Project Saathi: Chandigarh Launches Mental Wellness Initiative

To combat a growing mental health crisis, Chandigarh has launched 'Project Saathi,' a comprehensive pilot program aimed at enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of students in government schools. This initiative addresses the alarming statistic of 13,000 student suicides annually in India. The project prioritizes sensitizing teachers and principals, upskilling counselors, and incorporating activities like yoga, meditation, and life-skills education.

Project Saathi is a six-month endeavor targeting students in specific grades, with the goal of fostering confidence, resilience, and healthy stress management techniques. The initiative's launch was marked by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, who highlighted the silent epidemic of mental health challenges exacerbated by academic pressures, family stress, and social stigma.

This holistic approach, developed through collaboration with mental health professionals and educators, seeks to create safe, supportive, and emotionally secure school environments. Officials expressed confidence that Project Saathi could serve as a replicable model for schools nationwide, aiming to make Chandigarh a benchmark city for student welfare.