Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a major initiative to improve menstrual health and dignity among young women, Rotarians, State Bank of India (SBI), and Unipads Foundation have launched “Project Shakti – Providing Next Shakti,” aimed at benefiting 60,000 girl students across Telangana.

The Rs. 2.5-crore project was inaugurated at Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, Koti, by Hyderabad District Collector Harichandana Dasari. During the launch, she distributed 7,000 reusable sanitary pad kits worth Rs. 35 lakh to students. Each kit contains three reusable pads designed to last 12 to 16 months with proper care, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products. The initiative is scheduled for completion by March 2026.

Addressing the students, the Collector urged them to become ‘menstrual independent,’ highlighting that independence promotes education, opportunity, and equality. She noted that menstrual dependence often leads to absenteeism, health risks, and social stigma, while reusable pads are washable, gentle on the body, and reduce long-term waste. Citing the Supreme Court, she said menstrual hygiene is part of the Right to Life under Article 21, making it the State’s responsibility to ensure dignified menstrual management.

Prof. Surya Dhananjay, Vice-Chancellor of Mahila University, said proper menstrual hygiene helps build self-confidence and enables women to participate fully in education and public life.

Govind Putta, President of Rotary Club of Hyderabad East, said Project Shakti will benefit nearly 60,000 girls in over 2,000 schools and announced a Rs. 45-lakh science laboratory at the university.