Speakers and panelists bringing perspectives from public health, mental wellbeing, education and community action to the National School Health Conference 2026.
Open conversations. Shared experience. Practical ideas for healthier schools and communities.
Principal Secretary
Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Shri Naveen Jain IAS serves as Principal Secretary for General Administration, Cabinet, Estate, State Motor Garage and Civil Aviation. He also holds the responsibilities of Ex-Officio Chief of Protocol and Director General of Civil Aviation in Rajasthan.
Commissioner, Tourism Department
Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rukmani Riar is a 2012-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre who secured All India Rank 2 in the 2011 UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her journey through academic setbacks offers a meaningful perspective on resilience, managing examination pressure and supporting students beyond academic results.
Climate, Environment & Energy Coordinator
UNICEF
Advancing climate resilience, water security and sustainable energy to protect the health of women, school-going children in remote areas and indigenous communities. His work connects technology, including AI-driven tools, with government policy.
Lead – Sustainable Community Development Program (Prabhat)
Hindustan Unilever Limited
A social worker trained at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mandira Nagrath brings over 18 years of experience in CSR across NGOs and large corporates. Previously associated with Maruti Suzuki, Pfizer and Havells, she currently leads community investments at Hindustan Unilever Limited, delivering programmes across 12 states spanning livelihoods, water stewardship, health and nutrition, and the circular economy.
Founder, Health Shastra
Member Secretary & Regional Director (BRICS & Asia-Pacific), International Council of Integrative Medicine & Research (ICIMR)
Programme Specialist – Adolescents and Youth
UNFPA India
Kumar Manish is a public health and development professional with over 18 years of experience, including more than a decade with UNFPA in Odisha and Rajasthan. His expertise spans adolescent and youth development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality and health systems strengthening. He works with governments and development partners to strengthen adolescent-responsive programmes and create enabling environments for young people, especially girls and young women. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from IIHMR, Jaipur.
Associate Professor
IIHMR University, Jaipur
Dr. Piyusha Majumdar brings over 18 years of experience in public health, education and implementation research. She is Executive Producer of the ENSURE HEALTH podcast, a TEDx Speaker and WomenLift Health Fellow. She serves as Co-PI of the STRIPE Project with Johns Hopkins University, focal point for WHO/TDR’s postgraduate training scheme and lead of IIHMR’s SIHI hub. A This Is Public Health Global Grant recipient, she also leads ICSSR-funded research on women’s reproductive health and leadership, advancing health equity and social innovation.
Advisor (Legal)
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India
Shri Shiv Ram Bairwa brings extensive experience in legal affairs, regulatory administration and institutional governance. He previously served as Secretary, RERA for the NCT of Delhi; Registrar, National Company Law Tribunal; and Director of Law and Chief Vigilance Officer, Competition Commission of India. His work spans legal strategy, statutory compliance, public administration and capacity building.
Deputy Director
Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj & Gramin Vikas Sansthan (IGPRS), Govt of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Dr. Akash Deep Arora is a Rajasthan Administrative Service officer and an advocate for disability inclusion, accessibility and mental health. With an academic background in psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, he brings administrative experience and lived experience of visual disability to conversations on inclusion, equal opportunity and wellbeing. His perspective is particularly relevant to creating accessible, supportive learning environments for all students.
Program Officer – NCD & RBSK
Govt of Andhra Pradesh
Dr. V. V. B. Subramanyam works in the administration of Non-Communicable Diseases programmes and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram in Andhra Pradesh, bringing a public health perspective to child health screening, early intervention and preventive healthcare.
Clinical Psychologist · Writer · Founder, Wellness with Ms. Niharika
With over five years of experience in mental health, she creates conversations and writes about prevention, emotional wellbeing and everyday mental health, beyond simply addressing mental illness.
