About Project SAATHI
Project SAATHI was launched on January 28, 2026 by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria.
Governor of Punjab and Administrator U. T Chandigarh
Building Resilient Minds, Healthier Futures
Rooted in classical framework of Śiksana-krama and the Yoga Sutras, Project SAATHI channelises children’s energy
into tructured learning, expression, discipline and inner stability.
Why This Matters
- Global health crisis-Rising levels of stress, anxiety, emotional distress and self-harm
risks among students. - Adverse impact of social media, academic pressure, family stress, loneliness & lack of role models
- Need to improve mental healthcare support system in schools
- Need for early preventive intervention to build resilience and life skills
Project SAATHI bridges this gap with a preventive,
engaging, and holistic approach.
What We Do
- Capacity building of counselors and teachers by clinical psychologists of PGIMER
and Government Medical College; - Fun activities and games for ice-breaking, trust builidng
- Classical Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation for resilience and emotional balance
- Experiential Life Skills Learning through stories, role play and experience sharing
- Community Group Activities for fostering connection and teamwork
Who We Serve
- 3600 students of classes 7,8,9,&11 across 6 Government Schools in Sectors 10, 16, 18, 33, 38 and 39 Chandigarh
- 87 School Counsellors
- 150 Teachers
Pilot Vision
- Project Duration: Four Months
- Daily structured classroom sessions integrated into timetable
- Pre and post assessment for Classes 7, 8 and 9.
- Scalable model for replication across schools & colleges
How This Works
Practical experiential learning- No theory, lectures, books or notebooks
Games & Activities
- Traditional Games – Fast, lively, reflex based movements channel children’s
abundant energy reducing inertia and restlessness - Team challenges and reative tasks build friendship, bonds and atmosphere of
joy, trust and openness
Yoga & Meditation
- After movement and breadth, children are guided into stillness
- Dynamic asanas, pranayam and meditation to relax the body, infuse energy,
calm the mind and balance emotions - Creates a receptive state where children naturally open up
Life Skills Learning
- Stories, theatre, role play, writing, conversations and group reflections
- Safe space is created to express, trust and be heard in a non-judgmental atmosphere
- Children experientially learn life skills, building resilience :
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Self-awareness and identityDiscover the real me – uniqueness, inner powers, values, strengths and confidence
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Power of thoughts and emotionsThink Right, Feel bright- Cultivate calmness, clarity and confidence
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Nutrition and HealthHealthy body, happy mind – mindful eating & physical well being
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RelationshipsStronger together- empathy, communication and conflict resolution
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Digital disciplineSmart use, safe use- cyber safety, responsible technology use
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Time management & Study skillsMaster your time- planning, focus, self-discipline
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Environment & SustainabilityResponsible action, environmental awareness, global perspective
Impact We Aim to Create
- Enhanced self awareness and emotional balance
- Reduced stress and anxiety among students
- Improved physical health, concentration and discipline
- Better expressions, social skills and relationships
- Resilience through lifelong coping tools
As the Nodal for the School Health Program it is often deeply concerning to witness the emotional and mental challenges faced by our students. In such a scenario, SAATHI brings a refreshing and meaningful change-no lectures, no textbooks, no teaching just a safe and open space where students can express themselves freely and speak from the heart. A much needed and inspiring step for Chandigarh school students by CCF in the right direction.
Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur
Nodal Health & Wellness coordinator for all Chandigarh Govt Schools
Project SAATHI has been successful in promoting student’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The project has created a positive learning environment within the school. Teachers have observed noticeable improvements in student’s behaviour, discipline, and interaction with their teachers. The programme has shown some positive changes among students and we recommend that it continue on a regular basis to ensure sustained benefits for students.
Satbir Kaur
Teacher GMSSS Sector 39
Project SAATHI has positively impacted our students’ physical and mental wellbeing through yoga. It has improved their cus, discipline, and confidence. The initiative has created a healthier and more positive school environment. We sincerely appreciate this valuable programme.
Rupinder
Principal GMSSS Sector 33
Students shared that the sessions have helped them understand the importance of emotional well-being, stress management, healthy relationships, and positive communication. Engaging activities like mindfulness, abdominal breathing, Nyasam practice, group discussions, and interactive exercises have left them feeling calmer, more confident, and emotionally self-aware.
Many have shared that they can now manage their emotions better and find it easier to express their thoughts and feelings with friends and parents.
Rakhi Biswas
Counselor, GMSSS-16
Mental health issues are minously becoming a global crisis. When that affects the children, future of humanity is at risk. Chandigarh Citizens Foundation’s initiative of Project SAATHI is a pioneering and unique experiment. Powerful tools of yoga, creative games, experiential life skills are empowering students to build
resilience and better mental, emotional and physical health.This model can be replicated everywhere. Now, it is for all other schools and colleges in India and abroad to adopt this impactful model of mental healthcare for students and address what is becoming a global crisis.
General V P Malik
Former Chief of Army Staff
President Chandigarh Citizens Foundation
