Aarogya Mela

"Aarogya Mela – empowering young minds for a cleaner tomorrow, was conducted on 15th November 2025 at the Government School, Kengeri Upanagar. This initiative, taken up as part of our Garba Utsav cause, focused on Menstrual Sanitation and Basic Hygiene. Around 150 students participated, and 12 members from our club were present. We were also joined by our ZRR Rtr. Vaishnavi, District Rotaract Secretary for Initiatives Rtr. Madhusudan, and our Rotary President Rtn. Shivram M. R. All the sessions for the students were led by our very own Rotaractors, who served as the speakers for the day.

The sessions aimed to help children understand how hygiene plays a major role in staying healthy. Separate sessions were conducted for boys and girls. For both groups, we covered topics such as basic hygiene, personal hygiene practices like proper handwashing, bathing, maintaining hair and nail cleanliness, and wearing clean clothes. Social hygiene was also discussed, including correct washroom usage and maintaining cleanliness before and after use. We also focused on food hygiene, the importance of eating nutritious food, avoiding packaged items, and understanding the effects of consuming unhygienic food.

After a short break, we inaugurated and donated a sanitary pad vending machine in the presence of Rtn. Shivram sir. Students were guided on how to use the machine and briefed about its purpose and benefits.

The girls’ session then continued with a detailed discussion on menstrual hygiene. Topics included why girls get periods, understanding the menstrual cycle, physical changes, how to use sanitary pads, and awareness about tampons and menstrual cups. The girls were very attentive, asked many questions, and were eager to learn more.

Simultaneously, the boys attended a session dedicated to male hygiene. This included guidance on maintaining cleanliness, washing properly, personal grooming, cleaning private areas, importance of wearing clean undergarments, mannerisms in public, and understanding acne or infections and ways to prevent them.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. They were happy, interactive, and expressed that they wanted us to conduct more such sessions in the future. Aarogya Mela gave us an opportunity to create a meaningful impact in the community and help children understand how essential hygiene is for a healthy life."