When do boys become men?

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“I think I’m going to grow my moustache. It’s been years since I sported one, and if it’s for a good cause, it’s worth the effort,” says Parth Varma, a public relations executive. With November almost here, men around the country are gearing up to grow beards and moustaches.

No, it’s not some Wild West fascination that has taken over the menfolk but a bid to raise awareness for a good cause.
Movember is a charity event where men worldover sport facial hair as a sign of solidarity of prostate cancer and men’s health. Men, who call themselves Mo Bros, start growing moustaches on November 1. Now, the Indian version, aptly called, Movember India, is gaining popularity in the country. Young men from various Indian cities are willing to sport taches all month. Vijith Nagesh, a sound engineer based in Mumbai says, “This entire month is dedicated to breast cancer awareness and it’s great how the campaign has really gained momentum in the past two years. There should be enough emphasis on men’s health issues too.”
Over the past few years, campaigns pertaining to cervical cancer, breast cancer, diabetes and heart disease have become popular. Rarely do you find these campaigns with a light-hearted twist. With Movember, the message is clear and also helps gather several people. Entrepreneur Vivek Mathew and self-proclaimed Mo Bro says, “I read about this campaign last year on Facebook and tried growing a moustache. I’m usually clean-shaven so everyone was curious to know what happened. They all asked me if I got dumped by my girlfriend!” The first step, the organisers hope, is the curiosity. Greg Rafferty, head of Movember, Asia and Australia says, “Men are often known to be more indifferent towards their health when compared to the efforts of women, who proactively and publicly address their health issues. As a result, today the levels of awareness, understanding and funding for men’s health issues, like prostate cancer, lag significantly behind other causes. Movember is keen to get as many Indians participating in the campaign and raising awareness for men’s health issue. Indians are well known for growing amazing moustaches so we are looking forward to seeing how the campaign is embraced.”