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How a Personal Problem Led to a Global Solution

Born in 1961 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, Arunachalam Muruganantham's childhood was one of financial hardship.

He dropped out of school at 14 to support his family and began working in various jobs.

However, it was a personal problem that would ultimately lead him to his life's work.

When Arunachalam discovered that his wife was using old rags during her menstrual cycle because she could not afford sanitary pads, he was shocked.

The stigma surrounding menstruation in India meant that most women couldn't even discuss the topic, let alone access affordable and hygienic menstrual hygiene products.

Arunachal muruganatham Inventor of world’s first  a low-cost sanitary pad-making machine 
 

Disrupting a Taboo: Tackling Menstrual Stigma in India

Arunachalam's quest to create a low-cost sanitary pad took him on a journey of discovery.

He began experimenting with different materials and designs, testing them on himself and seeking feedback from female volunteers.

However, his work was met with ridicule and shame from his own community, who saw it as a taboo subject.

Undeterred, Arunachalam continued to innovate, ultimately creating a low-cost sanitary pad-making machine that could be operated by rural women.

He has since revolutionized the menstrual hygiene market in India, where more than 300 million women previously lacked access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products.
 

Making Sanitary Pads Affordable and Accessible

Arunachalam's innovation has led to the creation of Jayaashree Industries, a company that produces low-cost sanitary pads and also trains rural women to operate the machines.

This provides employment opportunities for women and helps to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Jayaashree Industries has installed over 4,000 machines across India, which has allowed millions of women to access affordable and hygienic menstrual products.

The impact of this work extends beyond menstrual hygiene: it has also empowered women to become entrepreneurs and to take control of their lives.

Also Read : What are the Causes Behind Irregular Periods?

Beyond Business: Providing Free Sanitary Pads to Schoolgirls

Arunachalam's vision goes beyond business: he believes that access to menstrual hygiene products should be a fundamental human right.

To this end, he has also started a project to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls in rural India, so that they can continue to attend school during their menstrual cycle.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Period Cramps Using Natural Ways


Recognizing Impact: Awards and Accolades for Arunachalam

Arunachalam's work has garnered international attention and recognition. In 2014, he was listed as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World.

He has also been awarded numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2016, one of India's highest civilian awards.

Arunachalam's Vision for a World without Period Poverty

Arunachalam's work has had a profound impact on menstrual hygiene in India, but his vision is even greater.

He believes that menstrual hygiene is a fundamental human right and that every woman in the world should have access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products.

Arunachalam's vision has inspired others to join him in the fight against period poverty.

His work has led to a global conversation about menstrual hygiene and the need for accessible and affordable menstrual products for all women.

His innovation and entrepreneurship have shown that social change can come from the grassroots level, and that the most effective solutions often come from those who have experienced the problems

Arunachalam's legacy continues to grow, as his work has inspired others to take up the mantle of menstrual hygiene activism.

His story serves as a reminder that one person can make a difference, and that social entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for change.

Also Read: How to Maintain Hygiene During Periods

 

20 Interesting Facts about Arunachalam

1. Arunachalam Muruganantham was born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India in 1961.

2. He dropped out of school at the age of 14 due to financial difficulties and started working as a labourer.

3. He tried to create a low-cost sanitary pad for his wife but failed to get the right design and material.

4. He decided to research on this issue and started testing different materials and designs for making sanitary pads.

5. He created a machine that could make sanitary pads at a low cost, and also trained rural women to operate the machine.

6. He faced criticism and ridicule from his own family and society for working on this taboo subject.

7. He was so committed to his invention that he wore a sanitary pad himself for several days to understand the challenges women face during their menstrual cycle.

8. He is referred to as the "Menstrual Man" for his work on menstrual hygiene.

9. In 2014, he was listed in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world.

10. He has been awarded several national and international awards for his work, including the Padma Shri award in 2016, one of the highest civilian awards in India.

11. He is the founder of Jayaashree Industries, a company that produces low-cost sanitary pads.

12. He has set up several sanitary pad-making units across India, providing employment opportunities to rural women.

13. He has also started a project to provide sanitary pads to schoolgirls for free, so that they can continue to attend school during their menstrual cycle.

14. He has been invited to speak at various international forums, including the United Nations, about his work on menstrual hygiene.

15. He was also invited to speak at the prestigious Harvard University.

16. He has inspired several other social entrepreneurs to work on issues related to menstrual hygiene.

17. He believes that menstrual hygiene is not just a women's issue, but a human issue.

18. He has also worked on developing a machine that can recycle used sanitary pads.

19. He is a role model for many young people in India, who are inspired by his dedication and commitment to solving a social problem.

20. He continues to work towards his goal of ensuring that every woman in India has access to affordable and hygienic sanitary pads.
 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arunachalam Muruganantham is a remarkable innovator who has made it his life's work to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation and provide affordable and hygienic menstrual products to women in India and around the world.

His vision and determination have inspired millions, and his legacy will continue to impact generations to come.

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