Latest news with #TataTrusts
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Tata Trusts' new film reframes periods as a sign of health, not fertility
HighlightsTata Trusts has launched a campaign to change the perception of menstruation in India, emphasizing it as a normal biological function and a marker of health rather than a source of shame and stigma. The campaign, which is supported by ethnographic research and aims to engage families, includes films that depict positive conversations about menstruation, encouraging open discussions and education around the topic. Divyang Waghela, head of water, sanitation and hygiene at Tata Trusts, stated that the initiative aims to tackle deeply entrenched stigmas and empower girls and women to view menstruation as a normal part of health, fostering a cultural shift in understanding. Tata Trusts has unveiled a new campaign to reframe how India understands menstruation. Every month, roughly 355 million people in India menstruate. Yet, the subject remains shrouded in silence and shame and is linked to impurity, drawing societal stigma and burdened by age-old beliefs that link periods to fertility and marriage. In fact, 71 per cent of Indian girls are unaware of menstruation until they experience their first period. For generations, this silence has shaped how menstruation is understood, reducing it to a marker of sexual maturity or the end of childhood, rather than recognising it as a normal biological function. This campaign flips that narrative, inviting families to recognise menstruation for what it truly is: an indicator of health. Rooted in deep ethnographic research conducted across rural regions in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, this campaign is anchored in a combination of Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) across seven states, with a series of cause-driven campaign films and development interventions on-ground that shift the ways in which communities understand, feel and talk about menstruation. Given the universality of the insight, the campaign also has a strong digital presence. The research explored women's lived realities of restrictions in matters of personal hygiene and healthy menstrual practices. It also uncovered social norms surrounding menstruation, with mothers avoiding the conversation, fearing that their daughters will be seen as 'ready for marriage' – a worry also echoed by Anganwadi Workers. Men shared limited menstrual awareness, often seeing it through the lens of household disruptions – like how it would affect women's cooking. However, they did show support when prompted, including getting their wives pads and taking them to the doctor when needed. Shaped by a talented team of behavioural researchers and grassroots and creative partners, this campaign seeks to empower girls to remain children even after their first period, and women to feel confident and well-informed, with nothing left to fear or hide about this natural monthly process. Divyang Waghela, head – water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Tata Trusts, commented, 'Built on the Trusts' rich work in menstrual health and hygiene, and considering how deeply entrenched stigmas remain, we strive to tackle barriers around infrastructure, belief systems, and environments perpetuating them. Through this, girls can view periods as a normal part of health, not something to be hidden away.' These insights laid the foundation for Tata Trusts' campaign that presents a disruptive, perspective-shifting goal: for periods to be seen as a marker of health and not just sexual maturity. At the heart of the campaign, running across the series of films as a common thread, is a catchy jingle, 'Maheena Aa gaya' (In this case, Maheena – month – refers to Periods, translating to, 'I've got my periods'). It acts as a cultural bridge, bringing to life everyday scenarios where menstrual symptoms, whether cramps, fatigue, or mood changes, are acknowledged openly by both men and women only as a lakshan (symbol) of health and nothing more. By making these conversations feel comfortable, respectful, and even light-hearted, the campaign aims to de-stigmatize menstruation and create space for empathetic dialogue within families. Deepshikha Surendran, head of brand and marketing communications, Tata Trusts, said, "'Maheena aa gaya' is more than just flipping a calendar page – it's a symbolic call to action, urging families to rethink what a period means, which we hope will nudge a generational, cultural shift in how menstruation is supported.' The hero film is supported by films specific to key segments of audiences that shape everyday beliefs around menstruation. In one, a mother lovingly guides her daughter through her first period, explaining that it's simply biology, not a sign of readiness for marriage and that there is nothing to fear or be ashamed of. Another depicts a husband ensuring his wife's needs during menstruation are met without waiting for her to ask because periods are not just her problem. In another film, a mother-in-law gently supports her daughter-in-law, encouraging her to rest and eat iron-rich food while reminding her, "Yeh siraf sehat ka ek lakshan hai' (this is only about health). These stories, told with warmth and emotional honesty, in real settings, replace fear with familiarity and shame with science. To ensure that the message percolates into conversations at a societal level, another film targeting Asha didis and other health workers, who are the bridge between the community and healthcare system, has been developed. "We're not asking people to radically shift their thinking – simply, to understand that a period is just a 'lakshan' — a symptom, like hair loss. Capturing this, we created a simple, light film that we shot in people's aangans and homes, with a powerful, memorable song with a hook rooted in Indian pop culture, offering an important reminder: 'Maheene ko sirf sehat se jodo' (link that time of the month – menstruation – to only health),' added Keigan Pinto, the creative director. Watch the video here:
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Social media campaign urges India to view menstruation as a sign of health
1 2 3 Pune: On World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28), a new social media campaign is challenging India's entrenched narrative around menstruation. Launched by Tata Trusts, the initiative asks a provocative question: "What if we delink menstruation from fertility, and instead see it simply as a symbol of health?" The campaign spotlights four influential figures in a woman's menstrual journey, including mothers, mothers-in-law, ASHA workers, and men. Through a series of short films and a catchy jingle, 'Maheena Aa Gaya', the campaign aims to normalise conversations about periods and dismantle long-standing taboos. Medical experts support this reframing. Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, president of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India and head of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, stated, "The regulation of periods goes much beyond highlighting the fertility of a woman. It represents her health condition. Monitoring periods is even more important in today's world where lifestyles have changed. Long working hours, high stress, irregular sleep, fast food, and rising obesity all play a role, not just in fertility but also overall health. " Dr Manisha Kulkarni, senior consultant in the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals, Hadapsar, said, "Many women experience heavy or painful periods, which can lead to anaemia due to blood loss. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota 4Runner Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo Some also face premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a real condition marked by mood swings, sadness, or irritability before periods. In cases of severe pain or heavy bleeding, conditions like endometriosis — where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside it — may be diagnosed. These issues can lead to fatigue, weight gain, or even hypothyroidism. However, irregular periods don't always mean infertility. With minimal treatment, many women with irregular cycles can still conceive. Common myths persist such as painful periods are not normal and should be checked; you can and should bathe and exercise during periods; periods don't need to last a full week to be 'cleaning' the body; and healthy cycles can vary. PMS is real—many women experience emotional and physical changes days before their period." Kulkarni emphasises getting medical help early is key. The campaign also highlights several issues that women continue to face as the topic is not often talked about freely in Indian households. "The lack of reliable access to water and private spaces, whether to bathe, change, or dispose of pads, makes it difficult for girls to manage their periods with safety and dignity," said Divyang Waghela, head of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) at Tata Trusts. "Lack of infrastructure and agency compound this problem. We strive to tackle barriers around infrastructure, belief systems, and environments perpetuating them. Through this, girls can view periods as a normal part of health, not something to be hidden away," Waghela said. Creative director Keigan Pinto emphasised the campaign's relatable approach. "We're not asking people to radically shift their thinking. We simply want them to understand that a period is just a 'lakshan'—a symptom, like hair loss. Capturing this, we created a simple, light film that we shot in people's homes, with a powerful, memorable song with a hook rooted in Indian pop culture, offering an important reminder: 'Maheene ko sirf sehat se jodo' (link that time of the month only to health)."
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Dopamine high makes chess trend as a 'cool game' in Kerala
Once considered a niche pursuit reserved for geeks, chess has undergone a transformation in Kerala over the past few years. While the game has always had its space in school clubs, library evenings, and local tournaments, something changed abruptly, and perhaps permanently. Since the pandemic, chess has steadily moved from analogue boards and niche circles to digital platforms and wider public interest. And Kerala has not been left behind. In fact, the state boasts the fourth-highest number of registered players in the country, following Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Can this momentum be sustained? 'Internet chess saw a 60 per cent growth during the pandemic. There was a huge spike in casual players across different apps. Chess started being viewed as a productive and positive addiction,' says Vijin Babu, director of Capablanca Chess School, Thiruvananthapuram. 'Lockdown boredom played a part, but online platforms offering round-the-clock games were a big push. Even the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit, released around that time, helped turn a chess prodigy into a pop culture icon.' Vijin notes that the shift to online learning widened their reach. 'Before Covid-19 struck, we only had students from Thiruvananthapuram. Once everything moved online, we started getting students from across Kerala, and also foreign countries. Some of them, without any in-person training, went on to compete at the national level. And the number of teachers and chess schools has only grown.' Visibility factor This growth is accelerating — especially after a historic year for Indian chess. In 2024, India claimed gold in both the men's and women's categories at the Chess Olympiad. Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest world chess champion, Koneru Humpy won the Women's World Rapid title, and players like R Praggnanandhaa continued to make headlines by defeating the likes of Magnus Carlsen. Social media lit up, and the game suddenly felt new again. The success of Malayali grandmasters Nihal Sarin and S L Narayanan has only added fuel to the fire. Both qualified for the upcoming Chess World Cup after strong performances in the Asian Individual Championship. 'Nihal's journey started around age five, during school vacation,' recalls his father, Dr Sarin Abdulsalam. 'His grandfather taught him the rules, and within days, he was already competing with him. But the path was not easy; managing school, travel, coaching, and finances was tough. At that time, Kerala lacked strong tournaments, so we had to travel a lot. Support from Tata Trusts and Akshayakalpa made a real difference.' Dr Sarin believes Kerala has great talent, but it needs more support. 'We need better infrastructure, regular high-level tournaments, and structured coaching systems. And I think a franchise-based chess league could change the game here,' he says. S L Narayanan's story is similar. A restless child, he found focus in chess and became a grandmaster at 18, even while topping his class despite regular absences for tournaments. 'Kerala's first grandmaster was G N Gopal. Then came Narayanan, and then Nihal. Despite the talent here, progress is slow compared to other states,' says Narayanan's father, Sunil Dutt P. 'The number of tournaments has grown, but quality has not improved much. Also, while other states benefit from solid sponsorships, Kerala still lacks that kind of support.' But that has not deterred more prodigies from taking to the 64-square battlefield. Some days ago, TNIE featured the story of Divi Bijesh, the youngest girl in Kerala to be conferred the Woman Candidate Master title by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). 'I don't really get nervous when I play,' she told this reporter. 'I just enjoy it a lot. I watch lots of chess games online, especially those of Magnus Carlsen. He is my favourite.' Divi's coach Sreejith G S, of Master Chess Academy, says enhanced visibility of the game has made a big difference. 'Parents now believe that any child, regardless of background, can go far in chess. Some enrol children to boost focus and memory. People spot talent early and nurture it,' he notes.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
CM's Udaan scheme screens over 6lakh rural citizens for mental health in district
Nagpur: More than six lakh people in rural areas were screened for mental health wellness during a door-to-door survey under the state govt's flagship Udaan project in Nagpur district. A total of 9,110 mental health outpatient department sessions were organised, while 9,472 patients received treatment, and a total of 92,423 counselling and treatment services were provided. Of these patients, 66% fully recovered, and treatment is ongoing for 24%. Under this initiative, two sub-district hospitals, 10 rural hospitals, 56 primary health centres, 778 gram panchayats, and 1,724 ASHA workers from 13 talukas of the district were included. With the help of ASHA workers, mental health surveys were conducted door-to-door in villages using tabs, and so far 6,22,431 people have been screened. Before this, villagers had to travel to Nagpur city for mental health services, but now these services are available at nearby govt health centres. Out of 69 facilitation centres in Nagpur district, 13 centres provide services through the district mental health program team, and 56 centres provide services through trained medical officers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Добро пожаловать в Аравию SAUDI Забронировать Undo Monthly awareness programmes are conducted in 465 villages in collaboration with gram panchayats, bhajan mandals, farmer groups, and women's savings groups. Additionally, the Udaan team conducted counselling sessions by visiting the homes of 11,936 patients. Special training on mental health and awareness was provided to 1,724 ASHA workers. "The district-level mental health program Udaan, initiated by the Maharashtra govt in collaboration with Tata Trusts, achieved remarkable success in Nagpur district, significantly enhancing the reach of mental health services in rural areas," chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said. The national mental health policy aims to raise awareness about mental health, provide easy access to services in rural and urban areas, increase the number of psychiatrists and counsellors, offer treatment outside hospitals, and provide specialised mental health services. The Udaan program aligns with this and is the first initiative of the Maharashtra govt. Through this initiative, mental health services are provided to citizens at their nearest health centres. Launched in 2018 under the leadership of Fadnavis, the main objective of the Udaan initiative is to provide quality mental health services to the citizens of rural Nagpur district through sub-district hospitals and primary health centres. The implementation of this scheme was carried out in 2018 in partnership with the department of public health and family welfare, govt of Maharashtra, and Tata Trusts. Since 2023, the responsibility of this scheme was handed over to the Rural Tribal Development Service Institute, with Indira Foundation supporting the program. The Udaan initiative, along with the district administration and members of the district mental health program, plays a significant role in ensuring the mental well-being of citizens. Additionally, the public health department, district council, rural hospitals (RH), sub-district hospitals (SDH), and primary health centres (PHC) also contribute significantly. Fadnavis stated that the Udaan initiative has taken a significant leap in the field of mental health in Nagpur district and is set to become a model for other districts in the country.
