# Menstrual dignity, orphan aid, palliative care: three Independence Day stories 2026-08-14T17:16:37+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Deccan Chronicle's Independence Day feature profiles three social initiatives that work beyond grand gestures. Baala co-founders Soumya Dabriwal and Aradhana Rai Gupta train women as community leaders on menstrual health, enabling girls to attend school and women to seek employment. Ashok Pujari's Children's Aadhar Foundation has helped over 6,000 orphans and street children since 2012 with education, shelter, and critical documentation like Aadhaar and PAN cards, a hurdle he says forces 90% of orphans into odd jobs. Dr Prasad Kamal Kumar Shelkay of Dirghayu Hospital and Dr Drishti Singh of Nivaran Palliative Care Centre focus on ensuring dignity for those with life-limiting illnesses, supporting both patients and caregivers. The feature argues that service can be as simple as holding a hand until a person can walk on their own. ## Coverage - deccanchronicle.com Tags: Baala, Children's Aadhar Foundation, Independence Day Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/menstrual-dignity-orphan-aid-palliative-care-three-independence-day-stories/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/menstrual-dignity-orphan-aid-palliative-care-three-independence-day-stories/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.