Anurag Chauhan Takes the Stage at IIM Kashipur
On November 30, 2025, the Indian Institute of Management Kashipur (IIM Kashipur), one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted the 11th edition of TEDxIIMKashipur. This event was inspired by TED’s global mission to spread ideas worth sharing and provided a platform for thinkers, innovators, and changemakers to present transformative stories.
Highlighting Menstrual Health
This year, the event featured Anurag Chauhan, a renowned social reformer and founder of the non-profit organization Humans For Humanity. Chauhan delivered a compelling talk on the urgent need to reimagine menstrual health in India. His address was centered on the theme “Reimagining the Familiar,” where he emphasized that menstruation, despite being a natural biological process, is often shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation.
The Problem of Menstrual Hygiene
Chauhan pointed out that the real issue lies not in menstruation itself but in the poor menstrual hygiene practices that many women and girls face. He highlighted that millions across India are affected due to a lack of access, awareness, and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. He stressed the importance of including men and boys in menstrual literacy, advocating for their role in supporting mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters with understanding and empathy.
Humans For Humanity’s Impact
Through the WASH Project, Humans For Humanity has conducted over 15,000 workshops, reaching an impressive 5 million women and girls across India. This initiative not only promotes awareness but also trains communities to create biodegradable sanitary pads. Additionally, it creates safe spaces for women to openly discuss their bodies, health, and dignity.
Education and Community Involvement
Chauhan articulated that improving menstrual hygiene is not solely about providing products; it also involves education, behavior change, community involvement, and breaking taboos. He emphasized that menstrual hygiene management should be treated as a public health priority. Many girls miss school during their periods, and numerous women resort to unsafe practices due to ignorance or lack of resources.
Community Engagement Initiatives
During his visit to IIM Kashipur, Humans For Humanity organized a menstrual hygiene distribution and awareness drive for women and girls from Bhatta Colony and Tanda Village in Kashipur. The team distributed sanitary pads and Warmee heat patches, alongside conducting workshops on menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and safe practices. More than 150 women and girls participated in these discussions aimed at breaking taboos and fostering healthier menstrual habits.
Inspiring Speakers at the Event
The TEDxIIMKashipur event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, including:
- Anita Bokepalli
- Navin Reddy
- Captain Praveen
- Preethi Madhu
- Minakshi Khati
- Anuradha Pal
- Prashant Keshari
- Vaishnavi Sharma
- Rajeev Pulavar
- Rajat Jain
Each speaker offered unique perspectives that aligned with the day’s theme, contributing to a rich dialogue on various issues.
About Humans For Humanity
Humans For Humanity is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to improving menstrual hygiene, sanitation, and the overall dignity of women and girls across India. Through its WASH Project and community-led initiatives, the organization aims to build sustainable, inclusive, and informed ecosystems around menstrual health.
Conclusion
The TEDxIIMKashipur event not only highlighted the critical issue of menstrual health but also showcased the importance of community involvement and education in addressing this public health concern. Anurag Chauhan’s passionate advocacy for menstrual hygiene management serves as a reminder of the work still needed to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation in India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the event held at IIM Kashipur and the initiatives led by Humans For Humanity.
