Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!đ Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - Aarti Kumari, Ananya Malde and Bharati Juanga are inspirational youth leaders spearheading change in underserved regions
JAMMU: In October 2024, the remote village of Turkheda in Chhota Udepur district, Gujarat, faced a tragic event that highlighted the critical need for improved infrastructure in rural India. A 30-year-old pregnant woman, Kavita Bhil, lost her life while being transported to the hospital for delivery due to the absence of a motorable road. Just three weeks later, another pregnant woman, Ramila Rathwa, had to be carried for three kilometers to reach an ambulance, but fortunately, she made it to the hospital in time and safely delivered her baby.
These incidents highlight the deeper, systemic challenges that rural India continues to grapple withânot just inadequate infrastructure, but also limited access to basic amenities, essential healthcare services and even information. However, amid these challenges, grassroot efforts by non-profit organisations and individuals are helping bridge these critical gaps. On World Health Day, meet three young changemakers whose innovative solutions in menstrual health, maternal care, and nutrition are bringing hope and driving real change in their communities.
1. Aarti Kumari
The story of Aarti Kumari illustrates how access to the right information can empower even a 20-year-old to develop community-driven solutions. At 14, Aarti attended a Kishori Samooh meeting. Organised by Population Foundation of India, the Kishori Samooh has so far equipped over 10,000 young people with the knowledge to raise awareness about Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) in 1000+ villages across Darbhanga and Nawada districts of Bihar.
Hailing from Darbhanga, Bihar, Aarti joined the Kishori Samooh in 2018. When the pandemic led to prolonged lockdowns, the distribution of sanitary napkins in government schools was disrupted, leaving countless girls, including Aarti, without access to menstrual hygiene products. Recognising the broader challengesâlack of awareness, limited healthcare access, medicine shortages, and the absence of counselling services in schools, she launched an advocacy campaign. She engaged with local authorities and submitted a petition to Biharâs then Health Minister, Sri Mangal Pandey to ensure regular supplies of sanitary pads in schools and to operationalise Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics at public health facilities.
Meanwhile, Kishori Samooh members also contributed small amounts to procure and distribute sanitary napkins to girls and women within their village. Aartiâs efforts led to the establishment of adolescent-friendly health clinics (Yuva) in her area. Today, she leads an adolescent group called Aacharan Kishori Samooh, continuing her advocacy and support for youth health initiatives.
2. Ananya Malde
When Ananya Malde learned that her domestic helpâs daughter dropped out of school due to menstruation-related issues, she knew something had to change. A Bengaluru resident, Ananya was struck by the larger realityâover 23 million girls in India leave school each year due to menstrual challenges. Determined to take action, she founded Project Pragati, at the age of 17, to address menstruation-related absenteeism and school dropouts among adolescent girls in rural areas.
Through Project Pragati, Ananya focuses on raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene while also challenging deep-rooted taboos. Beyond education, she works to ensure that underprivileged girls and women have access to safe and hygienic menstrual products, helping them stay in school and lead healthier lives.
3. Bharti Juang
Bharti Juang, a 17-year-old changemaker from Odishaâs Juang community, is a strong advocate for adolescent health. Recognised by UNICEF for her impactful work, Bharti has played a crucial role in promoting awareness about health and nutrition. She became part of the UNICEF-supported knowledge-based training under the Jiban Sampark program, where she gained critical knowledge about hygiene and nutrition.
Drawing from these learnings, Bharati took a stand against child marriage and worked to break the stigma surrounding menstrual health. Every interaction became an opportunity for her to counsel and educate the women and girls in her community, empowering them with knowledge to make informed decisions about their well-being. Her efforts have sparked a shift in attitudes, inspiring many to embrace healthier and challenge long-standing taboos.