Founder
Child Brain Development Centre and Counselling Door Clinic, Durgapura, Jaipur
Professor & Vice Dean (Academic Affairs)
Jindal School of Public Health, O.P. Jindal Global University
A social epidemiologist focused on gender equality, adolescent health, women and girls’ wellbeing, and the social determinants of health. Her research spans sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, adolescent resilience and health systems.
CSR Head
SAT Krishna Maruti Group
A CSR, environment and sustainability management professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries. Ritesh brings extensive experience in heading corporate CSR functions and managing social responsibility, environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Founder
Ladli Foundation
Grassroots social reformer, public policy analyst and social innovator advancing girls’ health, education and gender equality.
Assistant Professor & Associate Dean (Academic Affairs)
Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat
An academician and trained psychotherapist, Dr. Nair teaches mental health and resilience through theory and application. Her research interests include social determinants of health, mental and neurological conditions, and community-level interventions.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
JNU Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur
Combining clinical care and AI development to support child development and mental health. Co-founder & CEO, ZenQuip.
Founder
Public Health Professionals Coalition for Global Impact (PHPCG)
Public Health Professional
Health Specialist UNICEF, Maternal, Newborn & Child Health · Digital Health · Quality Assurance · Health Systems Strengthening
Advancing healthcare for underserved women and children through digital innovation and onsite mentoring.
Assistant Professor
Department of Community and Applied Science
Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Jaipur
Senior Public Health Nutrition Specialist · Professor of Foods & Nutrition
Expertise in maternal and child nutrition, adolescent health, nutrition education and communication. Her work spans gender and nutrition, ICDS, school nutrition-health programmes and NCD management, with an emphasis on evidence-based and participatory approaches.
Clinical Psychologist & Founder
Sachetna Wellness
Over seven years in mental health, supporting wellbeing through therapy, awareness and mentorship.
Child Behavior Psychologist & Parenting Counselor
Founder, 18petals
Associated with Anvaya Healthcare
Works with children, adolescents and parents on emotional, behavioural and developmental concerns, including anxiety, emotional regulation, attention and parent-child relationships.
Educator · Principal · Teacher Trainer · Mentor
With 35 years of experience in education, Mrs. Rita Taneja has conducted over 200 training programmes and contributed to CBSE initiatives. An advocate of child-friendly pedagogy and art integration, she led the creation of 30 NCERT-endorsed graphic novels.
Senior Executive – Electronic Media · CEO – LaPetals
A media professional and entrepreneur, Abhinav Chaturvedi brings a personal perspective on mental resilience, lifestyle and wellbeing. Following a major health setback in 2026, his journey of recovery reflects a positive mindset, disciplined lifestyle and inner resilience.
Clinical Dietitian · Functional Nutritionist · Preventive Healthcare Practitioner
With 19+ years of experience in clinical nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy, Dt. Goyal brings expertise in preventive healthcare, renal health, Ayurveda Dietetics and therapeutic nutrition, connecting nutrition with comprehensive patient care.
Prosthodontist · Founder, Smile Express
Director, Oral Health Promotion Foundation (OHPF)
A public health and development sector professional advancing affordable, accessible and evidence-based dentistry. Through Smile Express, he brings preventive and primary oral healthcare to schoolchildren and underserved rural communities, combining screening, awareness, early diagnosis and referral support.
Co-founder & CEO
Nourishing Schools Foundation
Advancing nutrition and health education among children aged 9–14 through interactive learning, practical toolkits and evidence-based programmes. Her foundation has reached over 330 schools and 95,000 students, helping children develop healthier habits and become champions of nutrition in their communities.
Assistant Engineer (Environment)
Local Self Government Department, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur
An environmental engineer with 10+ years of experience across the public sector and urban local governance, Prateek holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from NIT Jaipur and an M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from IIT Delhi. Formerly Assistant Manager (Environment) at NMDC Limited, he now works on urban infrastructure and environmental services in Jaipur. He also serves as National Coordinator of the Danida Alumni Network, India.
