CONDOM OR Nirodh is one word, which is still not being used in our society openly but with the problem of population bomb looming over India and AIDS control programme, have got wide recognition and a large number of people are open to the word Nirodh or condom. Nirodh, meaning protection was the brainchild of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) student and went on to create history in the country’s family planning movement. It was the collective effort of management that led to spectacular success of Nirodh.
In 1964 India’s population was 470 million and with an annual addition of 12 million it was to double in three decades. Since urgent steps were the need of the hour, the allocation for the family planning in the Third Plan was quintupled to $56 million and help of international agencies was sought.
Condoms were available in India since the 1940s even in 1968 the total users of the product by four private manufacturers was barely one million and at 25 paise, the price was same as in US markets.
Therefore they were available to elite classes only. To tackle this, it was suggested that government should import condoms and sell it at 5 paise, which was done but it was essential that we had our own condom manufacturing unit to tackle the growing demand. In 1969, Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) set up the first condom factory in Thiruvananthapuram with an annual production of 144 million pieces.
It is estimated that over five million people in India are infected with HIV/AIDS. National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) recognises the usage of condom in order to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and has started focusing on areas where spread is more likely. It believes that promoting condoms among high-risk groups such as prostitutes and their clients is the best way to slow the spread of AIDS. The other advantage of condoms is that they prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well. The condom is effective at reducing the transmission of genital herpes, warts, syphilis, gonorrhea and many others. Condoms are often used in sex education programmes, because it has the capability to reduce the chances of pregnancy and the spread of some sexually transmitted diseases when used correctly. Indian made condoms have done reasonably well and are considered as a blessing. Now HLL produces the world’s largest variety of condoms.
Though the Indian population has more than doubled in the last three decades and is predicted to be the world’s largest by 2050, the growth rate has fallen considerably and much of the credit goes to the humble Nirodh.
There are umpteen advantages of using condoms. But still awareness regarding condom is very low. It is high time that we realised the importance of using condoms and thus contributing towards nation’s development. The government of India and many NGOs are doing their best.
So the next time when you hear the word ‘condom’ don’t feel shy and try to spread awareness regarding it to your friend, family, colleague, among others. By doing so, you will help them and the government. Probably this is the reason the country’s population growth rate is down from 2.4 per cent in 1964 to 1.8 per cent in 2005.
Jai Hind: Proud to be an Indian 
Awareness is one thing and embarrassment is other. People feel shy to go to the chemist counter and ask for condoms or they would generally go to the shop when no-one is around and then raise a eyebrow or tap something to signal for condom.
An interesting idea would be to buy it online and the package comes in well packaged box. The same has been well handled by http://www.CILORY.com . They have huge variety of condoms and also ship in well packaged boxes.
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