ASSOCHAM organises Second Edition of Health , Beauty & Wellness Symposium 2025

Punjab Governor & Administrator Chandigarh (UT) Gulab Chand Kataria inaugurates event

India’s leading industry body, ASSOCHAM Northern Region successfully organized the second edition of Health, Beauty and Wellness Symposium, a ground-breaking initiative that brought together industry stakeholders to discuss trends, growth areas, innovation and more.

The inaugural session of the symposium witnessed the presence of Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh UT, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, who was the Chief Guest. In his address, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, while launching the TB social initiative video, lauded ASSOCHAM for its efforts towards a TB-Free India. He emphasized that government efforts alone are not enough and urged all stakeholders to come together for social initiatives. He also highlighted that lack of proper nutrition remains a major contributor to ill health. He commended the chambers for their proactive role in addressing these challenges and stressed the need for collective action, as such initiatives create a compounding effect where one person’s involvement inspires others to join.

The Governor noted the government’s focus on expanding medical education, with medical seats increasing to 1.1 lakh and the Union Budget 2025 announcing plans to add 10,000 more in the next year, as part of a broader goal of 75,000 new seats over five years. He also highlighted the revolutionary impact of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY health assurance scheme, which provides ₹5 lakh in health coverage per family annually. Addressing a pressing concern for Punjab, he acknowledged drug abuse as a major challenge and expressed hope for combating this issue effectively.

Notably, Rakesh Bhalla, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Development Council and CFO, SML Isuzu Limited; Abhi Bansal, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Punjab State Development Council & Director, Saraswati Group of Companies; Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K UT Development Council & Director, Batra Group of Companies; Drishmeet Singh Buttar, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Development Council & Managing Partner, Healing Super Speciality Hospital and Iqbal Singh Cheema, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Punjab State Development Council & Executive Director, Punjab Film City also took part in the event and shared details of the symposium.

Mayor of Chandigarh, Smt Harpreet Kaur Babla also graced the event. She emphasized the importance of mindfulness as a powerful tool for managing stress, improving focus, and enhancing emotional well-being. She highlighted how Chandigarh’s green spaces and well-planned environment contribute to holistic wellness, making it a model city for sustainability and health. She also stressed the need to prioritize mental health awareness, integrate wellness programs in workplaces and communities, and foster a society where well-being is at the core of progress and development.

Ajay Chagti, IAS, Secretary Health, UT Administration, Chandigarh commended ASSOCHAM, for organising the event, recognizing the pivotal role these sectors play in shaping both physical well-being and overall quality of life. He emphasized the need for greater corporate sector involvement in health initiatives, urging businesses to actively participate in programs like the TB initiative by becoming Nikshay Mitras, thereby contributing to a healthier society.

Rakesh Bhalla, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Development Council said that the day-long event aimed at fostering communication across the healthcare, wellness, and beauty sectors to address upcoming concerns and shape industry policies.

Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K UT Development Council emphasized that the health, beauty, and wellness sectors have evolved into integrated pillars of a thriving economy and a healthier society. He highlighted how advancements in AI, precision medicine, and sustainable beauty solutions are driving innovation in the industry. He further reiterated ASSOCHAM’s commitment to fostering meaningful discussions that translate into impactful actions, ensuring well-being remains a central focus of development.

Abhi Bansal, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Punjab State Development Council highlighted that sustainability is now a core business model, with ethical sourcing, eco-friendly practices, and green beauty driving market growth. He also emphasized that cross-industry collaborations and public-private partnerships will shape the future of the industry by integrating health-tech innovations with consumer-centric wellness solutions.

Drishmeet Singh Buttar, Co-Chairman ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Development Council highlighted the need to integrate modern innovations with traditional practices to build a sustainable and inclusive wellness ecosystem. He encouraged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of healthcare and well-being in India through collaboration and actionable strategies.

Iqbal Singh Cheema, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Punjab State Development Council said that industry collaboration plays a vital role in addressing critical healthcare challenges, as demonstrated by initiatives like supporting the Pradhan Mantri’s 100-Day Agenda for a TB-Free India. He encouraged stakeholders to continue engaging and contributing towards impactful solutions that drive positive change.

Interesting panel discussions explored emerging trends, policy frameworks, and innovations driving this sector. From preventive healthcare and beauty solutions to mental well-being and lifestyle management, the forum highlighted the integration of modern advancements with traditional wisdom to enhance the overall quality of life.