CHANDIGARH, 13.07.24-Project Sarathi launched on 6th May this year in PGIMER has bonded well with patients and is already showing success as Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER felicitated second batch of NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers comprising 31 students from Post Graduate Govt. College, Sector 11 here at PGIMER today.

The Director PGIMER was accompanied by Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent & Head, Deptt. of Hospital Administration, Mr. Ghanshyam Dass Sharma, A.O. Vigilance, Dr. Pankaj Arora, Addl. Prof., Deptt. of Hospital Administration during the felicitation ceremony.

The student volunteers were felicitated for an intensive 15-day period of dedicated social service in managing patient rush and facilitating smoother operations at PGIMER. The first batch of NSS Volunteers from Govt. Polytechnic, Chandigarh managed patient rush efficiently and laid the foundation for this larger deployment. The volunteers assist with patient registration, guide them to various departments, and provide essential information, ensuring a smoother and more organized experience for everyone involved.

Lauding the efforts of the volunteers, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, , stated, “ Helping the poor and the indigent is not just a duty, rather it’s a privilege that leaves a lasting impact on the soul. You will never take a wrong path when you see a true Indian needing your help standing in line—a lifelong memory is etched out of these interactions. The commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by our NSS volunteers during these 15 days have been truly inspiring. Their selfless service has significantly contributed to the efficient management of patient inflow and outflow, ensuring that our hospital operations run smoothly even during peak hours.”

Reminiscing his student days of being an NCC Cadet and NSS volunteer, Director PGIMER shared, “"My days in Kendriya Vidlaya in NCC and NSS, taught me invaluable lessons that resonate even today—impactful encounters that have shaped my character. In fact, building bridges with the Army Signals Unit wasn't just about construction—it was about bridging hearts and changing lives forever. You don’t realise at that time but you carry these values with you for lifetime.”

Sharing life lessons with the students in a very impassioned tone, Prof. Vivek Lal, further said, “Every chair we sit on offers an opportunity to excel. It's not about the chair itself but the impact we create from it. And our NSS volunteers have created an impact. They have handled various tasks with professionalism and a positive attitude, which has greatly enhanced the patient experience. Their ability to manage crowds, provide guidance, and offer support has been invaluable to our daily operations."

Dr.Divya Monga, NSS Incharge, Post Graduate Government College Sector-11, Chandigarh. expressed immense pride in the students’ contributions. " Our NSS volunteers have once again demonstrated the true essence of volunteerism. Through Project Sarathi, they have not only managed patient rush efficiently but have also gained valuable experiences that will shape their future endeavors. Their service exemplifies the core values of the NSS, and we are extremely proud of their achievements.

Sharing the sentiments of all the student volunteers, Tarun Garcha, NSS Student Coordinator, said, "NSS is about Not Me, But You. Being part of Project Sarathi has been a life-changing experience. Knowing about someone in pain is one thing, but seeing it firsthand is completely different. This journey has taught us gratitude and compassion. It's empowering to know that our efforts are bringing relief to someone in need. “

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the volunteers. Project Sarathi, an initiative aimed at managing patient flow and providing assistance in hospitals, continues to receive overwhelming support and participation from NSS volunteers, NGOs and Civil Society Organisations.