Assistant Professor (Senior Scale) of Law
Kanoria School of Law for Women, Jaipur
Legal academic and researcher with over seven years of experience in legal education. Her doctoral research examined the legal implications of AI in healthcare, and her work spans health law, medical liability, data protection, gender justice and human rights.
Certified Nutritionist · Wellness Educator · Chartered Accountant
With professional experience at Medikabazaar, KPMG and Bosch, Amit brings analytical thinking to preventive nutrition, childhood nutrition and family wellness. Through sessions in schools, universities and educational institutions, he helps young people build healthier food choices and sustainable lifestyle habits.
Deputy Executive Director
The Desai Foundation Trust
With a master’s degree in Pharmacy and 15+ years in the development sector, Yati leads programme implementation, new initiatives and special projects. She drives Asani, a nationwide initiative advancing menstrual hygiene awareness among 300,000+ women and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for 1,000+ women.
Professor & State Lead, Centre for Behavioural Sciences
IIHMR University
WomenLift Health 2025 Fellow
A behavioural scientist and health systems management professional with over 28 years of experience in reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health and nutrition. She has conducted more than 20 research and evaluation studies and leads behavioural insights and human-centred design projects, alongside teaching, training and capacity building.
Consultant Clinical Dietitian · Lifestyle & Nutrition Specialist
A gold medalist and UGC NET-qualified nutrition educator specialising in weight management and corporate wellness. A nutrition blogger and writer, she is a life member of IDA and Renal Nutrition India and shares nutrition education through her YouTube handle, @RashiAgarwal.
Associate Professor
IIHMR University, Jaipur
A public health and health informatics professional with experience across India, South Africa and the UK. His work spans digital health, artificial intelligence in healthcare, population health and chronic disease management. Inventor of the patented Swayam Diabetes mHealth platform, he connects research, education and practical innovation to improve health outcomes.
Founder Secretary
Samajik Yuva Sangthan Sansthan (SYSS)
Youth development professional, social entrepreneur and trainer with over two decades of experience in youth leadership, education, emotional wellbeing and inclusive community development. Recipient of the National Youth Award and the President’s Scout Award.
Education, Skill Development & CSR Professional
NSDC-certified Assessor & Master Trainer
With 24+ years of experience, he has mentored and trained over 1,00,000 learners and professionals. His work connects youth development, digital and AI literacy, employability and social-emotional wellbeing to build inclusive learning ecosystems.
Freelance Life Skills Consultant
Empowering young minds since 2018, Pradeep focuses on self-esteem, resilience, character education and positive leadership. His workshops support exam readiness, confidence and informed academic choices, including the transition from Class 10 to Class 11.
Ayurvedic Physician, BAMS & Entrepreneur
Founder, Shishunirman Healthcare Private Limited & SN HERBALS
Focused on children’s wellness, nutrition and preventive healthcare through Ayurveda. Associated with Arogya Hospital and Arogya Wellness Clinic, his interests include healthcare innovation, digital health education and accessible family wellness.
Assistant Professor, JNU · Postdoctoral Associate, University of Pittsburgh
Biostatistics & Health Economics
With over 15 years of experience in biostatistics, clinical trials and health economics, his research applies advanced statistics and AI to improve patient outcomes and public health policy. He has delivered over 200 invited lectures and training programmes in India and internationally.
Promoter Director
Apex Hospitals
Dr. Sheenu Jhawar leads Apex Hospitals, a chain of eight super-specialty hospitals across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Former President of TiE Rajasthan and an elected member of the TiE Global Board of Trustees, she is a certified Independent Director, TEDx speaker and PhD scholar. Her work includes leadership in maternal mental health, and she serves on the State Council of ICC Rajasthan.
Program Manager
Prayatn Sanstha
Development professional with an MBA in Rural Management from KIIT School of Rural Management. His experience spans public health, nutrition, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, child protection and WASH, with expertise in programme coordination, community engagement, monitoring and capacity building.
