My name is Pratham Maheshwari. I am 16 years-old and a Grade 11 student at the DPS, Sector 45, Gurugram.

I am very passionate about helping others, especially those who are less privileged than I am. Helping and benefitting others makes me truly happy. It is a joy to make a difference in another's life, to see them smile.

For women and girls in homes that we come from, sanitary pads are the norm and not a luxury.

For girls and women from poor homes, it is a luxury. To manage their menstrual needs they unfortunately are forced to resort to practices that are unhygienic and lead to health issues. The solution is to give them a menstrual hygiene kit that is cost-effective, lasts long, and is not too bulky. It impacts their health, education, and income ( no missing school or work) and gives them immense confidence.

The Hygiene kit that is being is unique as its reusable. It has 5 pads - 3 for medium flow and 2 for heavy flow. It lasts for 12-15 months and reduces dramatically the amount of waste created (as otherwise pads are dumped every month). As they last for so long they are also cost effective. Disposable/Normal sanitary pads have to be bought repeatedly, cost INR 50-100 per month, and are very damaging to the environment as they create huge waste.

The cost of this hygiene kit (including distribution, training the women/girls, etc) is just INR 500 per pack of 5. The cost of distribution and training them is very high as it's done in small batches.

I request all of you to support my campaign. Let's come together and do our bit.