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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
94 pc young girls in Maharashtra confident to confront menstruation-related taboos: Report
Mumbai, Nearly 94 per cent of adolescent girls in Maharashtra feel confident to challenge myths around menstruation, as per the report of a survey conducted across 14 districts in the state. Maharashtra is witnessing a cultural shift where young minds of all genders feel bold to break the silence and confront taboos that have silenced generations of women in India, it said. Due to the awareness, menstrual health literacy has improved by up to 32 per cent among adolescent girls, the report further said. More importantly, there has been a 57 per cent reduction in the belief that menstrual blood is unclean, showing a deep change in self-perception and dignity, it added. "Ninety four per cent of adolescent girls in Maharashtra feel confident to challenge myths around menstruation," indicating a measurable transformation in knowledge, confidence and behaviour, as per Aditya Birla Education Trust's 'Ujaas Impact Report 2024-25'. The report is based on the survey conducted among 1.9 lakh individuals across the state's 14 districts, rural and urban, including adolescent girls, boys, NSS students, and anganwadi workers after engagement with community stakeholders since 2021. Aditya Birla Education Trust, founded by Advaitesha Birla, has been working in the space of menstrual health and hygiene management in Maharashtra since 2021. The report further said that boys too showed a significant progress, with 91 per cent saying they understand puberty-related concepts, and 36 per cent reporting increased comfort in buying menstrual products. More than one-third of boys now believe it's important for them to learn about menstruation, pointing to a promising shift in the attitudes of males in rural settings. Even the anganwadi workers, who were once hesitant to mention menstruation, now play the role of community advocates, as per the report. The data shows 88 per cent of the anganwadi workers feel confident addressing menstrual hygiene in public meetings, and 80 per cent are comfortable discussing menstruation with male family members, a 36 per cent increase from previous years. "Menstruation should never be a barrier to education, dignity, or independence - yet, even today, nearly 1 in 5 adolescent girls in India drop out of school due to period stigma and lack of access to menstrual products. At Ujaas, we are changing this reality by standing firmly on our three pillars: awareness, access and sustainability," Ujaas head Poonam Patkar said. She said that by giving girls free sanitary pads, busting myths through education, and championing eco-friendly practices, they are helping them manage their periods with pride, not shame. "The numbers speak volumes - a 32 per cent rise in menstrual health literacy, a 57 per cent drop in the belief that menstrual blood is unclean, and 94 per cent of girls in Maharashtra now confident enough to challenge deep-rooted myths. This is not just progress - it is a revolution," Patkar said. "Through Ujaas, we are building a future where girls can grow without limits, boys become allies, and communities become safe spaces," she added.
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Mother's Day: Postpartum support calls on the rise as stigma fades
Post-Mother's Day, experts say more Indian mothers are breaking silence on postpartum depression and turning to tele-mental health amid rising awareness and lower stigma As the world celebrated Mother's Day on May 11, mental health experts highlighted the growing trend among Indian mothers -- particularly new and expecting ones -- who are turning to tele-mental health services for postpartum struggles amid increased awareness and reduced stigma. Platforms like Mpower's mental health helpline have received nearly 17,000 calls from women in the last four years, of which over 12 per cent were related to postpartum mood disorders and perinatal mental health issues. Experts say this marks a major shift in how mothers, and society at large, are approaching mental well-being. 'Mother's Day should also be a reminder that putting others first while neglecting yourself is not a badge of honour,' said Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist at Manasthali. 'The 'good mothers do it all' era is over. We're now in an age where mothers are setting boundaries and prioritising their own mental health, which in turn models healthier behaviour for their children,' Kapoor said. The convenience and accessibility of tele-mental health platforms have become a game-changer, especially for women in remote areas. Rima Bhandekar, Senior Psychologist at Mpower's helpline under the Aditya Birla Education Trust, said, 'We're seeing more women break their silence about postpartum struggles. Access to remote professional support is proving to be a lifeline for many navigating motherhood.' Interestingly, the apparent rise in postpartum depression is less about an actual spike in cases and more about improved diagnosis and greater willingness to seek help. 'Postpartum depression was long underreported in India due to stigma,' Singh explained. She added, 'Now, with regular digital screenings and greater awareness, more mothers are identifying symptoms early and accessing care.' Krishna Veer Singh, CEO and Co-founder of mental health platform Lissun, pointed out that their Sunshine platform has seen a sharp rise in perinatal consultations, saying, 'Mental health is no longer a last resort. It's a proactive step. We're witnessing increased engagement from mothers, children, and working professionals alike,' he said. Experts believe this transformation reflects a broader societal shift where therapy is increasingly normalised across all life stages, from pregnancy to parenthood and beyond.
