People
Aditi Gupta And Her Innovative Comic, Menstrupedia
Aditi Gupta, founder of the popular educational comic, Menstrupedia, speaks about her journey to end the tradition of ignorance surrounding menstruation
Text Credits: Rheanna Mathews
It is an enlightened age in which we live, isn’t it? For instance, something as commonplace and necessary as the menstrual cycle of a woman is something people would know and talk about, right?
Aditi Gupta, who created Menstrupedia, a comic that teaches children, and sometimes adults, about the period, certainly doesn’t think so. Aditi co-founded Menstrupedia with Tuhin Paul, the germ having been planted in their brains while pursuing their postgraduate degree at the National Institute of Design (NID). While in a relationship, both Aditi and Tuhin realised how little they knew about menstruation and were shocked to comprehend the magnitude of misconceptions revolving around the period. They asked themselves, “Despite leading educated and urban lives, if they were so ignorant about this, what was happening elsewhere?”
Menstrupedia was their answer to this troubling question.
We know there is an atmosphere of myth, taboo and ignorance surrounding the reality of menstruation. During your year-long research period, how did you get others to open up to you regarding their experiences?
What happens is, when it comes something that is considered taboo, you tend to be able to share more with a stranger than with someone you are familiar with. You can share details of something you consider intimate or personal, because you are fairly confident that you won’t have to face them again.
A typical example of this is that most schools want an external facilitator to conduct a workshop when it comes to topics like periods or sex education, because regular teachers don’t want do it, as they have to face their students every day.
It is a little surprising that Menstrupedia was crowdfunded. How did you convince investors that this was a worthy venture?
When we went the traditional route, we were actually mocked by potential investors. We didn’t lose heart though. We had our prototype and launched our website with it in October 2012, and were overwhelmed by the tremendous response we got.
Those who seemed to understand the business market had said our product would fail terribly but the response we received made us realise that we had public support and so we thought, “Why not do a crowdfunding campaign?”
How many has Menstrupedia reached so far?
Online, we have reached more than 60 mn users. Our website gets 1.5 L visitors every month from every country in the world. Our books are in 14 languages – 9 Indian languages and other foreign languages – and we’ve sold over 1.5 L copies of the Menstrupedia comic book. It is our understanding that one book reaches at least three children, most of them girls. Recently, the government of Andhra Pradesh distributed our books to all their 122 residential schools across 11 districts.
Besides this, there are a number of NGOs that use our free materials; apart from the book, we also have free content called Hello Periods, available in 10 languages. Apart from India, the Menstrupedia comic book is locally printed and sold in Nepal and in Uruguay, South America.
When it comes to translations of your comic, what is the modus operandi, and how do you surmount the cultural differences?
When the book needs to be translated, a major condition that is part of the process is that the translator and the reviewer shouldn’t know each other. When it comes to the translation itself, we don’t do a literal translation, since the information is largely conveyed through dialogues, without using any formal language. The editor would be conscious of the cultural nuances in these dialogues and he runs through the work of two or three translators before giving the green signal for one of them. Only then do we go ahead with the entire translation. Apart from this, we make sure that we incorporate any feedback we get in each new edition
What is in store for you and Menstrupedia? What other social mores shackling girls and women do you and your team plan to tackle?
Now that it is entering its sixth year, Menstrupedia has become quite sustainable. We won’t be picking another social issue as we want to focus on Menstrupedia and its offshoots, like the website, the audio-visual book and other supporting educational tools. We will be making more books and the very next project we are working on is a book on puberty for boys. We have a lot on our plate, what with setting up centres in different countries, the selling of licenses, more translations…we want to make nationwide educational infrastructure for everyone to learn and teach about menstruation in the most fun and easiest way.
Learn more about Aditi’s work with Menstrupedia here. (https://www.menstrupedia.com)
Spotlight
Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.
In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.
Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.
Architecture
Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style
Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:
Choose the Right Furniture
Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.
Add Textures with Throws and Pillows
Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.
Incorporate Warm Colors
Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.
Use Rugs to Define Spaces
Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.
Personalize with Artwork and Décor
Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.
Invest in Quality Window Treatments
Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.
Add Personal Touches
Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.
People
JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash
There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.
JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either.
In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.
Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.
Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.
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