The Hero Who Saved 600 Million Women in India - The Pad Man

In recent years, a revolutionary movie titled “The Pad Man” has captured the hearts and minds of people across India. The film tells the story of a man who saved millions of women by introducing them to affordable and hygienic sanitary pads.

The Movie Plot - From Struggle to Triumph

The movie is divided into different stages, each depicting the struggles of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the protagonist, in his quest to create a low-cost sanitary pad for women in rural areas of India. From being shunned by society to facing financial challenges, Arunachalam overcomes multiple obstacles to achieve his goal of providing women with access to safe and affordable menstrual products.

In the beginning, he faces resistance from his wife and community, who view his work as disgraceful. However, Muruganantham's desire to make menstrual hygiene products affordable for women drives him forward.

Along the way, we see him undergo numerous trials and tribulations, from testing pads on himself to facing severe financial constraints. We witness how he acquires knowledge through trial and error, even as he suffers ostracism by society.

Despite these challenges, Arunachalam's determination never wavers, and he eventually succeeds in creating a sustainable business model for making affordable sanitary pads for rural women. His efforts culminate in him being recognized with multiple national awards and global recognition for his work towards female hygiene.

Behind The Scenes Of The Movie: A Meaningful Message

The makers of the film, including Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, aimed to destigmatize menstruation and encourage women to talk openly about their periods. Their ultimate goal was to spread awareness about menstrual hygiene and empower women to take control of their reproductive health.

The State of Menstrual Hygiene in India - Past and Present

Menstruation has been a taboo topic in India for centuries. It is considered impure, and many women do not have access to proper menstrual hygiene products, education, or facilities. The lack of awareness about menstrual hygiene leads to several health issues and social stigmas. Based on extensive research and data collection, we have compiled an overview of the state of menstrual hygiene in India, examining both past and present practices.

Past:

- Historically, menstruating women were considered impure and were forced to live outside their homes during their periods.

- There was a lack of proper menstrual hygiene products, and women used materials like ash, sand, leaves, and rags to manage their menstruation.

- Menstrual hygiene education was not given much importance, and many women were unaware of the health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene.

Present:

- According to a survey by menstrual hygiene brand Whisper, only 36% of Indian women use sanitary pads while the rest still rely on unhygienic alternatives like cloth, husk, or ashes.

- The National Family Health Survey (2015-16) reported that only 58% of women aged between 15-24 years use hygienic methods of protection during their menstrual period.

- Only 12% of menstruating women in India have access to sanitary napkins, according to a survey conducted by AC Nielsen.

- The government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) in 2014 to promote sanitation and hygiene across the country. One of the initiatives under this mission was to provide access to sanitary napkins at subsidized rates in rural areas.

- Many NGOs and social entrepreneurs are working towards providing affordable menstrual hygiene products and spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene.

While there have been some efforts to improve menstrual hygiene in India, there is still a long way to go in terms of awareness, accessibility, and hygiene practices.

Addressing Menstrual Stigma and Poverty

However, with the increasing awareness and accessibility of menstrual hygiene products like sanitary pads, the situation is slowly changing in India. While there's still a long way to go, initiatives like Arunachalam's have brought much-needed attention to this topic.

To reduce the stigma and shame surrounding periods, it's important to educate both men and women about menstrual hygiene. Adequate sanitation facilities should be provided in schools and public places to enable women to manage their periods with dignity. Access to affordable menstrual products should also be made easier, particularly for those living in rural or remote areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Pad Man” is more than just a movie - it's a powerful statement that has brought the issue of menstrual hygiene to the forefront. By promoting open discussions and awareness, we can work towards breaking down the taboos surrounding menstruation in India and beyond. With continued efforts, we can ensure that women have access to the sanitary products and facilities they need to lead healthy and productive lives.