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘There's no room to play': Priyanka Chopra shares the biggest differences between working in Hollywood and Bollywood; expert on adjusting to a different work environment
Priyanka Chopra recently shared her unique perspective on working in two of the world's biggest film industries—Hollywood and Bollywood. She pointed out how Hollywood runs on extreme precision, with detailed schedules, endless emails, and call times down to the exact minute—like 7:32 a.m. 'The one difference I have seen between Hollywood and Bollywood is that Hollywood has so much paperwork, a hundred emails that will come to you before the next day, and timings are very specific. There's no room to play, unless you are working with a filmmaker who is like that. But within production, it's very tight and it's very very organised,' the Barfi actor revealed. Compared to the West, she shared that here in Bollywood, 'we have a lot more jugaad' – we get stuff done. 'We are a little romantic about it, it's a different way of working. But that's also true to the countries in themselves,' she added. When asked if she misses the laid-back, jugaad type of work, Chopra replied: 'No, I miss slow-motion dancing and singing and speaking in Hindi.' A post shared by Jarp Media (@jarpmedia) Adjusting to a different kind of work environment takes a different level of mental strength. Rima Bhandekar, psychologist, Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust told that workplace atmosphere can influence a person's creative spark. 'In a free-flowing setup, there is more flexibility in thinking, freedom to make different choices, and space to experiment. It's conducive to great ideas—but without some restraint, it can turn messy in the end,' she said. On the other side, a structured setting gives transparency, objectivity, and attention to detail. Great for turning ideas into reality, but too much stiffness in the work set-up can contain your idea in a box. Switching from one to the other? That's a real mental shift. Bhandekar suggested some ways to help you navigate this shift: Know your style: It is important to know what thrives you – Do you like more freedom or focus? Fine-tune your tempo: As per the setting, you need to pace yourself – Flexible roles need structure; structured roles need a spark. Stay inquisitive: Interest helps in tuning into the needs of the setting – Note where and how creative juices flow in your new team. Speak up more: Share your ideas and ask how things get done effectively. Give it time: Every environment has its own pace of working —find your grace time. Creativity isn't just in the setup but it is you who gets it going. Find your vibe, flex, and let your visions keep coming to you—wherever you are.
Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘My children mean the world to me': Bhagyashree has a valuable parenting advice ahead of Mother's Day
At a recent event organised for young mothers, actor Bhagyashree shared her two cents on what she has 'learnt through life' about parenting kids and teenagers. 'My children mean the world to me and there is nothing I wouldn't do for them but, if I truly did that I would not be a good mom. Children need to be taught to be independent, to learn through mistakes they make, to rise up when they fall, to grow through adversities and help others who cannot,' the actor said while speaking at the event. Bhagyashree said that while we hold kids' fingers when they learn to walk, parents also need to learn to let go so that kids can run. 'Love doesn't come through need, just as caring is never protection enough,' she captioned the Instagram post with the video of her speech. Rima Bhandekar, psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, told that good parenting is all about striking the right balance between guiding and being overprotective. 'As parents, it is quite natural to feel like your child needs protection and shelter all the time, but teaching them to be independent and letting them learn through the mistakes they make can help raise emotionally intelligent and capable children,' she said. According to her, supportive parenting is the way to go, echoing what Bhagyashree said in her video. 'It is all about asking your child what they want to be, without adding 'you should' right after,' Bhandekar said. A post shared by Bhagyashree (@ Supportive parenting is one of the strongest predictors of a child confidently choosing their own career, even if it diverges from parental legacy or societal expectations. Such parents create space for their children to explore what truly feels right by offering resources, encouragement, and emotional stability, while withholding judgement tied to tradition, social status, prestige, or money. This doesn't mean parents shy away from discussing real-world concerns. Instead, they guide their children through a process of critical evaluation, communicating trust, respect, and confidence in their ability to make informed decisions. Bhandekar noted that such an approach helps children understand that their self-worth isn't dependent on fulfilling someone else's dream, but on pursuing their own passion. As a result, they are better equipped to face setbacks and persist through challenges. 'They are more likely to stand firm in their choices, thanks to the nurturing space created by parents who value who they are—not just what they achieve. They pursue careers with purpose, not just to secure any available job. They grow into adults who work with zeal, not out of obligation to others,' she explained. According to Bhandekar, active listening is a crucial part of effective parenting. 'Listen to understand their views, not to redirect or fix. Be curious about what excites them, and support their explorations, stumbles, and changes as they figure things out,' she said. Having faith in your child's career choice is vital, even if you don't fully understand it yourself. 'Let their failure be a learning point, not the end of the story – the definition of success is different for everyone, and comparison doesn't always help,' said the psychologist. According to Bhandekar, a content child is more successful than a stressed one. 'Your child's future isn't always about living your legacy; it's about creating their own,' she said.
Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘It came as a relief when..': Neena Gupta on breaking her pregnancy news to Vivian Richards
Neena Gupta is one of the strongest examples of a single mother who successfully raised her daughter — fashion designer Masaba Gupta — amidst societal hate and judgment. In her autobiography, Sach Kahun Toh, she recalled being 'giddy with joy' after discovering her pregnancy. However, she thought it essential to consult the father of her unborn child, Vivian Richards, an internationally renowned cricketer. 'I understood that I wasn't the only person who had a say in the situation. The baby's father, Vivian, had an equal right. So, I called him one day and spoke to him for a long time,' she wrote in her book. ''I'm pregnant, ' I told him. 'Would you have a problem if I were to have your baby?' Vivian sounded happy and said I should go ahead,' the Badhaai Do actor added. For her, this assurance was necessary. 'As much as I wanted this child, I also did not want to go ahead if the father wasn't on board. So, it came as a relief when Vivian supported my decision,' she continued. A post shared by Neena Gupta (@neena_gupta) Rima Bhandekar, Psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, told that the tone for a parenting journey is set by the support of a partner during pregnancy since the bond between parents and child starts even before childbirth. 'When the partner shows emotional participation in small things such as showing up for doctor's appointments, talking or playing music for the baby, or simply filling a pregnancy journal together, it helps build deeper connections and become cherished memories for both parents,' she explained. The anxiety experienced by a mother during pregnancy can increase cortisol levels, and if those levels are too high, they may interfere with fetal brain development. According to her, these small loving gestures by the partner help calm the mother's nerves, provide comfort, and increase feelings of togetherness. Bhandekar said that the partner does not need to be ready with all the solutions to pregnancy issues, or read every baby book ever written to provide support — but show their emotional presence by asking her how she's really feeling, normalizing her moods, making time for laughter, and saying comforting words. By being involved in a child's life from day one, the partner steps into the role as a parent and becomes more confident when the baby shows up,' she said. Pregnancy is the start of a new life, and the more love and support a partner shows to the mother, the safer, more loved, and emotionally secure she will feel.
