Where her mind is without fear...

Scarred by the experience of being unprepared to meet her first period, Bhavana Paliwal ensures that no girl is exposed to the taboo around menstruation

- Rajesh Asnani

MENSTRUATION, for the longest time has been shrouded in silence, secrecy and stigma in Rajasthan, a state with deep roots in tradition. However, the efforts of a modest but exceptionally committed woman Bhavana Paliwal is trying to usher in positive change in lives of countless rural women in southern Rajasthan, creating awareness about menstrual health through specially designed campaigns.

In Devgarh town, nestled in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhavana Paliwal's journey toward social change began with a personal challenge.

As a schoolgirl, she experienced her first periods without any knowledge of the phenomenon. The lack of awareness and ensuing embarrassment left a profound impact on her personality. "I was scared when I saw blood for the first time. I thought I might die. Is this some dirty disease? How will I tell about this at home? Will they scold me?" she recalls the anxiety.