Press Release
Press Release – Sarathi 1.0 (Supported by Titan Company Ltd.)
Information & Public Relations Department
Namchi, 11 March : In line with the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), to build an “Addiction-free and Mentally Healthy Sikkim,” and under the guidance of Shri Rohit Raj Maharaj, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Chief Resource Person of Sarathi 1.0, a comprehensive training programme was conducted by Sarathi 1.0 (Supported by Titan Company Ltd.) for 60 members of the All Sikkim-Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers, and Additional Workers Welfare Association. The training sessions were held on 15th and 18th February 2026 at the Jorethang ICDS Hall in Namchi District.
Following the completion of the training, the initiative aims to establish 60 Sarathi Samaj groups, enabling participants to translate the knowledge and skills gained during the programme into meaningful community action within their respective villages.
The first Sarathi Samaj in the district was formed at Lower Ramabong AWC, Sumbuk Zone. This was soon followed by the formation led by Mrs. Laxmi Rai on 20th February 2026 at Lower Dara Gaon ICDS AWC. Continuing this momentum, on 7th March 2026, Mrs. Kamala Manger, under Jorethang ICDS, successfully facilitated the formation of a Sarathi Samaj in her village. Similar initiatives were spearheaded by Mrs. Kumari Majhi at Majhi Gaon AWC and Mrs. Mauna Rai at the Pakzer ICDS Centre, where 54 individuals came forward to form a Sarathi Club, collectively pledging to strengthen their community by combating addiction and prioritising mental well-being.
These programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from various stakeholders, including the CDPO, Block Coordinator, CLC President, government school teachers, senior citizens, ASHA workers, retired officers, medical representatives, and other community members.
The formation of Sarathi Samaj groups is steadily progressing across 60 villages, with communities taking collective pledges and leadership in alignment with the objectives of Sarathi 1.0. The initiative seeks to promote mental health and well-being, reduce substance abuse, foster moral values within society, and work collaboratively toward building a healthier and more resilient Sikkim for future generations.
Following the completion of the training, the initiative aims to establish 60 Sarathi Samaj groups, enabling participants to translate the knowledge and skills gained during the programme into meaningful community action within their respective villages.
The first Sarathi Samaj in the district was formed at Lower Ramabong AWC, Sumbuk Zone. This was soon followed by the formation led by Mrs. Laxmi Rai on 20th February 2026 at Lower Dara Gaon ICDS AWC. Continuing this momentum, on 7th March 2026, Mrs. Kamala Manger, under Jorethang ICDS, successfully facilitated the formation of a Sarathi Samaj in her village. Similar initiatives were spearheaded by Mrs. Kumari Majhi at Majhi Gaon AWC and Mrs. Mauna Rai at the Pakzer ICDS Centre, where 54 individuals came forward to form a Sarathi Club, collectively pledging to strengthen their community by combating addiction and prioritising mental well-being.
These programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from various stakeholders, including the CDPO, Block Coordinator, CLC President, government school teachers, senior citizens, ASHA workers, retired officers, medical representatives, and other community members.
The formation of Sarathi Samaj groups is steadily progressing across 60 villages, with communities taking collective pledges and leadership in alignment with the objectives of Sarathi 1.0. The initiative seeks to promote mental health and well-being, reduce substance abuse, foster moral values within society, and work collaboratively toward building a healthier and more resilient Sikkim for future generations.