Menstrual Man

Menstrual Man (2013 film)

Menstrual Man is a term that gained prominence through the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, an Indian inventor and social entrepreneur. He is widely known for revolutionizing feminine hygiene in rural India by inventing a low-cost sanitary pad manufacturing machine. Muruganantham's journey from a workshop helper to an international figure advocating for menstrual health and hygiene is a testament to innovation and perseverance in the face of societal taboos and economic barriers.

Early Life and Inspiration

Arunachalam Muruganantham was born in 1962 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Coming from a humble background, he dropped out of school at an early age to support his family. The turning point in Muruganantham's life came in 1998 when he discovered his wife using old rags during her menstrual cycle because they could not afford commercial sanitary pads. Disturbed by this, he set out to create a low-cost pad for his wife, unaware that this endeavor would lead to a major breakthrough in menstrual hygiene management.

Invention and Challenges

Muruganantham's journey to invent a low-cost sanitary pad machine was fraught with challenges. Initially, he experimented with different materials and designs, which led to ridicule from his community and even estrangement from his family. Despite these obstacles, he persisted with his research, even wearing a sanitary pad himself to understand its mechanics and effectiveness. After years of experimentation, Muruganantham developed a simple machine that could produce low-cost sanitary pads from cellulose fiber.

Impact and Recognition

The invention of the low-cost sanitary pad manufacturing machine had a profound impact on menstrual hygiene management in India and other developing countries. Muruganantham's machines have been installed in numerous villages across India, empowering women by providing them with access to affordable sanitary products and the opportunity to manufacture these pads as a means of livelihood. His work has not only improved menstrual hygiene but has also helped break the silence around the topic of menstruation in many societies.

Muruganantham has received several awards and recognitions for his work, including being named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2014. His story has inspired a Bollywood movie, Pad Man, and a documentary, Menstrual Man.

Legacy and Continuing Work

Arunachalam Muruganantham continues to advocate for menstrual hygiene and is working towards making his low-cost sanitary pad machines available in more countries. His story is a powerful example of how innovation and determination can address long-standing social issues and improve the lives of millions of women around the world.