Echoes of Change on International Girl Child Day — Meerut Celebrates a Powerful Period Fest and Pad Yatra
Meerut.On the occasion of International Girl Child Day, the city of Meerut witnessed a historic movement — one that resonated with the voice of change, confidence, and courage. The third edition of the “Period Fest” and “Pad Yatra” unfolded with immense enthusiasm and public participation, symbolizing the city’s collective step toward menstrual awareness and gender sensitivity.
The event was organized by SBI Foundation and Sachhi Saheli under the Project Naya Savera, with full support from the District Administration and the Education Department of Meerut under Mission Shakti.
Project Naya Savera aims to reach more than 18,000 students across 75 government schools in Meerut, equipping adolescents with age-appropriate information about puberty, menstrual health, and body awareness. Today’s celebration was a vital part of this year-long initiative.
The Pad Yatra: A March for Change, Not Just Steps
At 9:15 AM, the streets of Meerut turned into a vibrant wave of awareness and pride. The city watched a thousand determined young girls and supportive boys take part in an extraordinary march — the Pad Yatra — not for protest, but for progress.
With drums, slogans, and high spirits, they declared loudly and proudly:
“Periods are not a shame, they are a sign of power!”
The journey from Tejgarhi Chowk to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Auditorium at CCS University was filled with colors, music, and messages of empowerment. Teachers, community leaders, and citizens joined hands, walking side by side with the youth — a powerful symbol of breaking the silence and embracing dialogue.
As posters fluttered and chants echoed, one message became crystal clear:
“We will speak up — because silence never changes the world.”
Period Fest at CCS University: Learning Through Fun
Following the Pad Yatra, students gathered at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Auditorium, where Sachhi Saheli had created interactive and fun learning zones. Here, children explored menstrual health through games, activities, and storytelling — replacing myths with facts, and shame with smiles.
A special “Wish Tree” stood as the heart of the fest — filled with handwritten notes from children expressing their dreams and hopes:
“I wish every girl could talk about periods without fear.”
“I wish every school had a period room where we feel safe and respected.”The fest also featured dance, drama, and cultural performances that celebrated courage and knowledge. Health experts and menstrual educators engaged students in open discussions about hygiene, taboos, and self-respect.
Dignitaries Laud the Movement
The presence of respected guests added inspiration and warmth to the celebration.
Mr. Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO, SBI Foundation, shared:“I’m proud to be part of this program. SBI is honored to support an initiative that empowers our daughters and promotes awareness that menstruation is a natural, healthy part of life.”
Dr. Deeksha, Joint Magistrate, Meerut, remarked:“It’s important that both our girls and boys understand the natural changes in our bodies. This initiative is helping society move toward greater awareness and acceptance.”
Dr. Surbhi Singh, Founder, Sachhi Saheli, expressed with emotion:“Today, we stand together to break down barriers and shatter the chains of shame that once held us back. From this moment forward, the color red will no longer represent shame, but strength — a powerful symbol of pride and empowerment.”
A City Leading the Change
Naya Savera has already reached over 50 government schools in Meerut earlier and is now expanding to 75 more — deepening its impact and spreading awareness among thousands of young minds.
Today, Meerut’s streets didn’t just echo with slogans; they echoed with hope — hope for a future where menstruation is not a matter of shame, but of pride.
Because when girls rise with knowledge and boys stand beside them — society moves forward together.
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