Bodh Gaya: IIM Bodh Gaya has marked another year of its menstrual awareness initiative, reaching more than 300 schoolgirls in and around Bodh Gaya through an outreach programme aimed at breaking taboos around menstruation and promoting menstrual hygiene.
The campaign, titled Pankhuri: Happy Periods, is being conducted in two phases, with the first held on January 17 at Government Girls Middle School, Bodh Gaya, and M S Basadhi, Bodh Gaya. A second phase is scheduled for mid-February.
During the sessions, students were introduced to basic information about menstruation through interactive discussions, question-and-answer segments and short activities designed to encourage open conversation. Organisers said the approach was intended to help girls speak freely about their concerns and clear long-standing doubts.
A street play was also performed to draw attention to the social prejudices and challenges faced by women during menstruation. One student said the programme made it easier to talk about periods and helped her better understand menstrual health. School authorities welcomed the initiative, noting that such efforts could help raise awareness at the grassroots level and gradually reduce stigma.
The programme concluded with the distribution of 4,800 sanitary pads to students, part of what the institute described as its broader commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
The initiative was led by IIM Bodh Gaya’s CSR committee, Pragati, under the guidance of the institute’s director, Dr Vineeta Sahay, and the supervision of the committee’s chair, Prof Suresh K G, who oversaw the planning and execution of the campaign.
