Movember is here, and men across the world are gearing up to sprout their moustaches in the month of Movember, which The Movember Foundation claims was formerly known as November.
The global organisation challenges men to grow moustaches in an effort to spark off debate on the changing face of men's health and raise funds for its men's health programs.
Started in 2003 by Travis Garone and Luke Slattery from Melbourne, Australia, the community has raised about US $ 600 million till date. Raising awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems related to men, the movement has picked up steam in India too in the recent years. The 'Movember India' Facebook page now has more than 1,500 followers. They are professionals from all walks of life taking part in the month health awareness long campaign.
Also read: Nail your moustache
"People stare, smirk, laugh and then ask me about my new look since they have always seen me clean shaven. I take it as a great conversation starter about my support for Movember," says Amal Vartak from Mumbai, who has managed to raise about US $ 1800 till now. In a conspirational whisper, he adds, "With a great moustache, comes great responsibility".
Amal Vartak
Aspiring film-maker, Asad Ali from Pune has gone one step ahead – by wearing a fake moustache bow to work every day. "Obviously, I am sporting a real moustache as well. I just came across this in the men's accessories section of an online shop and they shipped it home in less than two days."
Participants register on the Movember website through which they enter a virtual space where they can create a profile. Much like the social media profiles, this allows them to upload their pictures, invite people to participate in the movement, have a social community of like minded people and create events. Since the organisation relies on donations, Movember members — Mo Bros and Mo Sistas, as they are called — spread the word and ask for donations through their profiles.
Visvak Sen, who works with Video Volunteers, Goa, has been doing this for two years now. "It's more about solidarity with the movement, and the cause, than the actual growing of a moustache," he says.
Visvak Sen
Actors, sportsmen and athletes across the world are supporting the Movember Foundation and the movement is picking up steam. Indian cricketers Ravindra Jadeja and Shikhar Dhawan, and Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh have been the prominent faces of the movement in India. International celebrities who sport moustaches for the cause are Snoop Dogg, Kevin Connolly, Johnny Depp, and Bradley Cooper who sports one for most of his public appearances.
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