Consultant Psychologist · Researcher
With over six years of experience in research, community mental health and therapeutic practice, he has reached 32,000+ students through mental health and wellbeing initiatives. Currently pursuing his Ph.D., his interests include young adult mental health, resilience and third-generation psychotherapies, making psychology practical and accessible in everyday life.
Principal · CBSE Master Trainer
St. Edmund's School, Jawahar Nagar, Jaipur
An educator with 28 years of experience, Anu Bhatia teaches Grade XII Business Studies and Entrepreneurship and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling. Her leadership combines student mentorship, teacher development and sustainability, with her school earning recognition for pedagogy, hygiene, entrepreneurship and a Green School Decade Award from CSE, Delhi.
Psychologist · PhD Scholar
Sanchi works with adolescents, young adults and working professionals through an integrative, psychodynamically informed and trauma-sensitive approach. Her experience spans NGOs, educational institutions and corporate organisations, with a focus on accessible mental health care, reducing stigma and facilitating wellbeing workshops.
Founder & Director
ARCH College of Design & Business, Jaipur
Archana Surana is a design education leader and Founder-Chairperson of Women Mentors Forum, supporting over 1,500 women entrepreneurs and professionals. A Vital Voices Lead Fellow and U.S. State Department alumna, she served as Vice President of the CUMULUS Executive Board (2022–25) and was re-elected as a Board Member for 2025–28. Her work spans design education, skill development and youth leadership, with contributions to CII, CBSE and international design networks. Through her Design Culture initiative, she promotes design ability and leadership among young people.
Independent Learning & Development Consultant · Life Skills Trainer
Sonakshi brings experience across corporates, multinational companies, universities and colleges. A PhD Scholar, she researches soft skills among first-generation learners through the lens of the Indian Knowledge System.
Lead – PR, Outreach, Operations & Finance
Prabhav Trust
Garvit builds partnerships, leads social impact campaigns and engages young people in mental health awareness and community wellbeing. His experience in growth and partnerships at Young Founders School brings insights into student engagement with AI, technology and entrepreneurship across schools, corporates and NGOs.
Associate Professor · Dental Public Health Research Scholar
Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore
MDS PhD Scholar — Oral Health Promoting School
Co-Founder · Online Chikitsa Mitra & 120by80
Salubrious Technologies
Smriti works to expand healthcare access through assisted, community-led digital platforms that connect patients with qualified doctors through trusted neighbourhood touchpoints. Her work focuses on underserved communities and women’s healthcare access, bringing together experience in operations, distribution, consumer behaviour and entrepreneurship gained over a decade in the automobile industry.
Corporate Head – Safety & Security
Espire Hospitality Group
Arjun brings over 20 years of experience in fire and life safety, security, risk management and emergency response across India and international settings. His expertise spans emergency preparedness, safety audits, incident investigation, business continuity and corporate training, with a focus on protecting people, assets and organisations.
Assistant Professor · Computer Science & Engineering
Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur
Dr. Jadeja specialises in Generative AI, Agentic AI, Graph Neural Networks and AI-enabled education. His work promotes practical and responsible AI adoption through teaching, research and faculty training. He developed Python Ki Pathshala, a multilingual AI learning assistant, and an AI for Everyone MOOC in association with IIT Kanpur. His channel, CS Simplified, makes computer science learning accessible to wider audiences.
Psychologist · Research Enthusiast
Right Side Story
Sachi is a psychologist with interests in research, human resources and social impact. Educated at Christ University, Delhi NCR, she qualified for PhD admission through UGC NET 2025. Her profile also highlights her association with Prabhav Trust.
Associate Professor of Finance
IIHMR University, Jaipur
Dr. Pareek teaches financial management, healthcare financial analytics, health insurance and managed care. He brings nearly two decades of experience in insurance and banking, including serving as Vice President at HDFC ERGO General Insurance. A Fellow of the Insurance Institute of India and PhD in Commerce, he is interested in how health insurance and financing can widen access to care, including mental healthcare.
