are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of young people across India.
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