-APS Noorpuri
Chandigarh, October 31, 2025: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Women Network (IWN) – CII-IWN, Chandigarh Tricity Chapter, organized ‘Women Wellness Summit 2025’ here in which a large number of women and other stakeholders took part. The Chief Guest was Ms Vijaya K Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women(NCW).
The highlight of the special plenary session was the address by Chief Guest Ms Vijaya K Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women. In her address she emphasised that women’s overall health is not merely the absence of disease, but a balance between body, mind, and spirit. “It is now time for us to understand that mental health is every woman’s right, need, and self-respect,” she said.
She stated that the National Commission for Women (NCW) has been consistently advocating for women-friendly workplaces and accessible counseling services. She added that the NCW is working with states to strengthen the provision of trained counselors in primary and community health centers. She further explained that the commission is also encouraging open dialogue on mental health through tele-counseling services and awareness programs.
Nandini Chaudhry, Chairwoman, CII IWN Northern Region; Ritika Singh, Chairperson, CII IWN Chandigarh Chapter and Executive Board Member, TiE Women Global; Sakshi Katyal, Co-Chairperson, CII IWN Chandigarh Tricity & Dr. Lipi Pathak, Chair, Health & Wellness Vertical, CII –IWN, Chandigarh Chapter addressed the media at the event to share details about the summit.
Nandini Chaudhry told reporters that the theme of the summit was ‘Wellness Redefined – Mind – Body – Purpose’, and that it brought together eminent leaders, experts and professionals for an in-depth dialogue on holistic women’s health and with an aim to empower women in relation to their health & wellbeing.
She emphasized the importance of inclusive wellness, noting that “Women’s health is not just a personal matter. It is everyone’s responsibility that impacts families, communities and the economy at large.”
Ritika Singh highlighted the summit’s broader purpose: “At CII-IWN, we believe in creating platforms that empower women to make informed choices for their well-being. This summit was aimed at enabling real change through dialogue, policy and partnership.”
Sakshi Katyal told reporters that the summit witnessed sessions related to women’s health. She said, “Each session offered practical takeaways and underscored the need to move from fragmented health conversations to a more integrated approach.”
Dr Lipi Pathak said, “Health problems in women need to be prevented. Alternative medicine can be an important tool to achieve this by use of lifestyle modifications & holistic living methods. The summit shed light on this strategy too.”
Meanwhile, in the session titled ‘Empowering women through awareness, the road to cancer-free futures’ – Sakshi Katyal moderated a discussion which saw participation of Dr Bharti Goel, Professor Obstetrics & Gynecology, GMCH – 32, Chandigarh; Dr Sachin Gupta, Director – Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali; Dr Shaveta Thalan, Consultant, Surgical Gynaecology Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali; Vikas Chawla, Chef and Author of ‘Millets – The Grain Revolution’ & educator Rupan Bedi .”
A session addressed the issue of ‘The Invisible mental load women carry and strengthen the policy framework for women’s health and well-being’. During this discussion Dr Ruby Ahuja, Past Chair CII IWN Chandigarh Tricity Chapter; Dr Vijay Girdhar, SMO & Head – Department of Psychiatry GH, Sector 16, Chandigarh; Dr Parneet Sidhu, Consultant Psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Mohali; Glory Singh, Counselling Psychologist, Alchemist Hospital, Panchkula and Deepali Verma, Life Coach & Soft Skills Trainer shared their views.
In ‘Fire Side Chat: From Policy to Practice: Strengthening the Framework for Women’s Health and Wellbeing’; Dr Lipi Pathak, Member, CII IWN Chandigarh Tricity Chapter & Founder – Akasa Wellness Solutions; Dr Bhavneet Bharti, Director – Principal AIMS, Mohali; Dr Vinay M. Bhagat, Assistant Director, Health Department, Punjab took part.
A ‘Free Mammography and Bone Density Check-up Camp,’ which emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and early detection was also held. Participants enthusiastically availed of these services, reinforcing the summit’s core message of proactive well-being.
The Chief Guest was felicitated by Nandini Chaudhry & Ritika Singh. Notably, individuals were recognized for their exemplary contributions to Women’s Wellness and members of the core committee of ‘Wellness Summit 2025’ too were honoured. Taranjeet Singh Bhamra, Chairman, CII Chandigarh UT and CEO and Founder, AgNext Technologies also addressed the gathering.
