3rd Edition of Health, Beauty & Wellness Symposium 2026 was successfully organised by ASSOCHAM at Chandigarh, bringing together eminent policymakers, healthcare experts, wellness leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the future of healthcare, wellness, medical tourism, preventive healthcare, and women empowerment in India.
The symposium was graced by Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab & Administrator of Chandigarh as the Chief Guest, who addressed the gathering and emphasized the need for collective responsibility towards building a healthier nation through initiatives such as TB-Free India and Nasha Mukt Punjab.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial welcome of the Hon’ble Governor. The event officially began with the National Song “Vande Mataram” and the traditional lighting of the lamp.
Delivering the opening remarks, Rakesh Bhalla, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Development Council & Advisor to Executive Director & CEO, SML Mahindra Limited highlighted the growing importance of the health and wellness ecosystem in driving economic growth, innovation, and societal well-being.
Drishmeet Singh Buttar, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Development Council & Managing Partner, Healing Super Specialty Hospital Chandigarh, in his thematic address, stressed the importance of integrated healthcare systems and collaborative efforts between industry and government to strengthen India’s wellness ecosystem.
Sharing the industry perspective, Manav Gupta, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Haryana State Council & Director, KMSG Estates, emphasized the immense potential of wellness and preventive healthcare industries in generating employment and investment opportunities.
Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K UT Council & Director, Batra Group of Companies, highlighted the emerging opportunities in health tourism, wellness infrastructure, and Ayurveda-based healthcare in Northern India, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.
In his special address, renowned Ayurveda Guru Acharya Manish underlined the significance of preventive healthcare, holistic wellness, and Ayurveda in transforming healthcare delivery systems.
During the event, ASSOCHAM industry members were also felicitated and recognised by the Hon’ble Governor for their contributions towards industry growth and social welfare initiatives.
In his keynote address, Gulab Chand Kataria appreciated ASSOCHAM’s continued efforts in nation-building and acknowledged the remarkable growth of the Health, Beauty & Wellness Symposium over the years.
The Hon’ble Governor particularly lauded the successful TB-Free initiative undertaken in Chandigarh in collaboration with ASSOCHAM, calling it a shining example of how government, industry, and institutions can work together to create meaningful impact at the grassroots level.
Making a strong appeal from the platform, the Governor urged industry leaders and stakeholders to actively support the vision of a TB-Free India by adopting TB patients, supporting treatment and nutrition programmes, creating awareness, and extending such initiatives beyond Chandigarh.
He further highlighted the importance of addressing substance abuse and called upon all stakeholders to contribute towards the vision of a “Nasha Mukt Punjab” through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation support, counselling services, and community participation.
The Hon’ble Governor also emphasized the need to shift healthcare focus from cure to prevention, promote mental health awareness, encourage healthcare innovation and startups, and strengthen skill development within the wellness sector.
The symposium featured three engaging thematic sessions covering Global Health & Medical Tourism, Pharma & Wellness Industry Innovation, and Women Empowerment through Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Health & Holistic Well-being.
The session concluded with the National Anthem and a vote of thanks by Iqbal Singh Cheema, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Punjab State Development Council & Executive Director, Punjab Film City, who appreciated the participation and contribution of all dignitaries, partners, speakers, delegates, and industry members for making the symposium a grand success.
Session One focused on strengthening policy frameworks, AYUSH integration, and investments to position India as a global wellness hub. The session witnessed participation from Saurabh Joshi, Mayor, Chandigarh UT, Acharya Manish Ji, Ish Sharma, MD &PhD, Jeena Sikho & HIIMS Hospital, Ravi Kumar Doorma, Former Director, Ayurveda State Licensing Authority and Manik Batra.
Session Two deliberated upon leveraging AI, startups, MSMEs, skill development, and R&D for preventive healthcare and global competitiveness. Eminent speakers included Narender Tripathi, Vice President – Operations and Regulatory Affairs BACFO Pharmaceuticals (India) Limited, Somveer Anand, CEO, Innovation Punjab, V.J.S. Vohra, Managing Trustee, Jyot Charitable Trust and Arun Goyal, Managing Director Ambika Pharma Solutions.
Session Three on “Nari Shakti” focused on empowering women through leadership, entrepreneurship, health, and holistic well-being. The session featured distinguished speakers including Harpreet Kaur Babla, Former Mayor, Chandigarh UT; Shreya Thakur, Femina Miss India 2026 Top 8 Miss Himachal 2025 RU, Miss. North India Supermodel 2024 RU; Disha Malik, Renowned Digital Creator & Public Figure; Taran Singla, Nutritionist & Globally Trusted Wellness Expert and Nimrata Kapoor, CHRO, Plaksha University.
