Sikkim's Sarathi 1.0 initiative trains ASHAs to promote addiction-free and mentally healthy villages

In line with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay)'s vision of an "Addiction-Free Sikkim and Mentally Healthy Sikkim," the second batch of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Soreng District received specialized training on the SARATHI 1.0 module. The event, held on December 27, 2024, at the Daramdin Block Administrative Centre (BAC), focused on empowering ASHAs to promote mental well-being and reduce substance misuse at the grassroots level.

A total of 24 ASHAs, primarily from the Sombaria Primary Health Centre (PHC), participated in the training, which was supported by Titan Company Limited. The module, which covered critical topics such as reducing substance misuse in schools and communities, promoting mental health, and instilling moral values, aims to equip the ASHAs with the knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference in their communities.

Key resource persons for the training:

1. Dr. Jalka D. Subba, Medical Officer-in-Charge of Sombaria PHC

2. Mr. Khabi Chettri, BPAM, Sombaria PHC

3. Ms. Sonam Choden Sherpa, Mental Health Counselor, Soreng CHC

4. Mr. Bishal Sharma, SARATHI Representative

The trained ASHAs will now be tasked with forming SARATHI SAMAJ groups in their respective villages. These groups will work towards creating addiction-free environments and promoting mental well-being through quarterly activities aligned with the objectives of SARATHI 1.0.

Notably, two students from Sombaria Senior Secondary School also volunteered during the training, showing their commitment to the initiative's cause.

The event was attended by key figures including Shri SP Sharma (JD Education), Tshering Ongdi Sherpa (BDO Daramdin), and MK Rai (Former Vice President, Soreng District, SKM Party), all of whom expressed strong support for the program’s goals.