Healing Periods.
Healing the Planet.
Born from a vision to make menstrual hygiene safe, sustainable, and empowering — Saukhyam is India's first reusable pad made from banana fiber, handcrafted by rural women.
Mata Amritanandamayi
When we take care of nature, nature takes care of us.
— AmmaSaukhyam was born from Amma's compassionate vision — a world where every woman has access to safe, non-polluting menstrual care. Under her guidance, Anju Bist embarked on a journey that would transform the lives of millions.
Ayurarogya Saukhyam Foundation is an initiative of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, part of the Amrita SeRVe project covering 101 model villages across 22+ states.
Anju Bist —
The Padwoman of India
Anju Bist began as a researcher with a single question: why do the women she met in rural India suffer so silently every month? Disposable pads were too expensive, too toxic, and ending up in rivers and fields.
After years of R&D at Amritapuri Ashram, she discovered the extraordinary potential of banana fiber— the agricultural waste of a tree that bears fruit once and is then discarded. From that waste she created India's first banana fiber reusable sanitary napkin.
Recognized by NITI Aayog among 75 Women Transforming India, Anju has turned a single pad into a movement touching 30 lakh lives.
From Banana Farm to Healing Pad
A zero-waste journey that transforms agricultural residue into the world's most natural menstrual care product.
Banana Harvest
Banana trees bear fruit once, then are cut down. Their fibrous trunk — normally agricultural waste — is our raw material.
Fiber Extraction
The pseudostem is processed to extract long, strong fibers with natural antimicrobial pathogenesis-related proteins.
Handcrafted by Women
Trained rural women in our satellite centres layer cotton, banana fiber, and PU to handcraft each pad with care.
Reaches You
Each pad lasts 2–3 years, replaces 200+ disposables, and arrives ready to heal your periods and the planet.
What Drives Us Every Day
Reusables providing a wholesome period experience become the first choice for every menstruator — everywhere.
A world where no woman compromises her health due to harmful chemicals, and where sustainable choices are the natural, affordable default.
Combat climate change, empower women, and transform lives — through beautiful reusable menstrual pads.
All handcrafted by rural women using India's first banana fiber absorbent technology, at the intersection of health, ecology, and livelihood.
Milestones Along the Way
From a single ashram in Kerala to 30 lakh lives across India — a decade of compassion in action.
The Seed Was Planted
Anju Bist, inspired by Amma's vision, began researching sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions at Amritapuri Ashram, Kerala.
Banana Fiber Discovery
After extensive R&D, the team developed India's first banana fiber absorbent core — 100% chemical free, biodegradable, and antimicrobial.
First Production Unit
Established the first manufacturing centre in Amritapuri, training rural women to handcraft reusable pads with dignity and skill.
National Recognition
Recognized by NITI Aayog as a Women Transforming India initiative. Expanded to multiple satellite centres across states.
Scaling Impact
Reached 1 Lakh women during the pandemic. Launched online outreach and distributed starter packs to tribal communities.
International Stage
Featured at the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in Poland. ISO standards for reusable pads notified in India.
Mission Goes Global
Crossed 5 Lakh users. Featured at COP28. Expanded HEAL, CARE & REACH programs to 11 states, 4,137 villages.
30 Lakh Lives Changed
Today, Saukhyam stands as India's most impactful menstrual health movement — built by women, for women, healing the planet.
Awards & Accolades
Nationally and internationally recognized for impact in women's health, sustainability, and rural empowerment.
Most Innovative Product Award
National Institute of Rural Development, India
Lauded at UN Climate Change Conference
UNFCCC, Poland
Top 10 Finalist — Climate Launchpad
World's Largest Green Business Competition
Social Enterprise of the Year
Women for India & Social Founder Network
Women Transforming India Awards
NITI Aayog, Govt. of India
Best Social Initiative on Menstrual Hygiene
Annual MHM Conference, New Delhi
Red Shakti Award
Radio FM 93.5 Malayalam
Sheroes Award
Kerala Women's Commission
Rural Healthcare Organization of the Year
Uttarakhand Healthcare Innovation Summit
Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Samman
Minister of State for Health, Govt. of India
As Featured In
Meet Anju Bist Who Has Helped Over 5 Lakh Women Switch
Read ArticleNITI Aayog honour for Kerala's Anju Bist - pad-woman of India
Read ArticleMove over padman, this padwoman strives to make environment-friendly sanitary napkins
Read Articleकेले के रेशे से बना सैनिटरी पैड
Read ArticleDon't Throw in the Towel: On Saukhyam Reusable Sanitary Pads
Read ArticleMaking Menstruation Eco-Friendly with Banana Fiber Pads
Read ArticleJoin the Reusable Revolution
Every pad you buy creates a wave of change — for your health, for rural women, and for the planet. Be part of something bigger.