At Badlaav Social Reform Foundation, we believe in creating positive social change—not just through words, but through action. We’re constantly exploring new ways to expand our outreach and connect with communities that need it most. One of the best ways to do that is by engaging directly with people in meaningful ways. And that’s exactly what we did when we participated in the ‘Dene Samajache’ exhibition in September. Organized by the Pune-based Artistry team, this three-day event featured 25 incredible non-profits, each working on diverse causes—ranging from health and education to environment and women’s empowerment. Badlaav SRF was excited to be a part of this vibrant community of changemakers.
Now in its 21st year, ‘Dene Samajache’ —which translates to “Giving Back to Society”—is an exhibition that brings together non-profit organizations from across different sectors. Founded by Mrs. Veena Gokhale, this exhibition aims to provide a platform for social organizations to present their work and receive support from the public. It’s a space where people can learn about impactful initiatives, engage with those leading change, and contribute in meaningful ways.
We were introduced to the event by Mrs. Gokhale herself. To better understand our work, she visited our Mangalwar Peth community in Pune, where we are running several on-the-ground initiatives. This visit allowed her to see firsthand how we implement our programs and engage with the community.
The exhibition attracted around 800-900 visitors over the three days. People from all walks of life visited our booth—students, teachers, doctors, corporate professionals, homemakers, and even retired senior citizens. The diversity of visitors was inspiring, and it gave us a chance to engage with people of different age groups and backgrounds. We were particularly encouraged by the large number of men who came by, asked questions, and shared their personal experiences. It’s an indication that the conversation around menstrual health in India is expanding beyond just women’s circles, which is vital for breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.
One of the highlights was a conversation with a gentleman from Rajasthan, who shared his family’s struggles with managing menstrual hygiene and cultural taboos around it. Nilam, another team member, recalls: “He asked us how we can approach menstrual health awareness in the backdrop of religious practices and sometimes even taboos that are practiced. He was curious and wanted to understand what practices are right from a scientific point of view. It was amazing to see how open he was to new ideas and how willing he was to change old misconceptions.” These interactions serve as a great reminder of the power of education in transforming mindsets.
Badlaav SRF has been at the forefront of addressing menstrual health management (MHM) in Pune and beyond. Our work focuses on breaking the silence around menstruation, providing menstrual hygiene education, and advocating for better health practices in underserved communities. At the exhibition, we shared our experience working in schools, where we conduct workshops for students and teachers, equipping them with the knowledge to manage menstrual health with dignity and care.
The conversations we had during the exhibition only reinforced the importance of our efforts. Many people we met were unaware of the issues surrounding menstrual hygiene and the barriers women face in rural areas, including poor access to sanitary products and the social taboos that keep these issues hidden. We believe that by raising awareness and educating communities, we can reduce these challenges and empower menstruators to make informed choices. As Namita, one of our team members, reflects:
“After seeing the response and hearing people’s stories, it became clear how much our work resonates with others.
It was a confirmation that we are on the right path.”
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be returning to ‘Dene Samajache’ next year. We’ve seen firsthand how vital these opportunities are for building relationships, raising awareness, and advancing social causes. So, expect to see more from us—more collaborations, more community engagement, and, most importantly, more support for the causes that matter.
Join Us in Creating Change
The success of our participation in the ‘Dene Samajache’ exhibition has shown us just how much potential there is to create lasting social change when we come together as a community. We invite you to join us on this journey of transformation.
If this blog resonated with you, or if you’re excited about the work we’re doing, we’d love for you to be a part of it. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our message, every little bit helps us do more. To learn about our programs, explore how you can get involved, or support us in any way, visit our website at Badlaav SRF.
Together, we can continue making a difference—one step at a time.
