Latest news with #Lalita
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Why rural India is missing out on menstrual health progress
In Bihar, Lalita*, a 40-year-old woman, spent decades managing her periods with torn scraps of cloth, unaware of safer alternatives. Her story is neither rare nor new: millions of women in rural India still navigate menstruation without access to hygienic products. From reproductive tract infections to untreated gynaecological issues linked to poor menstrual care, there continue to remain glaring health inequities between urban and rural India. A study analysing data from the National Family Health Survey - 5 (NFHS-%) found that only 42% of adolescent women in India exclusively used hygienic methods during menstruation, and their exclusive use varied from 23% in Uttar Pradesh to 85% in Tamil Nadu. In Bihar, where over 88% of the population lives in rural areas, according to the Census of India 2011, uptake remains low: around 56% of rural women in Bihar use hygienic methods compared to 74.7% in urban areas. These disparities heighten vulnerability to a range of health risks. 'The urban-rural gap in the use of hygienic products during menstruation persists due to a combination of deep-seated economic realities in rural households,' said Karan Babbar, assistant professor at Plaksha University, Punjab. The vulnerability is compounded amongst marginalised communities: for instance amongst Juangs, an ethnic group residing primarily in Keonjhar and Angul districts of Odisha, 85% of women still rely on old cloth during menstruation, as per a 2023 study, as long distances from markets, lack of awareness and high costs create a barrier to safer alternatives. Despite 71% experiencing menstrual health issues, only a third seek treatment. Deeply-entrenched social taboos that exclude most women from religious or social activities during their periods further complicate the problem. The cost of neglect Poor menstrual hygiene does not exist in isolation. It contributes directly towards school dropout rates, reduced workplace participation and chronic reproductive health issues. 23% of girls in India drop out of school after they begin menstruating, according to research by Mumbai-based NGO, Dasra. The reason for this is often a lack of toilets and sanitary products. The NGO's report also points out that although the government met its target of building over 4,00,000 toilets in schools across India, this did not provide a complete solution: key stakeholders must ensure regular maintenance and repair of these toilets. Economic factors deepen this challenge. 'For a family with a limited, often precarious income, the choice is not between two brands of sanitary pads; it is buying a pack of pads or buying essentials like vegetables and milk. This makes pads a non-essential luxury', said Mr. Babbar. Women's lack of financial autonomy -- they often have to ask men of the family for money -- adds to the difficulties in purchasing. The disparities between rural and urban India are clear in the NFHS-5 (2019-21): it reveals that the the utilisation of hygienic materials (sanitary napkins, locally prepared napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups) during menstruation among adolescent women in rural India stood at only 43%, whereas in urban areas, it is 68%, indicating a significant gap between rural and urban areas. The rural-urban gap in using hygienic menstrual materials exceeds 20 percentage points in several States, including Madhya Pradesh (36 pp gap), Odisha (26 pp), Uttar Pradesh (23 pp), and Rajasthan (21 pp), highlighting regional disparities. From a clinical standpoint, Aby Koshy, consultant gynaecologist and specialist in reproductive medicine, Sunrise Hospital, Kochi, notes that even in States such as Kerala, where poor menstrual hygiene is rare, health risks remain. 'Gynaecologists not so frequently encounter cases involving genital allergies [which could be due to sanitary pads] and also vaginal infections, which are typically either bacterial or fungal in nature. Differentiating between these two types of infections becomes crucial in deciding the nature of treatment.' He adds that prolonged usage of unclean or damp cloth is harmful. 'It creates a warm, humid environment which is an ideal condition for the overgrowth of fungi, particularly yeast, leading to a fungal infection.' Mr. Babar points to a triad of barriers: affordability, distribution and awareness. 'These do not exist side by side; they interact in a powerful, negative feedback loop. Low awareness lowers perceived value, which reduces demand, weakens distribution and makes access even harder.' The human cost is immense. 'A girl who gets her period at a school without a separate, functional toilet with running water and a proper disposal system faces a crisis of dignity. The fear of being shamed for a stain is immense. The simplest solution for her is to stay home,' he adds. Missing four to five days a month means falling behind academically by nearly 25%, often pushing girls to drop out entirely. 'For the individual, it limits her lifetime earning potential, and traps her in an intergenerational cycle of poverty. For the nation, it suppresses our female labour force participation and leaves a vast pool of human capital untapped, dragging down our GDP,' says Mr. Babbar. Breaking the cycle There is now global recognition of menstrual health as a public and human rights issue and period poverty contributing to widening economic gaps. In 2011, the Indian government launched the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme , to distribute sanitary pads alongside organising educational awareness programmes and initiatives for the safe disposal of pads. However, the distribution of period products was affected significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent evaluation of India's Menstrual Hygiene Scheme in Assam and Tripura, areas that received consistent pad supplies from 2017 to 2021 saw a rise in hygienic practices. Among girls aged 15-19 years, sanitary pad usage rose by 10.6% points and overall adoption jumped by 13.8% points. Aditi Gupta, managing director and co-founder of Menstrupedia, a Gujarat-based startup that offers educational materials on menstruation, says that education is the most powerful lever for change. 'Education and awareness are the ways to do this. When the girl grows and becomes a mother, she will educate her children well. That way the stigma will fade away,' she says. Menstrupedia has reached 14 million girls with comic books translated into all Indian regional languages, ensuring accessibility. 'In the interior areas of Kashmir, we've partnered with NGO We the Change, to teach girls about periods and provide sanitary pads.' However, Ms. Gupta acknowledges that the supply chain is weak and that social taboos can't be undone overnight. She adds, 'Women's health has always been a taboo topic. Period education should be mandated. Textbooks are censored in schools and are not written well. All of this directly affects the attitudes.' Dr. Koshy sees lessons from urban progress that can be applied in rural outreach. 'First is the introduction of regular adolescent and sexual health education that is conducted by gynaecologists and public health doctors in schools. These sessions help create a supportive environment where girls feel more confident in discussing menstrual health and seeking appropriate solutions. Secondly, growth in awareness of the environmental impact of sanitary pad disposal has led to a notable rise in the usage of eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable pads, reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups.' *Identity withheld at the request of the individual (Rishika Priyadarsi and Aditya Ansh are independent media writers based in India. priyadarsirishika@ adityaansh30@
Hindustan Times
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Composition of 'Kaisi Paheli' was rare, the poetry was unlike most songs of that time: Rekha
New Delhi, Veteran actor Rekha says classic track "Kaisi Paheli" from the 2005 film "Parineeta" emerged as a "metaphor for life" and was unlike most of the songs. Composition of 'Kaisi Paheli' was rare, the poetry was unlike most songs of that time: Rekha Sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, the track featured Rekha and has gained immense popularity right after its release. The song is regarded as one of the best examples of jazz in Hindi cinema. It had lyrics by Swanand Kirkire and was composed by Shantanu Moitra. Rekha said the song was atmospheric. "'Kaisi Paheli' was not just a song—it was a mood, a vibe, and a metaphor for life. The song was so atmospheric; it reminded me of the time gone by and a certain enigma of a woman who owns her narrative," she said in a statement. "Even 20 years ago, it stood out; the composition was rare, and the poetry was unlike most songs of that time. As I stepped onto that jazz club set, I became the jazz singer. Even today, when I hear the song, it brings a smile… It's one of those Pahelis you never want to solve; you just want to live it," she added Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, "Parineeta" was adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's iconic 1914 Bengali novel by late Pradeep Sarkar. The film will be re-released on its 20th anniversary on August 29. The restored version of the film will be screened in theatres across India. Starring Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Khan, the film revolved around childhood friends, Lalita and Shekhar, who gradually fall for each other. Shekhar's father is eyeing the house of Lalita's uncle as he hopes to build a hotel there. Lalita comes to know of this plan but a family friend, Girish, played by Sanjay Dutt, steps forward to help her. This leads to a major misunderstanding between the two lovers. The film has been restored by Prasad Film Labs. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
09-08-2025
- Time of India
Morbi man gets 10 years for abetting wife's suicide
Rajkot: A Morbi sessions court has sentenced one Dharmendra alias Raju Popat (46) to 10 years in prison for abetting the suicide of his wife, Lalita. Sessions judge P V Shrivastav acquitted three co-accused — Dharmendra's mother Ranjan, brother Rahul, and sister Chandni — giving them the benefit of the doubt. According to the case details, Dharmendra and Lalita had a love marriage. On May 26, 2018, Lalita died after jumping in the path of a train, near Navlakhi Road. Her brother filed a police complaint alleging she was being harassed because the couple had no children. Public prosecutor Vijay Jani told the court that one day before her death, Lalita had filed a complaint at the Mahila police station in Morbi, accusing Dharmendra of harassment. He also argued that Dharmendra was involved with another woman and wanted to marry her, which drove Lalita to end her life. The defence alleged the case was motivated by the victim's family's opposition to the marriage, but could not substantiate the claim. Dharmendra was convicted under Indian Penal Code Sections 306 (abetment of suicide) and 498 (cruelty by husband). Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
