[pja]

I wonder if that was 4 rupees in 1998, vs 2.5 rupees now? According to an online inflation calculator, 1 rupee in 1998 is worth 4 rupees now, so the difference would be more like 16:2.5.

Perhaps someone could check an online Indian Amazon equivalent, not that such a place would be available to rural women anyway, but it would give a lower baseline.

[quarterwave]

Branded pads retail range Rupees 10-25 per pad - some variation in capacity. So the contemporary ratio ranges from 4:1 to 10:1. So 16:2.5 is good estimate even for contemporary comparison!

@pja you are hereby awarded 1 Fermi (see recent link on the topic of Fermi estimates).

The saving is significant because one can also buy shampoo in sachets that cost Rs.5, so the savings expand access to a range of basic hygiene products.

[pja]

@pja you are hereby awarded 1 Fermi (see recent link on the topic of Fermi estimates).

I shall wear it with pride!

[nknighthb]

Plus reduction in medical problems and mortality and an increase in productivity.

I'm also not clear to what extent the mass-produced pads were actually available. He seems to have started out in a populated area with several villages and a significant town nearby. In more rural areas, was there even someplace you realistically could buy them?