PranaSakhi (Friend for Life) is a district-wide initiative designed to improve the health and overall wellbeing of adolescent girls in Chamarajanagar.
Adolescence is a crucial stage where the right support can shape brighter futures. PranaSakhi aims to provide a safe, supportive, and informed environment that equips young girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive.
Adolescent girls often face challenges such as limited health awareness, lack of nutrition knowledge, early marriage pressures, and inadequate access to safe spaces for expression. PranaSakhi bridges these gaps through a holistic, human-centered approach that puts girls at the heart of the solution.
A healthier, confident, and empowered generation of adolescent girls leading the way towards a stronger, more resilient Chamarajanagar.
The PranaSakhi Programme is being anchored by the District administration and jointly implemented by the Zilla Panchayat, Education and Health Departments of Chamarajanagar, with technical support from India Health and Climate Resilience Fellowship, supported by Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK), and other partner individuals and institutions. This approach ensures coordinated delivery, system integration, and long-term sustainability within the district’s education and health frameworks.
A weekly one-hour session in schools is being implemented to provide age-appropriate health education through trained Health and Wellness Ambassadors. Using interactive tools like role-plays, and student-led activities, sessions will cover themes including nutrition, mental health, and menstrual hygiene-creating safe spaces for open discussion and life-skill development..
Dedicated safe spaces in schools will support adolescent girls with menstrual hygiene facilities, rest areas, and health information. A helpline will offer confidential support for adolescent health issues. These spaces will also host counselling, health screenings, and referral linkages, ensuring early support for physical and emotional wellbeing.
Community activities like Aarogya Melas, parent sessions, and SDMC orientations will extend awareness beyond schools. These partnerships with local health programs will sustain community participation and reinforce healthy behaviors at home.
Adolescent health is one of the most important pillars for building a healthy and progressive society. The Prana Sakhi initiative in Chamarajanagar district is a significant step in this direction, focusing on empowering adolescents with awareness, knowledge, and life skills related to health and well-being.
Shilpa Nag, IAS
Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Chamarajanagar District
The Pranasakhi programme in Chamarajanagar district reflects a proactive effort to strengthen this guidance by ensuring that young learners receive the right information, supportive environments, and opportunities to build essential life skills. Pranasakhi is an important step in that direction, bringing structured health education into schools.
Mona Roat, IAS
Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Chamarajanagar
The PranaSakhi Initiative provides a timely and much-needed platform to address these concerns in a structured, school-based manner. By integrating health awareness, menstrual hygiene education, nutrition literacy, and early identification of health risks, PranaSakhi strengthens the foundation of preventive care for our adolescent girls.
Dr. Chidambara
District Health and Family Welfare Officer
This programme also reflects our larger vision of building adolescent-friendly schools, where health, dignity, and well-being are integral to learning. By supporting students with accurate knowledge and open communication, we are helping them grow not only as learners but as future leaders, responsible individuals, and change-makers in their communities.
Chandrapateel
Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Chamarajanagar
One of the greatest strengths of this initiative is the collaboration between the Education and Health departments. The convergence of technical guidance from health experts and the educational reach of our . This joint approach ensures that the program is not only informative but also practical, culturally relevant, and delivered in a manner that resonates with young learners.
Puttagowramma H. N.
Deputy Director, Pre-University Education, Chamarajanagar
Government schools
across the district
The program includes health modules focusing on 'Healthy body and Mind' and 'Nutrition and Health'