As road turns into muddy field, family forced to carry ailing woman on cot
Koraput: Lack of a proper motorable road forced family members to carry an ailing Lalita Janis (30) on a cot and trudge for nearly 2 km before an ambulance could pick her up and take her to the hospital. But their effort failed to yield result as Lalita died at Koraput Medical College. A similar sight unfolded during her return journey, with family members forced to carry her body back to Jobaguda, a small tribal village in Nabarangpur district, as the ambulance got stuck in the slush on the way. "Due to the pathetic road condition, the ambulance refused to go any further. We had no choice but to carry her body back home the same way as we had taken her from the village," said Harisingh Jani, her husband. On Sunday night Lalita complained of high fever. Her family called an ambulance, but the vehicle could not make it past the knee-deep mud and slush. With no other option, family members placed her on a cot and carried her on foot to Kantasar, from where an ambulance took her to Maidalpur hospital. From there she was referred to Koraput Medical College, where she breathed her last. For around 45 families of Jobaguda, this incident is a grim reminder of a reality they have been living with for years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Despite numerous petitions, pleas, and even protests, they claimed that their demand for a proper road was not met. Villagers alleged that while political leaders and administrative officials frequently visit with promises and assurances, they vanish soon after, leaving the road and the people stuck in the same place. "This is not the first time we have suffered," said an elderly villager. "We even boycotted the last elections hoping it would force some action. Block officials and politicians gave us written assurances, but nothing changed," the villager added. When contacted, Papdahandi block development officer Kapildev Sahu said a kuccha road was constructed to the village under the NREGA scheme last year. "But due to heavy rain, the road has got damaged. This year, it has been included in the action plan, and once sanctioned, the road work will begin," Sahu said.
India.com
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actress acted in 700 films, her own sister destroyed her married life by..., name is..
Long before she turned into one of Indian cinema's most feared on-screen mothers-in-law, Lalita Pawar was a nine-year-old girl on a silent film set. Her real name was Amba Laxman Rao Shagun. Legend has it she was born outside a temple — her mother in labour couldn't reach a hospital in time, so she arrived at the temple steps and was named Amba. She made her debut in Raja Harishchandra (1928), the same title as India's first silent film and back then, she wasn't just acting. Like most heroines of that era, she sang her songs too. Lalita wasn't typecast not yet typecast. She was doing romantic leads, singing, and holding her own. But destiny had other plans. How did a slap change the course of her life? It was during the shoot of Jung-e-Azadi that fate took a cruel turn. A co-actor, Bhagwan Dada, had to slap her for a scene — only, the slap wasn't fake. It landed hard, real, and damaging. Blood oozed from her ear. It wasn't just any injury. That one slap damaged a facial nerve, left her with partial paralysis, and robbed her of the one thing every actress depends on — her face. For two years, she was bedridden. Her flourishing lead career came to a brutal end. Offers dried up. The industry turned its back. Why did she return and what roles came her way? She did return but no longer as the heroine. Lalita Pawar was now cast in strong, often negative, supporting roles. She became the terrifying saas, the scheming mother-in-law, the hard-nosed matriarch. But even in these roles, her screen presence overpowered many a lead heroine. She turned into the gold standard for vamps, but off-screen, life wasn't far from a melodrama either. What betrayal hurt more than the slap? Her personal life carried its own twisted plot. Her husband, producer Ganpatrao Pawar, had an affair, with her own sister. It wasn't just an affair. He left Lalita and married the sister. Her home broke, and the betrayal wasn't cinematic, it was intimate and brutal. Lalita didn't spiral. She remarried filmmaker Raj Kumar Gupta and had a son named Jai. But even in this chapter, life wasn't kinder. What made Lalita Pawar's legacy unforgettable? Lalita went on to work in over 700 films across languages, a feat that landed her in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest acting career in Indian cinema, spanning nearly seven decades. No matter how small the screen time, she made every role her own. Whether it was Ramayan's Manthara or the saas who struck fear with a single glare, her presence was unforgettable. What was her final battle? After all the screen drama, her real-life ending was quietly tragic. She was diagnosed with oral cancer. On February 24, 1998, she passed away. There were no grand tributes, no flashbulbs. But the silence spoke volumes. Why does her story still matter? Because Lalita Pawar wasn't just a 'vamp' or 'character actress'. She was a woman who survived the worst, disfigurement, betrayal, public rejection, and still walked back onto sets, scene after scene, film after film. She turned bitterness into brilliance. Her pain never got in the way of her professionalism.
