Chandigarh, Jan 27: Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria will launch ‘Project Saathi’ on Wednesday, a new wellness program aimed at addressing the rising concerns of stress, anxiety, and depression among the youth. The six-month pilot project is a collaborative effort between the Chandigarh administration and the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation to provide a structured, activity-based intervention for students in Classes 7, 8, 9, and 11.
The initiative focuses on seven government schools in the city, using life skills education, yoga, and meditation to identify mental health challenges early. Experts have pointed to a pressing need for such programs, noting that Chandigarh recorded eight student suicides between 2024 and 2025. National data further suggests that student suicides account for a significant portion of annual deaths, creating what professionals call a silent crisis.
CCF Vice-President Vini Mahajan noted that the framework was developed following extensive workshops in late 2025. “It is in this context that ‘Project Saathi’ has been conceptualised after extensive consultations involving mental health professionals from PGIMER and GMCH, government school teachers, and social workers,” she said. The project aims to counter issues ranging from bullying and substance abuse to exam-related anxiety and excessive screen time.
Unlike traditional crisis response methods, this program follows NIMHANS recommendations by prioritizing emotional resilience and early sensitization. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and educators will lead the implementation, ensuring that students have access to comprehensive support systems within their own learning environment.
CCF General Secretary JM Balamurugan said the project creates safe spaces where students can learn coping mechanisms and improve their physical well-being through playful yoga activities. “If the pilot demonstrates positive outcomes in student well-being and behaviour, the initiative will be expanded to more schools and colleges and could emerge as a national model for school mental healthcare,” Balamurugan added.
