'Pad-yatra’ held in Dhanbad for awareness on menstrual health

Dhanbad: In a significant step creating awareness around menstruation, girl students from 16 govt schools participated in a Pad-yatra on Thursday, raising awareness about sanitary pads and menstrual health. The campaign, aimed at ending hesitation and myths related to menstruation, saw the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of students, teachers, and senior district officials. The awareness drive was jointly organised by Sacchi Saheli, an organization working for children, women, and girls, with support from the district education department. The rally began from City Centre and culminated at New Town Hall, where students carried placards, cutouts, and raised slogans advocating for open dialogue on menstrual health. Senior officials, including Dhanbad SSP Prabhat Kumar, deputy commissioner (DC) Aditya Ranjan, and Dhanbad MP Dulu Mahto, also participated in the march to demonstrate their support. Addressing the gathering, organizers highlighted that menstruation continues to be surrounded by myths, stigma, and silence in society. “People still hesitate to talk about menstruation, considering it a matter of shame. But it is a natural biological process and there is nothing wrong in speaking about it openly,” said Malavika, one of the organizers. She stressed the importance of breaking barriers of silence so that young girls can gain confidence and access to proper menstrual education and hygiene. SSP Kumar, who actively joined the procession, candidly admitted that the campaign helped change his own perspective. “Earlier, I too felt some hesitation in talking about menstruation. But after this event, my perception has completely changed. It is nothing but a natural physiological phenomenon. We should not only accept it but also encourage open discussions around it,” he said, urging everyone to end taboos associated with the subject. At New Town Hall, girl students shared their experiences, expressing how the campaign gave them courage to speak freely about their menstrual health. “Earlier, we were told not to talk about periods even with our parents. We felt it was wrong to share. But now I realise that staying silent is not right. Participating in this event gave me confidence,” said a student, requesting anonymity. The Pad-yatra concluded with a strong message: menstrual health should not be shrouded in silence but addressed as a matter of dignity, education, and empowerment. SSP Prabhat Kumar, who joined the procession, candidly admitted that the campaign helped change his own perspective around menstrual health