📍 Event Report – 31st May | Tokyo, Japan
Theme: “Breaking Barriers – Towards a Period-Friendly Society”

The event held on 31st May in Tokyo was a vibrant and impactful gathering that brought together voices from across generations and backgrounds to discuss menstrual health, break stigmas, and foster awareness — especially among the youth. It was also marked by two significant organizational launches that aim to create long-term social impact.

 

A Graceful Start

The event commenced on a spiritual and serene note with a beautiful Saraswati Vandana, performed by Paramita Das, invoking blessings of wisdom and knowledge for the meaningful discussions ahead.

This was followed by a soul-stirring violin performance of “Vande Mataram” by young prodigy Asmi Kundu. Her rendition set a patriotic and emotional tone, reminding the audience of our roots and cultural richness.

 

Stories That Matter: Teenagers Break the Silence

One of the most heart-touching moments of the evening came from young Kavya, who shared her personal experience of witnessing her elder sister’s first period. What began as a misunderstanding turned into a moment of learning — thanks to her parents, who addressed her questions with care and clarity. Kavya’s courage to share her journey publicly was met with admiration and applause, especially for breaking the silence around a topic often shrouded in discomfort. Samiara Khan also shared her experience specially how her parents are helping her to prepare and deal with her first period.

Equally impactful was Vedansh Tyagi, who represented the important role of boys in building a supportive environment. Reflecting on how his parents helped him understand menstruation and how he sensitively supported a classmate during her period, Vedansh highlighted the need for boys to be included in menstrual conversations from an early age.

 

Launch of Tejomayi Sakhi Manch – Japan Chapter

One of the proudest moments of the event was the formal launch of “Tejomayi Sakhi Manch – Japan Chapter”, to empower women by fostering personal growth, nurturing children’s development, promoting effective parenting, and preserving the rich heritage of Indian culture and history.

They strive to create a supportive community where women and families can thrive, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and progress.

The audience warmly welcomed this initiative, recognizing it as a much-needed step in the Japanese diaspora.

 

 

NOBA GSR – Japan Chapter Official Launch

Another major highlight was the official launch of the NOBA GSR Japan Chapter, marking a global extension of an India-based social initiative. The mission of NOBA GSR focuses on five verticals: Education, Healthcare (Nirog), Environment (Vasudha), Agriculture (Kisan), and Social Service (Seva).

The newly introduced Japan Chapter team expressed their commitment to supporting causes relevant to the Indian community in Japan, with a special emphasis on menstrual health.

 

The NOBA GSR team also acknowledged the generous support and contributions from:

  • Gambhir-san
  • Kashyap Pandey Jee
  • OMS Nippon
  • Akira Consulting
  • And special appreciation to Maiko-san and the Global Bridge Network Team for their solidarity and engagement.

 

Panel Discussion on Safe Menstrual Hygiene

A well-curated panel discussion took center stage, featuring experts and changemakers sharing critical insights on menstrual hygiene, awareness, and accessibility. Topics discussed included:

  • The importance of early education
  • Normalizing period talk in schools and homes
  • Encouraging boys to be allies
  • Promoting sustainable menstrual practices
  • Celebrating community-driven initiatives like Project Sangini

Each panelist emphasized how community collaboration, policy change, and youth-led efforts can bring real transformation. Project Sangini was particularly appreciated as a flagship initiative promoting menstrual hygiene through awareness drives and distribution of sanitary pads in rural and underserved areas.

 

Anchors & Volunteers – The Backbone of the Event

A special note of appreciation to the dynamic anchors, Niharika and Shrutika, who gracefully led the event with poise, empathy, and energy. Their confidence and clarity kept the audience engaged throughout.

Kudos to all the young volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s flawless execution — from logistics and stage coordination to guest support and digital arrangements.

 

Chief Guest’s Concluding Address

We were honored to have our esteemed Chief Guest Dr. Annapurna Jee (Mrs. Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Tokyo Japan) deliver the keynote address, which was both inspiring and thought-provoking. With wisdom and clarity, the Chief Guest not only highlighted the broader theme of the event but also beautifully summarized the key points from the panel discussion.

 

 

 

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Team Tejomayi, who expressed deep gratitude to all participants, supporters, and partners. Their message was filled with optimism and a commitment to carrying this initiative forward with greater strength. The 31st May event wasn’t just a program — it was a movement in the making. From personal stories to organizational launches, from musical tributes to powerful discussions — it brought hearts and minds together for a shared purpose.