Lal Bhatia, an author and philanthropist known for his powerful memoir Indicting Goliath, has made a meaningful impact in West Bengal through his latest initiative. Bhatia and his team have installed sanitary napkin vending machines in various girls’ schools and colleges across the state, using funds from his book sales to address a critical public health need.
The installation of these vending machines is part of a larger mission to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure that young girls, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, have access to necessary sanitary products. Many girls in West Bengal face challenges in obtaining sanitary napkins due to financial or logistical barriers, leading to health issues and missed school days. Bhatia’s initiative seeks to alleviate these challenges by providing a steady supply of affordable sanitary napkins through easily accessible vending machines.
This initiative is particularly significant in rural and less-developed areas, where access to menstrual hygiene products can be severely limited. Lack of proper menstrual care often forces girls to miss school, impacting their education and long-term opportunities. By addressing this issue, Bhatia is helping to ensure that young girls can continue their education without being hindered by a lack of basic hygiene products.
Bhatia’s philanthropic efforts go beyond this project. He has been actively involved in distributing food to needy communities in Kolkata, particularly during times of hardship. Additionally, during the Durga Puja festival, he and his team distributed thousands of face masks to ensure public safety during the celebrations.
Bhatia’s story of resilience and strength is widely known. His book chronicles his 13-year legal battle in the United States, where he fought false charges and endured significant personal hardship. Upon his return to India, Bhatia turned his focus toward making a difference in the lives of others. The sanitary napkin vending machine initiative is just one of the ways in which he is giving back to society, using his experiences and resources to support those who need it most.