In a heartening step towards building a more open and informed society, the O.Y.S.T.E.R. NGO, in association with the SKT Foundation, successfully conducted an adolescent health awareness program titled “Her Days, His Change” at the Government High School and Primary School, Mudfort, Hyderabad. The initiative aimed to break the silence surrounding puberty, menstrual hygiene, and adolescent physical and emotional development among schoolchildren — addressing subjects that are often considered too sensitive for open classroom discussion.
A Program Rooted in Compassion and Science
The initiative was made possible through the sponsorship, guidance, and unwavering support of Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tula, Radiation Oncologist at Yashoda Cancer Institute, Hyderabad, and founder-patron of the SKT Foundation. Dr. Tula’s continued commitment to public health outreach and his belief in nurturing “healthier and aware young minds” formed the philosophical backbone of the program. His guidance ensured that the sessions were conducted with medical accuracy, sensitivity, and age-appropriate clarity — qualities essential to a subject that continues to carry unwarranted stigma in many Indian communities.
Inside the Classrooms: Education Without Shame
The program was thoughtfully structured into separate, gender-specific interactive sessions:
- For girls: Female educators used anatomical diagrams and blackboard illustrations to explain the reproductive system, menstruation, puberty, and related health conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Students were encouraged to ask questions freely, and many did — a sign of the comfort the volunteers were able to establish.
- For boys: Male facilitators led discussions on male puberty, physical growth, emotional changes, and the importance of gender sensitivity — reinforcing that adolescent development is a shared, not one-sided, conversation.
Throughout the sessions, the program’s guiding philosophy was reflected in messages displayed to participants: “No shame. No fear. Just awareness,” and “Periods are natural. Puberty is natural. Talking about them should be natural too.” These simple yet powerful affirmations captured the spirit of the initiative — replacing silence with dialogue, and confusion with confidence.
Leadership on the Ground
Adding significant weight to the occasion was the participation of Maruthi Prasad, Director, METSAR Technologies, who took part in the event in person — lending institutional support and leadership presence to a cause that extends beyond conventional corporate or organizational engagement. His involvement in teaching the students, underscores a growing recognition among leadership circles that adolescent health education is not merely a social welfare exercise, but a long-term investment in community well-being and public health literacy.
A Fitting Conclusion
The event concluded with students, teachers, and volunteers gathering for a group photograph alongside the program banner — a visual testament to the collaborative spirit of the day. The closing message left with the students captured the initiative’s core intent: “Her changes matter. His changes matter. Understanding both creates a healthier generation.”
Looking Ahead
The “Her Days, His Change” program stands as a commendable example of how targeted, medically-informed community outreach — backed by dedicated sponsors like Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tula and supported by engaged leadership such as Sri Maruthi Prasad — can meaningfully shift the conversation around adolescent health in grassroots settings. As more institutions and government schools open their doors to such initiatives, programs like this one offer a replicable model for normalizing conversations that too many young people are still forced to navigate alone.
