Menstrupedia

Being at the receiving end of period-related stigma while growing up, Aditi Gupta was instilled with a sense of shame. With a deep understanding of the discomfort people face when conversing about periods, Aditi Gupta along with Tuhin Paul quit their jobs to start Menstrupedia Comics — India's first comic book on periods, which aims to transform the narrative about menstruation. In 2009, Aditi met Tuhin Paul at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, where they were both pursuing post-graduation — and where they fell in love. "I was at ease discussing periods with him," she said. In order to help her with cramps, Tuhin would go on the internet to learn more about menstruation — and when he shared his findings, she realised how little she herself knew about the subject she had lived with for years.

culturally sensitive, medically accurate, and visually engaging format. The flagship Menstrupedia Comic follows three girl characters — Pinky (yet to get her period), Jiya (who gets her period during the story), and Meera (already menstruating) — guided by a character named Priya who educates them in a wholesome and age-appropriate way. The Gulu Comic — a humorous handbook on puberty for boys, offering solutions to all the concerns a young boy may have regarding physical changes, feelings, consent, and bullying. It discusses topics like physical attraction, masturbation, addiction, and periods — in a way that is age-appropriate and culturally sensitive. Workshop programmes include the Period Program for Girls (interactive sessions helping young girls address periods with a body-positive attitude) and the Period Program for Trainers (educator certification enabling teachers and change-makers to conduct impactful menstrual health and hygiene workshops).