Director – Programs
Agile Innovators Foundation (AIF)
Dr. Kaushal is a public health physician and health systems strengthening specialist with over 15 years of experience in clinical medicine, programme implementation, digital health and research. His expertise includes primary healthcare, adolescent wellbeing, noncommunicable diseases, maternal and child health, and climate-health intersections. His recognitions include the Gates Institute Global Health Leadership Accelerator Award and selection among the “120 Under 40” New Generation of Public Health Leaders.
Technical Director · Sustainability & Green Building Professional
Smart Carbon Dynamics
Sai Balaji brings over a decade of experience in energy efficiency, sustainable building design and indoor environmental quality. A LEED Accredited Professional and EDGE Expert, he works on green building certifications, energy modelling and carbon reduction. His interests include how ventilation, indoor air quality, natural daylight and thermal comfort can support student wellbeing and healthier school environments.
Co-Founder & CEO
The Misfits
An MBA in Finance and former investment professional, Aditi co-founded The Misfits in 2022 to tackle food waste. The company upcycles cosmetically imperfect fruits and vegetables into vegan, plant-based spreads, dips and snacks, sourcing directly from local farmers to support a circular food economy.
Cybersecurity Professional · Technology Entrepreneur · Police Trainer
Founder, Threat Expert Cyber Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Niranjan specialises in cybersecurity, network security, AI-driven security, digital forensics and cyber threat analysis. He delivers awareness and capacity-building programmes for police personnel, defence departments and communities, including training 500+ women through Cyber Bharat, and develops solutions to strengthen digital security and cyber resilience.
Founder · Student Digital Wellbeing & Data Analytics
Rallivika Insights LLP
With over 15 years of experience in data analytics, Aksheev develops data-informed approaches to student digital wellbeing. He created the Digital Wellbeing Index (DWI) to understand students’ digital behaviour, identify areas needing attention and complement school counselling, awareness sessions and workshops with measurable insights that support healthier digital habits.
Assistant Professor · Author · Gender Studies Researcher
Department of English, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Dr. Preeti Choudhary works across gender studies, inclusive policy and medical humanities. She is the author of Trans People in India: A Decade after NALSA, published by Routledge, and a recipient of a State Award for her research on transgender communities. She has led projects supported by MHRD, ICSSR, RSACS and NACO, combining academic research with community engagement and advocacy for inclusion.
Senior Specialist – Adolescent & Young People
Centre for Catalyzing Change (C3)
Working in adolescent health and education since 2003, Mohammed Ziauddin played a central role in building Jharkhand’s Udaan adolescence education programme. His work spans school health and wellness, adolescent mental health, girls’ education, child marriage prevention and youth development, supporting programmes and capacity building across multiple Indian states.
Mental Wellness & Mindset Coach · Wellbeing Facilitator
Founder, Life By Mind
With an academic background in Civil Engineering and Renewable Energy and extensive experience in the energy sector, Yogita brings a multidisciplinary perspective to wellbeing. Her work focuses on emotional wellbeing, stress management, mindset and resilience. She conducts interactive sessions for educational institutions and organisations, translating psychological and neuroscience concepts into practical tools for everyday life.
Diabetes Advocate · Public Health Professional · Entrepreneur
Founder, Diabetes Fighters’ Trust & CareOll Life
Drawing on 34 years of lived experience with Type 1 diabetes, Mridula works at the intersection of health equity, diabetes care and health misinformation. A WomenLift Health Global Fellow and Bakken Award honoree, she contributes to global patient advocacy and is developing a platform focused on stigma and health misinformation through CareOll Life.
