Journeva
🇬🇧 English · Health Tips · A1–B2

The Man Who Wore a Pad

In 1998 a man in southern India sees his wife hide a dirty rag, decides to make a cheap pad, and tests it on himself.

Level A1 · Beginner

In 1998, in India, Arunachalam Muruganantham's wife hides a rag for her period. She is ashamed. Pads cost a lot.

He wants a cheap pad. Nobody tests it. So he wears it, with blood. His wife leaves.

A month is 28 days. First: the period, blood, cramps, tired days. Then the body is strong. Day 14: an egg. Then a sad week.

His machine makes a pad for a few rupees. In 2016 India honours him. His wife is home.

The same story, one level up

Every Journeva story exists at four levels — same plot, same characters, richer language each step. Here is how this one begins at each level.

A2 · Elementary

In 1998 Arunachalam Muruganantham saw his wife hide a rag for her period. She was ashamed. …

B1 · Intermediate

In 1998 Arunachalam Muruganantham saw his wife hiding a rag for her period. She was ashamed; pads cost too much. …

B2 · Upper intermediate

In 1998 Arunachalam Muruganantham noticed his wife hiding a rag so dirty he would not have cleaned a scooter with it. It was for her period; she was ashamed. …

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This story in other languages

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