Aadvik Jain, now 18 and based in India’s capital city of Delhi, has been recognized among 198 young people from 44 countries who received the Diana Award this year for his efforts to address menstrual stigma. The award, established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, honors individuals ages 16 to 25 for their social action and humanitarian work. The recipients were announced on November 4 at a virtual ceremony.
Jain’s journey began when he was 14 years old and witnessed a close friend experience severe menstrual pain during school examinations that her parents initially dismissed as an attempt to avoid tests. The friend had been suffering from irregular periods and debilitating cramps for six to eight months before eventually being diagnosed with a medical condition requiring treatment. This experience prompted Jain to recognize that menstruation was treated as a taboo subject in his community, preventing people from seeking appropriate medical care and support.
In response, Jain founded Team Period in 2024 with three close friends. The organization works to challenge menstrual stigma through workshops, street performances, awareness campaigns, and efforts to improve access to menstrual pads and products. India accounted for nearly a quarter of this year’s Diana Award recipients, with 49 honorees total recognized for various social initiatives.
Jain is preparing to pursue further education in medicine and public health, with plans to begin studying at the University of Bologna in Italy in February. His work reflects broader efforts by young people across multiple countries to address public health challenges and social issues within their communities.
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