In a country where talking about periods is still considered taboo in many places, a brave 12th-grade student is breaking barriers and making a difference. Meet Priyanshi Bagga, a student of Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon, who is leading a powerful initiative called “Chuppi Todoh” — which means “Break the Silence.”

At just 17, Priyanshi has already raised over ₹5 lakh and helped distribute over 3 lakh sanitary pads to girls in rural India. Her mission? To improve menstrual hygiene and make sure that young girls don’t have to drop out of school just because they don't have access to basic menstrual care.

Turning Concern Into Action While volunteering in rural schools, Priyanshi noticed that many girls stopped coming to school once they reached puberty. The reason was heartbreaking — they didn’t have access to sanitary pads or clean toilets. Moved by their struggles, Priyanshi decided to do something meaningful.

She started Chuppi Todoh, a campaign focused on providing menstrual products, setting up sanitary pad vending machines in government schools, and educating girls about periods through workshops. So far, vending machines have been installed in two government schools, and more than 10,000 girls have benefited from her initiative.

More Than Just Pads Priyanshi’s work doesn’t stop at distribution. She also organizes awareness workshops, encouraging open conversations about menstrual health — a topic many still shy away from. These sessions not only educate but also empower girls to feel confident and informed about their own bodies.

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Her project also supports self-help groups for women, helping them become financially independent by linking them to government credit schemes and training. This step ensures that the impact of her initiative reaches beyond hygiene — it supports long-term empowerment.

A Voice of Change “I believe education opens doors,” says Priyanshi. “No girl should be forced to leave school just because of her period. With Chuppi Todoh, we are trying to create safe and supportive environments so girls can continue their education without shame or fear.”

Her inspiring work has not gone unnoticed. Priyanshi has been honoured both in India and abroad for her dedication to social change. She was awarded the prestigious GirlUp Project Award by the United Nations, and also named a finalist in the Taco Bell Ambition Accelerator, a global program run by Taco Bell and Ashoka University that highlights young leaders creating positive impact in their communities.

An Inspiration for All Priyanshi’s story is proof that age is no barrier to making a difference. With compassion, courage, and determination, she is changing lives and encouraging others to speak up about issues that matter.

In a world that often waits for someone else to act, Priyanshi Bagga chose to lead — and because of her, thousands of girls now have the dignity, knowledge, and support they deserve.

Ritu Pansy

    Content Creator