Pune: On the occasion of Navratri and Lalita Panchami, Rotary Club of Pune Sunrise donated 9,000 sanitary napkins to 120 adolescent girls from underprivileged communities under Swarupvardhini Sanstha’s Kishori Vikas Project. The contribution will ensure a year-long supply for the girls, along with guidance sessions on menstrual health and hygiene.
The programme was held in the presence of Sangeeta Tiwari, former Chairperson of the Pune Municipal Corporation School Board and Founder of Payal Tiwari Bitiya Foundation, and Bhanupratap Barge, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police. Also present were Swaroopvardhini, working president Prof. Dr. Sanjay Tambat, vice-president Shirish Patwardhan, Rotary Club president Jivraj M Chole, founding member Raju Shah, secretary Tayjaswini Thite, treasurer Sachin Talreja, public image director Sarika Rojekar, and social worker Anuja Patil.
Addressing the gathering, Sangeeta Tiwari said menstruation is a natural process but is still surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. “Open dialogue on the subject is necessary. Girls must not feel ashamed or fearful, and parents should also talk sensitively with their daughters. Adopting hygienic practices is vital for their health,” she said.
Bhanupratap Barge urged girls to focus on both self-protection and health. “Talking openly about menstruation can help prevent many health issues. With determination, hard work, and honesty, girls can progress and achieve their goals,” he said.
Rotary Club president Jivraj M Chole said the club’s work this year is centred on the theme “Unite for Good”, and this initiative is part of that vision. Vitthal Shinde anchored the event, while Prof. Dr. Sanjay Tambat proposed the vote of thanks.