Public Health Nutritionist · Behaviour Change Strategist
Co-Founder, Arney’s FitKids
With over 30 years of experience in food and nutrition, Aditi translates nutrition science into practical everyday action. Through Arney’s FitKids, she has helped reach 1,200+ schools and over 20 lakh children since 2008, using storytelling, games, experiential learning and family engagement to encourage healthier choices and lifelong habits. Her work also spans wellbeing, sustainability and food systems transformation.
Social Entrepreneur · Sustainability Educator
Founder, Jaipur Mommies & NaturEcoIndia
Known as “Eco Mom”, Anita Goyal is a Jaipur-based social entrepreneur and sustainability educator working on women’s empowerment and community wellbeing. Through Jaipur Mommies and NaturEcoIndia, she leads community initiatives and conducts sensitisation sessions on menstruation and sustainable lifestyles for educational institutions and corporates.
Manager
Design2Occupancy
Vishal Kumar brings 12+ years of experience in infrastructure consulting, urban development, energy efficiency and Smart City projects. A BEE Certified ECSBC Master Trainer, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban Environmental Management and Law from National Law University, Delhi. His work with government departments and state agencies connects sustainable infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings and public policy with healthier, more sustainable communities.
Organizational Psychologist · IB Psychology Educator · Head of Department
Jayshree Periwal International School
Chitrangda Chauhan brings over 12 years of experience in education and mental health wellbeing. A certified play therapist, she works with children with and without special needs. She is also a licensed corporate trainer in motivation, emotional skills and soft skills, combining psychological insights with practical approaches to learning and personal development.
Director – Counselling & Corporate Culture
LMC
Deepak Kashyap is a psychology practitioner and corporate wellness expert, and former Chief Culture Officer and President at Welspun Group. He holds a master’s in Psychology of Education from the University of Bristol and advanced training in REBT and CBT from the Albert Ellis Institute, New York. His work spans mental health, psychological safety, diversity and inclusion, leadership development and employee wellbeing. He has delivered workshops and keynotes internationally, including for the United Nations.
Entrepreneur · Technology Professional · Startup Mentor
Founder, Vidhyarthi Darpan & Near Ambulance
Sharad Sharma works across EdTech, HealthTech and Artificial Intelligence. He founded Vidhyarthi Darpan in 2016 to strengthen digital access and connections in education, and Near Ambulance to support emergency healthcare transportation through GPS-enabled booking and tracking. His work explores AI-powered assistance and voice-based services, while mentoring early-stage founders in technology, product development, business strategy and startup growth.
Public Health Professional & Mental Health Advocate
Bhupesh Dixit brings over a decade of experience in public health programme design, implementation and capacity building. His expertise spans mental health, suicide prevention, RMNCHA+N, urban health and community-based interventions. He has led National Health Mission initiatives across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, trained over 1,500 healthcare professionals and authored more than 50 public health articles in leading Hindi newspapers. A postgraduate in Hospital and Health Management with a specialisation in Public Health from IIHMR Bangalore, he combines field experience with teaching, training and research to strengthen health systems and advance health equity.
Educationist · Motivational Speaker · Chairman, Public Schools Association
Dr. Chandrakant Singh is an educationist, social thinker, RTI activist and motivational speaker. He serves as Chairman of the Public Schools Association and Ideal Radiant Public School, and as Delhi State Convenor of Bhartiya Shiksha Board. He has participated in educational conferences and television panel discussions and received recognition for his contributions to education. His work spans school leadership, educational advocacy and advisory roles with schools and educational organisations.
Head Operations
Rajmeru Sanstha
Dinesh Chandra Vyas is a development-sector professional with experience in programme management, institutional development and knowledge management. At Rajmeru Sanstha, he oversees programme, finance and human resource functions, supporting field implementation and coordination with donors, government and CSR partners. His experience includes over two decades with CASA and consultancy work with community-based organisations and their collectives.
Learn from speakers and panelists across health, education and community wellbeing.
9 October 2026 · Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur