Sangini initiative fights period poverty in Begusarai with sanitary pad
Begusarai (PTI): To tackle period poverty and empower young girls, sanitary pad dispensers and incinerators were installed in two schools in Manjhaul here as part of the Sangini initiative that aims to transform Begusarai into a model district in menstrual hygiene.
This innovative project by non-profit organisation NOBA GSR (Netarhat Old Boys Association Global Social Responsibility), supported by Press Trust of India (PTI), aims to ensure menstrual hygiene management in rural schools so that girls no longer miss out on education due to their periods. The installation took place ahead of International Women's Day on Saturday.
NOBA GSR has partnered with PTI to expand its Sangini initiative, which has already helped transform the lives of over 2 lakh girls across India, according to a statement.
With more than 700 installations in schools, the statement said, the initiative has significantly reduced absenteeism and dropout rates among adolescent girls.
Each dispenser is equipped with SIM-enabled technology that allows real-time tracking of stock levels, ensuring timely refills that make menstrual hygiene products accessible.
NOBA GSR Operations Manager Mani Raj Singh highlighted the initiative's broader mission.
"With the support of organisations like PTI, NOBA GSR's Sangini initiative is committed to ensuring that menstrual hygiene products reach those who need them the most. Beyond providing sanitary napkins, we aim to foster a long-term behavioural shift in menstrual health awareness across rural India," he said.
Saurabh Kumar, NOBA GSR's Begusarai official, shared the local impact.
"Sangini is already operational in 110 government schools across 40 panchayats in Begusarai. With the support of PTI, SBI, BPCL, IOCL, HURL, PEPSI and government officials, we aim to extend this initiative to the remaining panchayats, ensuring no girl is left behind," Kumar said.
The Sangini initiative is currently active in nine states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana and West Bengal, with plans to expand to Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, and other regions.
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Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from remains of pre-existing temples, claims ASI
Indore (PTI): The ASI has told the Madhya Pradesh High Court that a massive structure dating back to the Paramara kings' rule existed at the disputed Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex, and the current structure was built from the remains of temples.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made the claim on Tuesday based on its 98-day scientific survey and over 2,000-page report.
The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side claims the monument as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The disputed complex is protected by the ASI.
During the hearing before Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi of the HC's Indore bench, Additional Solicitor General Sunil Kumar Jain, representing the ASI, presented a detailed account of the scientific survey conducted two years ago at the complex.
Referring to the ASI's survey report, he said, "Retrieved architectural remains, sculptural fragments, large slabs of inscriptions with literary texts, Nagakarnika inscriptions on pillars, etc, suggest that a large structure associated with literary and educational activities existed at the site. Based on scientific investigations and archaeological remains recovered during the investigations, this pre-existing structure can be dated to the Paramara period."
It can be said that the existing structure was made from the parts of earlier temples, based on scientific investigations, survey and archaeological excavations conducted, study and analysis of retrieved finds, study of architectural remains, sculptures, and inscriptions, art and sculptures, Jain said quoting the report.
Summarising the report, he also drew the court's attention to the fact that the archaeological study identifies that many architectural components, such as pillars and beams, were originally part of temple structures before being repurposed for a mosque.
"The evidence of this transition includes Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions that were damaged or hidden, alongside sculptures of deities and animals that were often mutilated or defaced," Jain contended.
The report also states that "all Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions are older than the Arabic and Persian inscriptions, indicating that users or engravers of the Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions occupied the place earlier".
In light of the Muslim side's earlier objections, the bench wanted to know why there were some discrepancies in the ASI's responses regarding the status of the disputed complex in the cases filed over the years.
The Additional Solicitor General argued that earlier studies of the complex involved only officials, while the current survey involved scientists and the use of advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
The hearing in the Bhojshala case will continue on Wednesday.
The high court has been regularly hearing four petitions and one writ appeal regarding the religious nature of the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex since April 6.
