Latest news with #Padman
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
'Insult': Rahul Gandhi's Photo On Sanitary Pad Packets Sparks Row In Bihar, Congress Reacts
Last Updated: Congress will distribute sanitary pads to 5 lakh women in Bihar with Rahul Gandhi's photo under the Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana. Chirag Paswan condemned it. Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress announced on Friday that it will distribute sanitary pads to 5 lakh women. The sanitary pads will have a picture of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The initiative, called Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana, aims to raise menstrual hygiene awareness and is part of the Congress's broader women-centric outreach. While addressing a press conference in Patna, Congress State President Rajesh Ram said that the party will launch a campaign through the Mahila Congress to distribute sanitary pads to 5 lakh women, while also promoting awareness about health issues among them. 'We are going to launch a campaign through Mahila Congress to distribute sanitary pads to women, and our target is to reach 5 lakh women. Mahila Congress members will also spread awareness about health issues," he said. What seemed to be a key election strategy by the Congress in Bihar, inspired by the film 'Padman', to woo women voters by distributing sanitary pads, has triggered a full-fledged controversy in the state. BJP Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called the decision to have Rahul Gandhi's photo on the sanitary pad 'an insult to women", emphasising that 'Congress is an anti-women party, and the women of the state will teach Congress and RJD a lesson." 'It is a good thing that the Congress party is distributing sanitary pads, but having Rahul Gandhi's photo on them is completely inappropriate. I condemn this," he said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Alka Lamba responded to the controversy, emphasising the real issue of menstrual hygiene in Bihar. She criticises the BJP's stance as anti-women, highlighting the need to address the root problem of women using cloth during menstruation and facing health risks. 'In the modern era, the question should not be why Rahul ji's photo was put on the sanitary napkin box—the real question is why our daughters in Bihar are still forced to use cloth during menstruation, becoming victims of serious diseases? BJP's thinking has always been anti-women," she posted on X. The Assembly elections in the state are expected to take place in October or November this year. view comments First Published: July 04, 2025, 16:59 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
MP: SHGs in Neemuch district set an inspiring example of women's empowerment
Neemuch: A women's self-help group from Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh has set an extraordinary example of women's empowerment by transforming their village economy and lives, through the production of sanitary pads. Supported by the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the women of Khor Gram Panchayat have turned a bold idea into a thriving business that champions health, dignity, and self-reliance. It is often said that no work is impossible if one has courage, and the Nari Swabhiman Self-Help Group of Khor village proves exactly that. Formed during the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic, this group of determined women not only created their own identity but also set a benchmark for others to follow. Inspired by the film Padman, they began producing sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene and women's health in their community, giving themselves—and countless others—a new sense of dignity and self-respect. Named Nari Swabhiman (Women's Self-Respect), the group's journey took flight with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's women-empowerment initiatives and NRLM's mission to provide sustainable livelihoods in rural India. The group received its first major opportunity during the pandemic when they were awarded a contract to make PPE kits, along with financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh. That early success became the foundation for their next big leap. Today, these women produce hygienic, safe, and affordable sanitary pads on a large scale, at prices lower than market rates. Their work doesn't just support their families financially but also raises awareness about menstrual hygiene. Through their 'Nari Swabhiman Sanitary Pads,' they are empowering women to live with confidence and health, breaking age-old taboos in the process. The group's president, Mona Khoiwal, recalls how it all began: 'In 2020, twelve of us from the village came together to form this self-help group. During the Corona period, we started by making PPE kits. Later, with the Rs 3 lakh loan under NRLM, we bought a small machine to manufacture sanitary pads. We then went from village to village, talking to women about menstrual health and the importance of using pads. Akshay Kumar's movie Padman was a big inspiration for us—it showed us what was possible, and we tried to inspire other women too. Now, with bigger machines, we're fulfilling large orders from across India. We're deeply thankful to Modiji for his efforts toward women's empowerment.' The success story doesn't stop there. As demand grew, so did their capacity. The group expanded production by investing in advanced machinery, allowing them to fulfil increasingly large orders coming from various parts of the country. Bharti Nakwal, another dedicated member of the group and a resident of Khor village, shared her experience: 'We manufacture sanitary napkins here under the brand name Nari Swabhiman. Mona Khoiwal is our group's operator. We've been working for 5–6 years now. Initially, we made them by hand, but as demand increased, we upgraded to bigger machines. Every morning, we start the machines and use pulp, stickers, and other materials to produce the pads. Some of us operate the machines, while others weigh and pack the napkins.' Bharti further explained the motivation behind their mission: 'Earlier, women used to use cloth, which often caused infections and diseases. We wanted to change that and protect women's health. That's why we started this napkin business. Around 10–15 women work here every day. We receive orders worth Rs 5–8 lakh that we complete in 8–10 days. We feel so proud doing this work—it's meaningful and helps protect women from diseases.' NRLM is a poverty alleviation project implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, a branch of the Government of India. This plan is focused on promoting self-employment and the organisation of the rural poor. The idea behind this program is to organise the poor into SHGs and make them capable of self-employment.
