Empowering Hills: Pragya foundation leads menstrual hygiene revolution in Uttarakhand | India News
In the remote valleys and highlands of Uttarakhand, a quiet revolution is taking place—led by a woman with a vision and an unwavering commitment to change. Pragya Dixit, a determined social entrepreneur, is the founder and director of the Pragya Foundation, a trust established in January 2024 with a bold mission: to empower women and improve their quality of life through sustainable and impactful initiatives.
But this journey began much earlier. In 2020, Pragya embarked on her mission with a simple yet powerful act—distributing sanitary pads to women in Uttarkashi. What started as a small outreach has grown into a full-fledged movement, gradually expanding into the districts of Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal. Her initiative not only ensured access to menstrual hygiene but also emphasized the scientific disposal of menstrual waste, aligning with environmental guidelines and promoting sustainability.
Pragya’s tireless work did not go unnoticed. Her efforts earned her appreciation from dignitaries including Hon’ble Member of Parliament Mala Rajlakshmi Shah, Minister of Forest and Environment Sh. Subodh Uniyal, and several Members of the Legislative Assembly. Her voice has resonated in numerous awareness programs, and her work has been widely covered in national and regional media.
Real change on the ground
Under her leadership, the impact has been nothing short of remarkable:
– More than 10,000 kilograms of menstrual waste have been collected at the source within a year across Tehri Garhwal.
– 49 waste collection vehicles have been modified with special partitions for sanitary waste, covering both urban and rural areas.
– On average, 50 kilograms of menstrual waste is collected daily—and the numbers are growing.
– Numerous water bodies and landfill sites have been shielded from harmful contamination.
– Forests in Tehri are now safer, no longer threatened by fires caused by burning garbage.
– Most importantly, over 30,000 women have directly benefited from the foundation’s projects, many of whom now lead community awareness campaigns and contribute to household income through waste collection efforts.
Looking ahead
The road forward is paved with ambitious yet achievable goals:
1. Distribute 1 lakh biodegradable sanitary pads.
2. Intensify awareness about the correct usage and disposal of sanitary products.
3. Set up cloth pad manufacturing units managed by local self-help groups.
4. Ensure continuous monitoring of waste collection processes across regions.
5. Launch internship programs for young volunteers passionate about making a difference.
The story of Pragya Dixit is not just one of service—it’s one of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted change. Through the Pragya Foundation, she is not only transforming lives but is also nurturing a future where women are empowered, environments are protected, and communities thrive together.
