Karnataka’s ‘Pad Woman’ Bharathi Gudlanur honoured with ‘NewsFirst Mahila Manikya Award’

On International Women’s Day, Bharathi Gudlanur, widely known as the ‘Pad Woman of Karnataka,’ was honoured with the prestigious Mahila Manikya Award by NewsFirst. The award, presented in memory of Rukmini Shyamaraju, recognizes her relentless efforts in menstrual hygiene awareness and rural empowerment.

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Bharathi, a B.Com graduate, launched the Sangini Pink Pad manufacturing unit in Koppal in 2018, inspired by the Bollywood film Pad Man and her own experiences. Determined to address menstrual hygiene issues in rural Karnataka, she faced initial resistance but persisted in educating women about the importance of sanitary pads.

Unlike commercial brands focused on profit, Bharathi took a grassroots approach—visiting villages, slums, and schools to raise awareness. Her efforts gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, making Sangini Pink Pads a widely recognized brand in Karnataka.

Her work has drawn appreciation from Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, and she has installed sanitary pad vending machines in 10 locations across Koppal and nearby districts. With a vision to achieve 100% sanitary pad usage in Koppal, she continues to break social barriers.

The Mahila Manikya Award ceremony will be broadcast today at 5 PM on NewsFirst. Bharathi’s story is a testament to how one woman’s determination can bring meaningful change to society.