The Better India has highlighted the inspiring journey of Arun Gupta and his daughter Khyati, who founded the Pinkishe Foundation to address menstrual hygiene disparities in India. The story began when Khyati, at the age of 16, witnessed a young girl struggling with unhygienic menstrual practices due to financial constraints

In a significant initiative aimed at empowering young girls with crucial knowledge about puberty and menstrual health, the Pinkishe Foundation is stepping forward to support girls in Meerut's government schools. Positioned as a trusted companion, Pinkishe will provide valuable information and guidance to girls, fostering understanding and confidence during this important developmental stage. Led by the Pinkishe Foundation, a prominent women's organization in the city, a specialized awareness campaign is set to unfold within government school premises. The campaign's primary objective is to enhance girls' understanding of menstrual hygiene and safety, addressing important topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Beyond menstrual health, the campaign will cover broader aspects of well-being, educating girls about practices that promote overall good health. By equipping them with knowledge and awareness, this initiative aims to empower girls to navigate puberty with confidence and competence. Through this initiative, the Pinkishe Foundation demonstrates a commitment to supporting girls' health and well-being, serving as a valuable resource and advocate within the educational setting. This approach not only educates but also encourages a supportive environment where girls can embrace this natural phase of life with greater awareness and self-assurance.

In partnership with Pink Sikkim branch, an impactful menstrual health and hygiene awareness session was conducted in the Rangpo IBMSLUM area of Pakyong district. The session, aimed at empowering women with essential knowledge, reached out to 38 participants, educating them on proper menstrual hygiene practices and the use of menstrual products. Led by Mrs. Jhuma Sunuwar, Assistant Professor at SMIT and dedicated NSS volunteer, the program successfully addressed critical aspects of menstrual health, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and safe menstrual practices. The session provided a supportive platform for open discussions and information-sharing, breaking taboos and promoting women's health awareness. As part of the initiative, free menstrual pads were distributed to the participating women, ensuring access to necessary hygiene products. This practical support underlines the commitment of Pink Sikkim and collaborating partners to empower women with resources for managing menstruation confidently and hygienically.

Samvad facebook page covered the initiative led by SMIT NSS members in collaboration with Pinkishe Foundation aimed to address the crucial issue of menstrual hygiene awareness and accessibility to sanitary pads. By organizing a free pad distribution program in Rangpo, East Sikkim, they not only provided essential menstrual hygiene products but also conducted awareness sessions to educate individuals about the importance of proper menstrual hygiene practices. This initiative likely involved meticulous planning and coordination to ensure the effective distribution of pads to those in need. By partnering with local authorities and organizations, they could reach a wider audience and maximize the impact of their efforts. Furthermore, the support from Sikkim indicates a collective effort towards promoting menstrual hygiene and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation. By working together, they strive to create a more supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can manage their menstrual health with dignity and access to necessary resources. Overall, this initiative reflects a commendable commitment to addressing a fundamental aspect of public health and gender equality, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives to bring about positive change.

In a collaborative effort aimed at community health outreach, the NSS units of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), PINKISHE Foundation, NSS SMIMS, and SMCON organized a comprehensive medical camp at IBM Rangpo. Led by Dr. Binod Kumar Tamang from the Department of Anatomy, along with four doctors from Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) and Dr. Bishal Gurung from Namchi Hospital, the camp offered health check-ups and medical advice to attendees. The event not only focused on medical services but also incorporated cultural enrichment with performances by talented SMIT students. Attendees, especially children, benefited from free medications provided during the camp. NSS volunteers from SMIT and nursing students contributed their efforts to support the medical professionals in facilitating the camp's operations. As a token of appreciation, plant saplings were presented to the participating doctors, symbolizing gratitude and environmental stewardship. This collaborative initiative exemplifies the commitment of these organizations towards community welfare and healthcare accessibility, fostering a holistic approach to community service and well-being. The medical camp served as a valuable platform for healthcare professionals and volunteers to positively impact the lives of individuals in the Rangpo community

In primary schools of the region, Pinkishe's Foundation conducted an awareness campaign regarding the problems faced by students during menstruation and ways to prevent them. They urged adolescents to be vigilant against these issues. On Monday, Pinkishe's Foundation launched an awareness campaign in primary schools of the region regarding the problems caused by menstruation. The team from Musk Leaf raised awareness about menstruation through street plays. They mentioned that menstruation is a process that occurs only in women worldwide, making them unique. This process continues from the age of eight to fifty-five in women. It is essential for women to maintain hygiene during this process. During this time, use clean clothes or sanitary pads. Use pain relievers as advised by a doctor. Consult a doctor in case of any infection. Get plenty of rest. Avoid lifting heavy objects. They emphasized that it is essential to pay attention to safety measures to prevent infection during menstruation. On this occasion, Principal Neha, Founder Arun Gupta, Founder Shalini Gupta, Shubham Jha, Sujit Kumar, Vipul Kalra, and others were present.‍

In an effort to promote menstrual hygiene awareness among adolescent girls, a collaborative workshop was conducted at Government Girls' Higher Secondary School, Rajpura in Haldwani. The workshop, jointly organized by Chetna Seva Samiti and Pinkishe Foundation, aimed to educate girls on maintaining cleanliness during menstruation. Led by representatives from both organizations, including Pushpa Kandpal, Upasana, and Sangita Shekhar, the workshop addressed essential topics such as menstrual hygiene practices, proper use and disposal of sanitary pads, and overall reproductive health. Through interactive sessions, the girls were sensitized to menstrual health issues, helping them navigate this natural process with confidence and dignity. Furthermore, as part of the initiative, all participating girls were provided with sanitary pads to encourage hygienic menstrual practices. This distribution not only ensures access to essential menstrual hygiene products but also emphasizes the importance of adopting safe and sustainable menstrual health practices.

The CSR Journal covered a story on the 'Udaan' project, a collaboration between the Flipkart Foundation, Give Foundation, and Pinkishe Foundation. This initiative aims to promote menstrual health awareness and hygiene among marginalized communities, particularly in rural areas. 'Project Udaan' seeks to empower girls aged 10 to 18 by providing essential knowledge and eco-friendly period products, fostering better reproductive health practices. Workshops will be conducted across multiple states including Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, benefiting 1,600 girls directly and an additional 3,200 girls and women indirectly. The project focuses on breaking menstrual taboos, promoting menstrual health practices, and nurturing confidence among young girls. It includes educational workshops covering hygiene, product options, disposal, health, and nutrition, among other topics. Each participant will receive a period kit containing reusable cloth pads and essentials for sustainable menstrual health management. To read the full article, visit: Click Here

In a significant initiative organized by Pinkishe Foundation, a team visited Pre Secondary School Rajpura to educate students on menstrual management and hygiene. Led by Rajrani Sharma, the team provided vital information about the changes occurring in the body during menstruation, addressing common concerns and queries among adolescent girls. Additionally, Seema Pawar shared insights on maintaining a healthy diet and practicing yoga during menstrual cycles, emphasizing the importance of self-care. The session concluded with the distribution of sanitary pads to the students, ensuring access to essential menstrual hygiene products. The event received extensive support from individuals including Chandrapal, Shipra Kushwaha, Anju Yadav, and others, highlighting the collaborative effort to promote menstrual health awareness within the community.