In classrooms across the state, a quiet revolution has begun with the government’s Menstrual Health Curriculum for adolescent girls.Rolled out on May 28 to mark the Menstrual Hygiene Day, the curriculum was a decisive step towards overcoming stigma and empowering students through knowledge. Nearly 7,200 teachers across the state have been trained to conduct sessions pertaining to menstrual health.The initiative, covering 3.4 lakh girls from classes VI to X at 3,600 government schools, is being hailed as one of the nation’s largest menstrual health programmes at the level. “For too long, menstruation has been surrounded by silence, hesitation and myths. The curriculum ensures no girl feels ashamed or excluded because of a natural biological process,” said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann while launching the programme in Chandigarh.In Punjabi, with stories at heartDeveloped in Punjabi language to ensure it is relatable, the curriculum uses interactive storytelling centred on a 10-year-old character named Ruby. Through guided discussions and participatory activities, students learn about bodily changes, hygiene practices and self-care.“Storytelling makes the subject approachable. When Ruby talks about her first period, girls realise they are not alone,” said Dr Renu Chhabra, a government-appointed trainer.“It builds confidence and normalises conversations that were once whispered behind closed doors,” she added.On 7,200 teachers being trained to facilitate sessions under the curriculum, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the teachers wouldn’t just be instructors, but allies.“We want classrooms to become safe spaces where girls can ask questions without fear or embarrassment,” he added.The programme follows a three-session intervention model, blending age-appropriate learning with peer support. Officials emphasise the primary goals include hygiene awareness, and building confidence and self-esteem.The initiative resonates with the Supreme Court’s observations that menstrual health is directly linked to dignity, education and equality. “This is not just about hygiene, it is about rights,” said Dr Suman Puri, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).“By institutionalising menstrual education, the state is recognising that dignity in classrooms translates to dignity in the society,” she added.Despite all the progress over the years, myths persist. Many families still believe menstruation is “impure” and sanitary products are unsafe. “We are raising a generation where girls skip school during their periods because of shame or lack of facilities,” said social activist Jasleen Kaur, adding: “This curriculum is a bold attempt to change that narrative.”The development has garnered positive response from the students set to benefit from it.“Earlier, we were scared to ask questions. Now, we know it is normal and we can talk openly. The session helped me understand periods are a normal biological process, and not a disease,” said Simran, a Class VIII student from Ludhiana.Officials say the programme is being implemented in collaboration with an international non-profit organisation specialising in menstrual health education. The phased rollout will be monitored closely, with feedback from schools guiding improvements.“This is not a one-day campaign. It is a sustained effort to ensure menstruation never becomes a barrier to education, confidence or participation,” said the principal of a government school.The state’s bold step is more than a curriculum, it is a social reform in classrooms, a declaration that adolescent girls deserve knowledge, dignity and equality. As a teacher in Ludhiana puts it: “We are not just teaching them about periods, we are teaching confidence, courage and respect.”