CHANDIGARH,21.05.26-Encouraged by the overwhelming success of the first student exposure initiative conducted in February 2026, PGIMER Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Government of Himachal Pradesh, successfully organised the second edition of its large-scale educational outreach programme for over 800 school students from various districts of Himachal Pradesh including Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, Sirmaur, Shimla, Solan, Lahaul-Spiti, and Manali under Project SARATHI during 12th, 14th, 16th and 18th May 2026.
Commending the initiative, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said, “The future of a healthier nation depends on how early we educate young minds about empathy, awareness and responsibility. When students are exposed to the realities of public healthcare, they begin to understand the value of discipline, teamwork and preventive health practices. Such experiences shape not only informed citizens but also compassionate human beings who can contribute meaningfully to society.”
Speaking about the importance of involving youth through Project SARATHI, Prof. Lal further added, “SARATHI is not only about supporting patients within the hospital ecosystem; it is also about nurturing a generation that understands service before self. By connecting students with healthcare realities at an early age, we are planting the seeds of humanity, leadership and civic participation.”
The initiative brought 837 students and 71 teachers from various districts of Himachal Pradesh to PGIMER in four structured batches, providing them a unique opportunity to witness the functioning of one of India’s premier public healthcare institutions while learning the values of empathy, discipline, awareness and social responsibility.
The district-wise participation included 221 students and 36 teachers from Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Una on 12 May; 184 students and 9 teachers from Kangra and Chamba on 14 May; 234 students and 16 teachers from Kullu, Sirmaur, Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti on 16 May; and 198 students along with 10 teachers from Manali and Solan on 18 May.
Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, who coordinated the initiative in close collaboration with various departments and authorities, highlighted the significance of structured exposure visits for students. He stated, “These visits were carefully planned in phased batches to ensure meaningful interaction and smooth hospital functioning. For many students, this was their first exposure to a large public healthcare institution. Such experiences broaden perspectives, build confidence and help children understand their surroundings and responsibilities towards society.”
Mr. Rai further added, “The collaboration between the Government of Himachal Pradesh and PGIMER reflects a shared commitment towards holistic education where learning goes beyond classrooms. Along with academic growth, it is equally important to cultivate awareness, sensitivity and community values among the youth.”
During the visits, students were sensitised about the significance of organ donation, eye donation and blood donation through interactive awareness sessions conducted by PGIMER teams. They also visited selected patient facilitation and public service areas where they observed the coordinated efforts of doctors, nurses, administrators, support staff and volunteers working together to deliver compassionate healthcare to thousands of patients daily.
Many participating students described the experience as transformative and inspiring. For several of them, it was their first visit to a tertiary healthcare institution, offering valuable exposure to patient care systems, teamwork and public service ethics. Teachers accompanying the students appreciated the initiative as an important step towards personality development, confidence building and social awareness among youth.