CHANDIGARH, 05.06.26-PGIMER today marked a momentous occasion with the celebration of its first annual ‘Sarathi Day,’ a tribute to the invaluable spirit of voluntary service and the profound impact of the Sarathi Yojana on patient care. The event was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh , as the Chief Guest , who hailed the initiative as a national model for youth engagement in healthcare.

Addressing the auditorium full to its capacity, the Hon’ble Governor quoted Swami Vivekananda as he underscored the transformative power of service, stating, "Life belongs to those who live for others, as helping others brings unparalleled joy." He emphasized the profound impact of young volunteers, observing, "When young volunteers help someone for the first time, they begin to understand the true joy of service. Through Sarathi Yojna, PGI is not just facilitating patients; it's cultivating future citizens with a spirit of humanity."

The Hon’ble Governor lauded the Sarathi initiative as a "beacon of hope and responsibility among youth," commending PGIMER for fostering a culture of service and community health awareness.

Visibly impressed by the initiative's success, the Hon’ble Governor remarked, "A little support can save time, ease stress, and transform a patient's experience. Fuelled by the vision of PGI leadership and the unwavering dedication of NSS volunteers, this initiative has reached over 400 hospitals. I believe this project has the potential to change healthcare, not just in one place, but nationwide—starting with Punjab and Udaipur, and spreading wherever patients need it most."
Hon’ble Governor highlighted the crucial role of SARATHI within the bustling hospital environment: "In a hospital where thousands arrive each day, SARATHI stands as a guiding light — ensuring that no patient or attendant ever feels lost or helpless. It is not just a helpdesk; it is a symbol of PGIMER’s deep-rooted commitment to humane care."

Further elaborating on the distinctive human touch at PGIMER, the Hon’ble Governor observed, "Doctors are many, but what sets PGI doctors apart is the empathy in their words — half the patient’s pain is healed through their compassion. This emotional strength defines PGI’s service, and Sarathi validates the same commitment to patients."

Earlier, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER , in his welcome address, emphasized the significance of the Sarathi initiative in building stronger community linkages through youth engagement as he stated, “What began as a small gesture to ease patient journeys in this vast campus has grown into a source of relief for thousands. But beyond helping patients, it’s instilling in our youth the true spirit of seva—selfless service as a way of life."

Shri Pankaj Rai, IAS, Deputy Director Administration (PGIMER), provided an insightful overview of Project Sarathi, outlining its visionary goal to integrate youth volunteers into vital health and social welfare initiatives and narrated how a small idea has snowballed into a movement being implemented into 442 hospitals across the nation.

A special segment was dedicated to honouring outstanding NSS volunteers and the heads of participating institutions. Among the recognized were 16 exemplary students from Post Graduate Government College, Sector-11, and 6 from MCM DAV College for Women, Sector-36, who received accolades for their exceptional service under the guidance of their NSS Programme Officers.

Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER aptly wrapped up as he said, “The inaugural celebration of Sarathi Day stands as a powerful testament to the potential of youth-led change and community partnerships in advancing health promotion and volunteerism.”