Pune: A city-based support group for individuals with vitiligo has organised a fashion show to challenge negative perceptions around the condition, and to promote a more inclusive environment. Vitiligo is classified as a cosmetic condition by the health department, but individuals often face mental and social challenges, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the prevailing stigma in society. To tackle this, the initiative organized by the Shweta Association will feature 23 men and women with vitiligo walking the ramp and “wearing their patches with pride”, said organizers.
The event, titled ‘Canvas of Nature’, will be held at 5pm June 21 at the PYC Gymkhana on Bhandarkar Road. Dr Maya Tulpule, founder of the association, emphasised that vitiligo is not communicable and does not impact one’s health, despite the lack of a cure. She told TOI, “The social stigma associated with vitiligo leads to rejection, loss of opportunities and isolation.
This severely impacts mental health, with many resorting to taking their own lives due to shame projected by others. We conduct activities to encourage self-acceptance to encourage better adaptation in society.” Nidhi Pritam (28), a corporate employee taking part in the show, shared that she has dealt with reactions to vitiligo since the age of eight.
“Classmates would not want to sit next to me. The neighbours’ children would not play with me. At work, I face a lot of rejection as my colleagues never i.