India Today
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Congress's 'Padman' strategy with Rahul Gandhi's photo stirs row in Bihar
What seemed to be a key election strategy by the Congress in Bihar, inspired by the film 'Padman', to woo women voters by distributing sanitary pads, has triggered a full-fledged controversy. All due to a picture of Rahul Gandhi on the sanitary pad boxes being given to over 5 lakh women in the initiative, called Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana, aims to raise menstrual hygiene awareness and is part of the Congress's broader women-centric outreach. advertisementThe sanitary pad boxes feature a photo of Rahul Gandhi, with the Congress's poll promise of a Rs 2,500 dole per month to women from deprived families. However, the decision to feature Rahul's photo on the sanitary pad boxes has invited criticism from the BJP."An insult of women of Bihar with Rahul Gandhi's picture on sanitary pad! Congress is an Anti-Women party! Women of Bihar will teach the Congress and RJD a lesson," tweeted BJP national spokesperson Pradeep of the elections in Bihar, the focus has steadily shifted to the promises being made by the political parties to women, who are expected to play a key role in the the opposition Mahagathbandhan has promised a monthly cash transfer of Rs 2,500 into women's bank accounts under its 'Mai Behan Maan Yojana' if it was elected to power, the Nitish Kumar-led government has launched a 'Mahila Samvad' program - a village-to-village outreach program to connect with 2 crore women.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chitrangda Singh reacts to criticism of Housefull 5 over objectification of women: ‘Not every film has to be politically or socially correct'
Actress Chitrangda Singh has come out in defence of Housefull 5 amid backlash over the film's portrayal of women. In a recent interview, the Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi star emphasized that cinema should be viewed in the context of its genre and intent, and not every film needs to carry a moral or political message. 'I think every film belongs to a certain genre — there's a tone, a rhythm that's set for it,' she told Bollywood Hungama, responding to the criticism that Housefull 5 promotes objectification. 'Everything Akshay has done isn't Housefull 5 — he's also done Padman, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, and recently Kesari.' 'Kaafirana and Kundi were performances, not personal statements' Chitrangda further explained that as an actor, she has portrayed a range of characters — from socially empowered women to glamorous roles in songs — and each serves a specific cinematic purpose. 'I've done films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Inkaar, where I portrayed very empowered women. But those characters are also a part of me as an actor,' she said. 'I've also performed in songs like Kaafirana and Kundi — that, too, serves a purpose for me. It doesn't mean that's who I am at home. That's not me personally.' 'Have a sense of humour — cinema is also about entertainment' Addressing concerns over political correctness in cinema, Chitrangda called for audiences to approach films with perspective — and a bit of levity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This 87¢ ED Pill Turns Heads—Here's Why Experts Are Stunned fridayplans Learn More Undo 'This film also belongs to a certain kind. Firstly, it has already been cleared by the censor board,' she stated. 46-year-old Chitrangda Singh reveals getting rejected by a big talcum powder brand in the past: 'Because I wasn't fair enough' 'But I think sometimes, we need to have a sense of humour about things — not everything can be politically correct, morally correct, or socially correct. We can't always carry the baton for everything through cinema. A film is also meant to entertain.' Directed by Tarun Mansukhani , Housefull 5 brings together a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar , Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Dino Morea, Sanjay Dutt, Johny Lever, Chunky Panday, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Ranjeet, Nikitin Dheer, Sonam Bajwa , and Soundarya Sharma .
India Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Paresh Rawal demanded Rs 25 crore for Hera Pheri 3: The real reason behind his exit
Actor Paresh Rawal reportedly demanded Rs 25 crore for his role in Hera Pheri 3, a move that didn't sit well with Akshay Kumar. The actor has now decided to pursue legal action against Rawal. Sources told India Today that, contrary to reports of creative differences, the real reason behind Rawal's exit was his hefty fee demand.A source close to the development said that Rawal demanded close to Rs 25 crore as his fee. He felt that the film would work because of the nostalgia of his character Babu Rao and that he needed to hike the fee. This irked Kumar, who refused to give in to the actor's source added that the 'Padman' actor now plans to sue Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 crore for exiting the film midway. Meanwhile, the shoot remains at a standstill.
