Students for Society: VAMC Students Lead Mission Laal Chakra to Promote Menstrual Hygiene in the Community

The MBBS students of Varun Arjun Medical College and Rohilkhand Hospital, Shahjahanpur, UP organized a community-oriented menstrual hygiene awareness initiative titled “Mission Laal Chakra” on 2nd December 2025 under the Social Responsibility and Community Engagement Cell of Varun Arjun University (VAU). The students engaged with female workers of the campus to understand the challenges they face during menstruation and also demonstrated the correct and hygienic use of sanitary pads, emphasizing the importance of menstrual health, infection prevention, and safe practices. As a significant long-term measure, the students announced the launch of a monthly Free Sanitary Pad Donation Programme, named “Pari Bank,” to provide consistent and dignified access to menstrual hygiene products for women on campus. The initiative is planned to continue every month through awareness drives, street plays (nukkad nataks), poster campaigns, and other community engagement activities.

The event was attended by Dr. Dharmender Kumar Gupta, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, and Dr. Mohd Intekhab Alam, Professor of Community Medicine, Mr.Atul, statistician whose presence encouraged and motivated the students. The initiative received strong appreciation from the university leadership, including Dr. Keshav Agarwal, Chancellor; Dr. Ashok Agarwal, Pro-Chancellor; Dr. Lata Agarwal, Vice-Chancellor of Bareilly International University; and Dr. Kiran Agarwal, Vice-Chancellor of Varun Arjun University, all of whom extended full support for the continuation of the programme. Dr.(Col) R. N. Shukla, Dean and Principal, commended the students for their dedication to community welfare, while the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, under Dr. S.Sampath, provided complete academic and clinical support. The initiative also received encouragement from the NGO Ram Rama Foundation, further strengthening its mission to promote menstrual hygiene and empower women.The programme reflects the commitment of the organization towards the well-being of its staff and the society while also fostering a sense of social responsibility, empathy, and community engagement among its students. The programme was carried out with guidance and support from Dr. Poornima S. Bhat of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).