'Laughed at by his village': Journey of 'Pad Man' who changed millions of women’s lives

2026-02-25 - 07:33

A school dropout, Arunachalam Muruganantham, revolutionized menstrual hygiene in India by inventing an affordable sanitary pad-making machine. Driven by concern for his wife's struggles, he overcame ridicule and social isolation to create a decentralized system empowering women. His innovation not only provides access to hygiene but also fosters economic independence and breaks down societal taboos.