Our Story
Aakar’s journey began in 2010 as a college project led by young social innovator Jaydeep Mandal, driven by a simple but urgent goal: to improve access to safe menstrual care in underserved communities where menstrual products were unavailable. In Khatima, a small village in the foothills of Uttarakhand, a sanitary pad production unit was established to provide safer and healthier menstrual care options while also creating livelihood opportunities for local women.
As the team worked closely with women and adolescent girls across rural India, it became clear that the challenge extended far beyond access. Deep-rooted stigma, silence, and a lack of awareness around menstruation continued to limit the health, confidence, and opportunities of millions. These insights shaped a broader vision. In 2013, Aakar Social Ventures was established as a Section 8 not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing menstrual health through a holistic, community-centred approach.
Today, Aakar works across underserved communities to build awareness, strengthen local capacity, enable behaviour change and life skills, promote sustainable menstrual practices, and create supportive ecosystems where conversations around menstrual, sexual, and reproductive health can happen openly and without stigma.
“"Menstrual health is about more than periods. It is about dignity, confidence, education, and opportunity. When girls can manage their periods with dignity, they can pursue their aspirations without barriers."
— Jaydeep Mandal, Co-founder
