'Mission 10000 Lives' aimed to transform menstrual hygiene practices, completed in a year timeline.

Ms. Sameksha Mahapatra, a student from Denmark High School in Georgia, USA, has embarked on a transformative journey through the 'Mission 10000 Lives' campaign launched in New Delhi on July 25, 2022, as part of a fellowship program with the Council Of Royal Roots. This noble initiative seeks to provide high-quality reusable sanitary pads to underprivileged girls attending Government Schools, recognizing the inherent necessity of menstrual hygiene for female health. The campaign serves as a beacon, thrusting the often-overlooked topic of menstrual health into the forefront, aiming to create awareness and sustainable solutions. The campaign aimed to provide high-quality reusable sanitary pads for underprivileged girls in Government Schools. Successfully concluding within a year, the campaign reached its culmination with the distribution of sanitary pads to marginalized girls at Astha Gruha in Sundargarh, Odisha. Astha Gruha is a residential care home accommodating over 200 mentally challenged individuals.

The launch event, hosted at B M Gange (Civil Lines, Delhi), served as a comprehensive platform covering various dimensions of menstrual hygiene. Discussions spanned from elucidating the significance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene to practical insights into the usage of reusable sanitary pads. The event also incorporated sessions on Yoga and exercises tailored to be beneficial during menstruation, promoting holistic well-being among the target audience.

The campaign addresses a stark reality in India, where less than 20% of the approximately 40 crore menstruating women use reusable sanitary pads. In urban areas, this figure marginally improves to 52%, indicating that almost half of urban-based women resort to unhygienic methods for period protection, exposing them to potential health risks. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report reveals that 50% of women aged 15-24 still rely on cloth for menstrual protection. Experts attribute this trend to a combination of a lack of awareness and the persistent taboo surrounding menstruation.

The founder of the campaign stresses the need for sustained efforts in spreading awareness on menstrual hygiene, advocating for proactive measures rather than reactive responses to emergencies and crises. The 'Mission 10000 Lives' campaign marks a significant step toward initiating the much-needed change in societal attitudes and practices related to menstrual health

Importantly, the campaign asserts that safe and sustainable menstrual hygiene products are not a luxury but a necessity. It advocates for universal accessibility to such products, emphasizing that women, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have the means to manage their menstrual health effectively. By doing so, the campaign aims to dismantle barriers preventing underprivileged girls from accessing the resources essential for their well-being.

During the launch event, luminaries such as Positive Rishikumar Singh, Founder & MD of Council Of Royal Roots; Dr. Jagannath Patnaik, Vice Chancellor of ICFAI University; Mrs. Sarita Patnaik, Mrs. India USA Worldwide, 2017; Anshul Alagh, CEO of Council Of Royal Roots; and Ms. Nupur, Trainer from Pee Safe, actively participated. The event witnessed the enthusiastic engagement of 1000 girl students, marking a significant step toward empowering them with knowledge and resources for better menstrual health.

In conclusion, Ms. Sameksha Mahapatra's 'Mission 10000 Lives' campaign is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change. By addressing the multifaceted challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene in India, the campaign aspires to create a lasting impact. It envisions a society where women's health and well-being are prioritized, and menstrual hygiene is approached with the attention and dignity it deserves. During this significant concluding event in Nov 2023, Raja Samrendra Shekhar Deo and Rani Vigyani Kumari were present to facilitate the handover of 15,000 pads. The generous support extended by the Council Of Royal Roots, Plan India, and Everteen contributed to the success of the initiative. The distribution was complemented by an awareness program conducted by the Plan India Team.