Indian Railways helps woman passenger on period with sanitary pad
What's the story
Traveling during menstruation can be daunting. However, when this situation struck a female Indian Railways passenger in Karnataka, a rare help came to her rescue. In response to a tweet by Vishal Khanapure, the woman's fellow passenger and friend, the Indian Railways delivered sanitary pads and the required medication to them in no time. Here's what happened.
Twitter Post
Tweeting to Railway Minister, Vishal asked for sanitary-pads, painkiller tablets
Thank you for the immediate response
— Vishal Khanapure (@Vishal888782) January 14, 2019
Really I'm wondered, char saal main kitna badal Gaya hai Hindusthan!.isse kehte hai "acche din" I'm really really very happy4 @indianrailway__ @PiyushGoyal @PiyushGoyalOffc @mepratap "ek aur Baar modi Sarkar" @RailMinIndia @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/heCHWEkeYB
Details
The request was duly acknowledge and needs met
"At 11:06 PM, an officer reached my friend and confirmed her requirements and took down her PNR details and mobile number," Vishal said. "At 2 AM, when the train reached Arasikere station, officials of the Mysuru division were ready with all the items she had sought. We are all surprised by the quick response," he added.
A good sign
Sign of changing times
Buying and using sanitary pads can best be described as a largely ignored and misunderstood concept in India. Menstruation itself is nothing short of a taboo subject. In such scenario, this case comes as an uplifting and inspiring one, and is a proof that the broader mindset and attitude toward these issues is taking a positive turn.
Information
Once in a blue moon case?
Although the case highlights changing attitude of government-owned departments, it's still far from becoming an everyday practice. Instead of waiting for people to post their problems on social media, government should focus on easy and wide availability of medication and other basic need products.