Teen in India honored for efforts to raise awareness about periods

Aadvik Jain, an 18-year-old from Delhi, India, has been recognized with the Diana Award for his work to raise awareness about menstrual health. He started his initiative, Team Period, at age 14 after witnessing a close friend suffer from severe menstrual pain that was not taken seriously.

The Diana Award honors young people ages 16 to 25 from around the world for their social action and humanitarian efforts. This year, 198 young activists from 44 countries were recognized, including 49 from India. The awardees were announced at a virtual ceremony on November 4.

Team Period works to challenge menstrual stigma through workshops, street performances, awareness campaigns, and efforts to improve access to menstrual pads and products, according to upr.org. Jain leads the initiative alongside three close friends.

In addition to his activism, Jain is planning to study medicine and public health at the University of Bologna in Italy starting in February, radio.wpsu.org reported.

Other Indian honorees this year include innovators addressing workplace safety, indoor air pollution, and animal welfare, highlighting a diverse range of community-focused efforts recognized by the Diana Award.