On World Menstrual Hygiene day, PV Sindhu has the most uplifting message for young girls. As pubescent girls come to terms with their sexuality, the star tennis player, writing for The Times of India, reminds them to not let “something as normal as periods” come in the way of their dreams.
You woke up today only to realise that it’s ‘that time of the month’. So you decided to ditch your plans and retreated back into your cocoon. Why would you do that? Why would you still not want to put in that extra? Why would you give up on your dreams? Is it simply because of your periods?PV Sindhu
Sindhu, who is currently ranked at no 3 in world women’s singles, remembers the obstacles she had to overcome while training to become a badminton player.
Sindhu had to travel 56 kms to the training institute and then back everyday. She recalls that it was intense and demanding both mentally and physically, and more so when she would be on her periods.
All these could have had led to so many missed opportunities, if not for my mother’s unwavering support and my strong dream to excel.PV Sindhu
Sindhu was at the training centre when she got her first period. She borrowed a sanitary pad from a senior and went ahead with the practice. Using this as an example, she reminds girls to not use menstruation as a reason to give up.
Don’t let periods be an excuse. My period days didn’t make me falter, they made me more determined to pursue my dreams. Your dreams are what define your individuality. They have the power to give you wings and make you fly high.PV Sindhu
In India, a country where periods and menstruation are highly stigmatised, celebrities have been coming forward lately to talk about them, along with women’s health and hygiene. After Bollywood films and social media ‘challenges’ on menstruation, PV Sindhu’s write-up comes as one more voice fighting towards ending the taboo in the country.
(With inputs from The Times of India.)
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