Kolar: Anthony Sajeeth, 52, still vividly remembers a call from his daughter’s school 12 years ago, when she had her first period. Anthony arrived at school to find his daughter distressed, embarrassed and helpless because the school had no space for her to change.
This was the first trigger. Today, Anthony is on a mission to create “pink rooms” in public schools. These rooms offer private spaces with essential hygiene products, allowing young students to manage their periods with dignity. After building two pink rooms in government schools in Kolar district, Anthony is now looking to collaborate with others who share his vision.
Anthony established the first pink room in a government school in Madanahalli in Kolar district around a year ago using his personal resources. This facility includes attached toilets (Indian and Western styles), changing room, sanitary napkin dispenser and incinerator for proper disposal. Additionally, the room has two beds and a study desk to accommodate girls during their menstrual cycle.
The second pink room was established at a government school in Kurugal, Kolar, with financial support from Anthony’s social circle and professional associates.
Anthony also runs an NGO named Heart of Giving. It all started with a small gesture of giving a government school team jackets bearing the school’s name. “It had such an impact on student morale that I was motivated to do more.”
“Although my daughter’s experience stuck with me, a colleague approached me and suggested that there should be a sick room, especially for women. All this gave me the idea of ​​creating a pink bedroom,” he said. “Female students do not have adequate toilets with enough space for their privacy. Why should they stay at home and miss their studies due to lack of facilities at school?
Anthony is the manager (facilities) of a gaming company in Bangalore. Her current employer recognized the importance of this initiative by providing funds to establish a similar facility at Kyalanoor Public School, which has approximately 350 female students.
To further develop this program, Anthony began communicating with local government officials and potential corporate sponsors to gain additional support.