Men in Raipur embrace Movember and flaunt their beard for a cause

We are in the middle of November, and if you happen to notice city youngsters sporting facial hair, don’t be surprised. They might be among the several around the world who are sprouting their moustache and growing a beard to flaunt the ‘Movember’ look. Read on to know the story behind this bushy new look...
Grooming for a cause
Men with facial hair are everywhere, from the cover of leading fashion magazines to the football ground, but this symbol of masculinity has special significance in the month of November and here’s the reason why – Movember or No-Shave November, a movement that raises awareness and funds with regard to men's health and diseases such as prostrate cancer.During these 30 days, men around the world refrain from shaving and instead, donate the money they would have spent on grooming to the cause.
“After learning about the No-Shave November cause, I decided to let my moustache and beard grow this month. Usually, I trim my facial hair every week and spend `1,000 on grooming it, but this month, not only am I restraining myself from picking up a trimmer, but I’m also saving the money I spend on grooming, and donating it to a cancer organisation. It feels good to help someone in need,” says a city-based event organiser Sahil Rajput.

MBA student Jamal Ismail, a student of fashion designing, who lost a family member to lung cancer last year, says, “Since then, I have been supporting many organisations that are raising awareness about cancer. As part of the Movember movement, I am standing up in solidarity with men battling various health problems, including cancer.”
Out to impress
While Movember men in the city are doing their part to support various causes, for some, it is an excuse to make a fashion statement and impress as well. “The best part of keeping a beard is the attention I get from my peers,” says Rohit Makhija, an entrepreneur, while hotelier Faiz Ahmad adds, “It was my girlfriend who inspired me to first grow a beard two years ago as she likes the look, but ever since I learned about the No-Shave November cause, I look forward to this month every year.”
Parents are on board with the beard too!
A lot of parents don’t like the bearded look on their sons, but hats off to Movember men, who know how to convince their parents. “My mom usually feels that a beard makes me look older and unruly. She keeps telling me to shave it, as I look unclean. But thank God for No-Shave November! After learning about the social campaign, she too supports my decision to keep a beard,” says professional model Kunal Shah.