The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today inaugurated Project SAATHI, a pilot mental health initiative aimed at strengthening the emotional and psychological well-being of students studying in government schools of Chandigarh and preventing incidents of student suicides.
Project SAATHI has been developed as a pilot initiative through a collaborative effort of the Chandigarh Administration, Department of School Education, and the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, with technical support from mental health experts of GMCH and PGIMER, along with teachers, counsellors and social workers.
Addressing the gathering, the Administrator described mental health challenges as a “silent epidemic” of modern times, particularly affecting children and youth. He noted that students today face pressures beyond academics, including emotional neglect, family stress, bullying, excessive screen exposure, peer pressure and academic anxiety, which often remain unnoticed.
The Administrator emphasized that social stigma, rather than lack of facilities, continues to be the biggest barrier in seeking mental health support. He urged students and families to openly access professional assistance.
The pilot initiative follows a holistic approach by focusing on sensitisation and training of teachers and school principals, skill enhancement of counsellors, and integration of yoga, meditation, sports, life-skills education and creative activities in schools. Regular wellness sessions and peer engagement activities will help create a safe, supportive and emotionally secure school environment.
During the session, Shri J.M. Balamurugan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Punjab, and General Secretary of Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, briefed the gathering and made a presentation on the role of the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, highlighting Project SAATHI as a six-month pilot programme for students of Classes 7, 8, 9 and 11, aimed at building confidence, resilience and healthy stress-management skills among adolescents.
General (Retd.) V.P. Malik, President, Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, stated that the Foundation functions as an umbrella organisation working towards nation-building and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat through citizen-led initiatives. Appreciating the efforts of the Department of School Education and the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, the Administrator said that with the active support of such committed organisations, Chandigarh can be developed as a model city for the country.
He expressed confidence that the pilot Project SAATHI has the potential to emerge as a replicable model for schools across India. The Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF) has been envisioned as a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, guided by values of inclusiveness, harmony, compassion, culture, and sustainable living. Through citizen-led initiatives, it seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders to address societal challenges and promote balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development, with a special focus on the Chandigarh region.
Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Shri V.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab; Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Ms. Prerna Puri, Education Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration, and representatives of the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation were also present on the occasion.