Chandigarh: Marking a significant milestone, PGIMER, Chandigarh, on Tuesday 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 transforming patient care and accessibility at the Institute.
The event was graced by Rajesh Prasad H, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, as Chief Guest, and Prerna Puri, Secretary Education, Chandigarh Administration, as Guest of Honour. Also present on the occasion were Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research) and Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER.
Addressing a packed auditorium, Chief Guest Rajesh Prasad lauded SARATHI as a unique model blending service with experiential learning as he stated, “SARATHI stands on four powerful pillars—empathy, compassion, social responsibility, and experiential learning. In large hospitals, where navigating systems can be overwhelming even for the most privileged, these young volunteers become true ‘sarathis’, guiding patients with dignity and care. What they learn here is not just skill—it is a lifelong transformation of the heart.”
Emphasising the human dimension of service, the Chief Secretary added, “Compassion cannot be taught through books—it must be experienced and felt. Through SARATHI, these students are not only supporting patients but discovering the true essence of humanity. This initiative is shaping not just better healthcare support systems, but better citizens for the nation.”
Impressed by the scale and impact of the initiative, Rajesh Prasad H further remarked, “What began as a pilot at PGIMER has the potential to become 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, described SARATHI as a reflection of PGIMER’s institutional ethos of compassion, service, and patient-centric care as he stated, “Institutions are not built merely by infrastructure or technology; they are built on values, commitment, and service. PGIMER has sustained its journey from humble beginnings to a national institution of excellence because of the unwavering dedication of its healthcare professionals and SARATHI embodies these very values. ”
Fondly referring to the SARATHI volunteers as “Bravehearts,” Prof. Lal highlighted their developmental journey, stating, “These young volunteers are not merely assisting patients; they are learning humanity at its finest. By helping patients navigate one of India’s busiest hospitals, they are developing empathy, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to service. Years from now, they will look back at SARATHI as one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives.”
Acknowledging the role of school principals, teachers, nodal officers, and administrators, the Director expressed gratitude for their continued support in sustaining and expanding the initiative.
Speaking on the programme’s growing national footprint, Prof. Lal added, “What began as an initiative within PGIMER has now evolved into a people’s movement. SARATHI has demonstrated that when youth are guided with purpose and values, they can become transformative agents of change.”
Highlighting the operational impact of the initiative, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, stated, “Strengthening healthcare systems is often discussed in terms of infrastructure, technology, and capacity expansion, but an equally critical question is the patient’s actual experience within hospitals. In large institutions like PGIMER, navigating services can be overwhelming. SARATHI was conceived to bridge the gap between availability of services and their accessibility in practice.”
Launched on 6th May 2024, SARATHI integrates student volunteers into hospital ecosystems to assist patients with non-clinical processes such as registration, diagnostics navigation, and movement across service points, and support for elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Elaborating on the scale of the initiative, Pankaj Rai noted that over 2,000 student volunteers have collectively contributed more than 1.24 lakh service hours, benefiting lakhs of patients and attendants.
Discussing the initiative’s policy relevance, Deputy Director (Administration) highlighted 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.
Pankaj Rai added, “SARATHI is shaping a generation of socially responsible young citizens who understand that healthcare is a collective responsibility. In essence, SARATHI reminds us that true healing lies not just in treatment, but in making every patient feel supported, respected, and cared for.”
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, 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 patient experience at PGIMER.
Summing up the spirit of the initiative, Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), PGIMER, remarked, “SARATHI is compassion in action. It stands as a powerful testament to the potential of youth-led change and community partnerships in advancing health promotion and volunteerism.”
The event concluded with a renewed resolve to further strengthen and expand the initiative, deepening its impact across healthcare institutions nationwide.
