KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The MurariJyoti Welfare Foundation began with a simple conversation about menstruation.
• Tejaswini's journey in social work began in her childhood.
• The foundation has expanded its scope from health to education and employment.
• Building trust is crucial for the foundation's success.
• The ultimate goal is for the community to recognize its own needs and make decisions.

Introduction

In a small community in Bihar, Tejaswini's conversations with local women about menstruation sparked a movement that would shape the MurariJyoti Welfare Foundation (MJWF). This journey began with a simple question and has since grown to impact over 3,500 people.

Tejaswini's Early Life and Influences

Tejaswini's childhood in boarding schools in Bihar and Darjeeling instilled in her a sense of independence and curiosity. Her family encouraged her to ask questions and explore various fields, including meditation, sports, and studies.

At around 12 or 13, an incident involving a distressed girl seeking help for domestic violence profoundly impacted Tejaswini. Her mother's question about the power to effect change made her realize the importance of knowledge, understanding, resources, and capability in empowering others.

The Foundation's Inception

After studying Mass Media, Tejaswini completed an MSc in Psychology from the University of Essex. Her work in London as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate further highlighted the interconnectedness of women's safety and health.

Returning to Bihar in 2023, Tejaswini's conversation with Sajni, a woman who worked in her home, led to the introduction of menstrual cups. This small but significant experience underscored the importance of information and understanding in women's health.

Expanding the Scope

Initially, Tejaswini funded MJWF from her own earnings to understand the community's needs. By March 2026, she joined the foundation full-time, and in July 2026, it received Goonj's Grassroots Award.

MJWF's partners include the University of Essex, 10zyme, Bhagalpur Medical College, and the Bihpur Primary Health Centre. The foundation's work expanded from menstruation to include non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and health camps, providing free screenings and information about government hospital services.

Building Trust in Rural Bihar

Trust was the biggest challenge in rural Bihar. Initially, people were skeptical of an outsider discussing sensitive topics like women's health. The team patiently engaged with the community, gradually building trust through repeated interactions.

Today, people actively seek out MJWF's help, reflecting a crucial milestone where the community begins to recognize and articulate its own needs.

Current Focus and Future Goals

MJWF now focuses on education, employment, and entrepreneurship for women. Tejaswini emphasizes listening to the community's needs before implementing any solutions.

Her approach is to understand the problem, conduct research, and then build what is genuinely needed. Tejaswini believes that the foundation's ultimate success will be when the community no longer needs external help to recognize and meet its own needs.

Conclusion

The journey of the MurariJyoti Welfare Foundation is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts and community trust. Tejaswini's dedication to empowering women through understanding and action continues to make a significant impact in Bihar.

Call-to-Action

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