Mint
22-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
The quiet philanthropists: Premji Foundation, Tata Trusts match social spending of top Nifty companies
Mumbai/Bengaluru: India's top philanthropic organizations are spending money comparable to the social spends of the country's biggest for-profit companies, a trend that has come to light after Bengaluru-based Azim Premji Foundation disclosed its financials for the first time in its quarter-century of existence. As per the reported financials, the eponymous not-for-profit entity of billionaire Azim Premji spent ₹1,528 crore on philanthropy in 2024. That was more than twice the ₹699.31 crore spent by the Tata Trusts in the same year, according to financials filed by the entity. The spends by the two Indian philanthropic organizations are on par with the CSR (corporate social responsibility) expenditures of the country's largest companies, including Reliance Industries Ltd, HDFC Bank Ltd, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd, according to aMintreview. Also read: Global engines power order growth for Larsen & Toubro Reliance Industries spent ₹1,592 crore on CSR initiatives in 2024, followed by TCS and HDFC Bank, which spent ₹953 crore and 945.1 crore, respectively. Following them were ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) and Tata Steel Ltd, which spent ₹634.5 crore and ₹580 crore, respectively, in 2024. Infosys Ltd took the sixth spot, spending ₹577 crore. To be sure, unlike philanthropic entities that are not bound by any regulation in terms of amounts to be spent, enterprises are mandated to spend a portion of their profits on CSR initiatives. According to the Companies Act, 2013, companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or net profit of ₹5 crore or more, must spend at least 2% of the average profits in the three preceding years on CSR activities. 'There was no particular reason why we decided to share this report," a spokesperson for Azim Premji Foundation said when asked about philanthropic entities sharing their numbers, adding that the financials will be shared 'periodically". The foundation spent ₹594 crore on teacher training in government schools across 60 districts, healthcare, and livelihood, according to the foundation's website disclosure. It also gave ₹934 crore in grants to non-government organizations (NGOs). Also read: Thermax's big test: Can its energy transition bets revive investor confidence? Tata Trusts' two principal trusts, Sir Ratan Tata Trusts & Allied Trusts, and Sir Dorabji Tata Trusts & Allied Trusts, spent ₹575.47 crore and ₹123.84 crore last year. 'Azim Premji Foundation and Tata Trusts are trailblazers in the Indian philanthropic world," said Amitabh Jaipuria, chief executive officer of Accelerate Indian Philanthropy (AIP), a peer network set up by philanthropists to support their giving efforts. Jaipuria said foundations like Azim Premji Foundation and Tata Trusts not only carry out social projects independently, but also make grants to several grassroots organizations to achieve social outcomes. Tata Trusts is an umbrella entity of 15 philanthropic organizations, which own 65.9% of Tata Sons, the principal holding company of the Tata Group. The Shapoorji Pallonji family owns 18.38% of Tata Sons' shares, while nine Tata Group companies own 12.86%. Seven individuals own the remaining 2.87%. After becoming the country's richest businessman at the turn of the century, Premji set up the Azim Premji Foundation in 2001, with an initial corpus of $125 million worth shares of Wipro. Over the past 24 years, according to public disclosures made by Wipro, Premji has given 66% of the shares he owned in the company to the foundation. Premji donated $21 billion, or 92% of his wealth, making him arguably the country's most generous billionaire. Infosys Ltd's co-founder and chairman, Nandan Nilekani, has described Premji as a 'giant figure". Wipro shares with the Foundation were worth $20 billion at the end of trading on Wednesday. Additionally, Premji has transferred the ownership of Premji Invest, his family office with $14 billion in assets under management, to the foundation. Also read: China's restrictions on rare earth magnets could crimp Indian EV rollout Finally, the foundation also owns 20.29% shares of Wipro Enterprises Ltd, the privately held non-IT business of Azim Premji. Valued at $10 billion in 2023, Wipro Enterprises houses the group's consumer care and engineering businesses. This translates to an additional $2 billion holding for the Azim Premji Foundation, which implies its endowment corpus is about $36 billion. The foundation's endowment was valued at $29 billion at the end of January 2023, according to the disclosure made by Azim Premji University, which has two campuses in Bengaluru and Bhopal.
