“When I started appearing on television to express my opinions on various social issues, people started to look up and take notice, remarked Tanvi Pruthi
Tanvi Pruthi is an Educator and Political Analyst who is tirelessly working towards narrowing the rich-poor divide. Her strong opinions and progressive thought makes her a favourite in television debates. Besides, Tanvi is a social worker and an advocate for universal menstrual hygiene. Being involved in several philanthropic efforts, she has firsthand experience in grassroots women welfare activities among several others.
Read more about this good Samaritan in this insightful conversation with Storiyaan.
5 Min Bit With Tanvi Pruthi
Interview
Questions and answers
What does Philanthropy at its core mean to you?
At a very young age, I realized that the world is split into the ‘Haves’ and the ‘Have nots’. Even if one does not have money, all they can do is take initiative and gather opportunities to develop for the ‘Have nots’.
As an educator and a political analyst what is your take on the current COVID scenario in the country?
Covid has affected us all physically, mentally and economically. But, I think we are on the right path and will be able to move forward to the new normal; owing to the vaccination drives. However, there is one thing that’s holding us back – As a country, we need to make sure that those who do not have access to vaccines should be aided.
Talk to us about a social cause that you are significantly involved with currently?
I am closely involved in a petition that has been filed in the Bombay high court regarding making sanitary napkins an essential commodity and distributing it via public distribution system. I believe that women should not just depend on an NGO or Anganvadi for pads but the Government enabled system.
Menstrual Hygiene is a fundamental right and it is high time we address it in the open.
What has been the greatest milestone that you have attained in your life?
I was just Twenty-five when I got the opportunity to become a Political Analyst. Though we see women in many political roles, there is very little participation of women in politics at the ground level and we need to increase it for better gender sensitive policies. As I started voicing my opinions on television debates and social media, I realized that I have the power and platform to not just influence opinions but also to create value in the society.
That is one of the biggest milestones I’ve achieved.
Talking about menstrual hygiene, what are some ways in which the locals can create awareness for the rural women on the usage of sanitary napkins and its affordability?
We can only do that if we channelize our resources in a system where it directly reaches the hands of the women. When we try to make sanitary pads available in the same manner as any other essential goods like staples, by public distribution system, we will be able to reduce the taboo around it and walk towards a better society.
In this crisis of COVID, what is a message that you would like to pass on to all our readers?
The gap between the haves and the have nots is wider than ever before. So whenever you see someone who has lost their daily wage jobs and stopped their child’s education, try to help them in your capacity. This is the time to come together as a community to aid each other.