Chandigarh, May 5, 2026: Marking a significant milestone, PGIMER, Chandigarh, today celebrated the second annual ‘Sarathi Day’, commemorating two impactful years of SARATHI (Students’ Alliance for Responsible Action to Transform Healthcare Institutes)—a pioneering volunteer-led initiative aimed at transforming patient care and accessibility at the Institute.

The event was graced by Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, as the Chief Guest, while Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary, Education, Chandigarh Administration, attended as the Guest of Honour. Also present on the occasion were Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER; Sh. Pankaj Rai, IAS, Deputy Director (Administration); Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research); Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER; along with principals and NSS Coordinators of participating colleges and schools.

The programme featured a comprehensive overview of Project SARATHI, tracing its journey over the past two years into a structured patient-support system. A specially curated film showcased the initiative’s evolution and impact. This was followed by the felicitation of 25 partner educational institutions for their invaluable support, with principals, nodal NSS officers, and dedicated SARATHI volunteers (‘Bravehearts’) being honoured for their outstanding contribution towards improving the patient experience at PGIMER.

During his address, the Chief Guest, Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, lauded the SARATHI programme as a powerful amalgamation of empathy, compassion, social responsibility, and experiential learning. Sharing his personal experience, he remarked that navigating the complex corridors of large hospitals can be overwhelming even for the most privileged; in such situations, these young volunteers emerge as true ‘sarathis’, guiding patients with dignity and care.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the values and learning gained through such service remain with volunteers throughout their lives, shaping them into responsible and exemplary citizens. He urged all to actively engage in social service, noting that there are countless ways to contribute meaningfully. He also extended his appreciation to all volunteers, including those associated with NSS and MY Bharat, for their commendable dedication.

Impressed by the scale and impact of the initiative, Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad further remarked, “What began as a pilot at PGIMER has the potential to evolve into one of the country’s largest social service movements. When youth energy is channelled towards service, healthcare experiences can be transformed across India.”

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, stated that launched on May 6, 2024, SARATHI integrates student volunteers into hospital ecosystems to assist patients with non-clinical processes such as registration, navigation for diagnostics, movement across service points, and support for elderly and vulnerable individuals. Fondly referring to the volunteers as “Bravehearts,” he described them as a reflection of PGIMER’s institutional ethos of compassion, service, and patient-centric care. He also acknowledged the crucial role of school principals, teachers, nodal officers, and administrators, expressing gratitude for their continued support in sustaining and expanding the initiative.

Highlighting the operational impact, Sh. Pankaj Rai, IAS, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, stated that over 2,000 student volunteers have collectively contributed more than 1.24 lakh service hours, benefiting lakhs of patients and attendants. He further noted that SARATHI has received recognition from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as a replicable model for patient facilitation, and from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports under experiential learning frameworks.

The event concluded with a renewed resolve to further strengthen and expand the initiative, deepening its impact across healthcare institutions nationwide.