Arunachalam Murugan

Revolutionized menstrual hygiene in rural India through cost-effective innovation

Arunachalam Murugan (born 1970) is a visionary social entrepreneur from rural Tamil Nadu who pioneered low-cost sanitary pad production. His life-changing invention emerged from a personal tragedy when his wife faced health issues due to unaffordable menstrual products. Developing a biodegradable pad manufacturing machine costing just $76, he enabled rural women to produce affordable hygiene products. This innovation has empowered over 10,000 women entrepreneurs and reduced menstrual-related health issues by 70% in participating villages. His work was recognized by the Indian government's Padman Award (2016) and inspired the Bollywood film Pad Man (2018).

Key contributions include:
- Developing the world's cheapest sanitary pad production machine
- Creating livelihood opportunities through women-led cooperatives
- Reducing plastic waste through biodegradable materials
- Advocating menstrual hygiene education in schools

Learn more at his official website Arunachalam Foundation and read his TEDx talk here.