022 4002 5146

Follow Us:

Workshops and
Conferences

Home Workshops and Conferences

2026

State-Level Multi-Sectoral Roundtable Consultation on “Strengthening Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)”

State-level multi-sectoral roundtable consultation on Strengthening Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI)

On 29 September 2026, Salaam Bombay Foundation convened a multi-sectoral roundtable on Strengthening Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) at the Office of the Collector & District Magistrate, Mumbai City. Government and civil-society stakeholders discussed emerging tobacco and nicotine trends among adolescents, policy and implementation gaps, interdepartmental coordination, institutional accountability, monitoring and capacity building, and practical steps to strengthen ToFEI.

The consultation comprised two panel sessions: (1) Emerging Tobacco and Nicotine Trends Among Adolescents and Youth – Policy Concerns & Priorities; and (2) ToFEI – Policy Imperative, Implementation Gaps & Way Forward. Discussions examined youth tobacco and nicotine trends, regulatory and implementation gaps, school-level challenges, policy convergence, monitoring, accountability, interdepartmental coordination, capacity building, and recommendations for sustainable ToFEI implementation.

2026

Addressing Commercial Determinants of Tobacco Use: Governance Reforms Beyond the Health Sector

National webinar on commercial determinants of tobacco use

Date: 01 September 2026    Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

The Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC), in collaboration with the Centre for Commercial Determinants of Health (C-CDOH), Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru and Vital Strategies, organized a national webinar on commercial determinants of tobacco use. The programme examined corporate influence, governance responses, emerging challenges and governance gaps, with expert presentations, a panel discussion and an interactive audience Q&A. Dr. P.C. Gupta represented Healis as the Guest of Honour and spoke on the significance of the topic. The keynote by Dr. Upendra Bhojani addressed commercial determinants of health, corporate influence and governance responses across commodities. Dr. Amit Yadav discussed tobacco as a case study of commercial determinants, followed by a panel on reimagining tobacco control governance in the era of commercial determinants.

2026

Comprehensive Workshop on Tobacco Control and Cessation – “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”.

Workshops and conferences organized by Healis

Guest of Honour
Dr. Prakash Gupta and Dr. Mangesh Pednekar

"Dr. Prakash C. Gupta and Dr. Mangesh S. Pednekar, participating and representing Healis at the Comprehensive Workshop on Tobacco Control and Cessation, conducted at ACTREC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on 28–29 May 2026.

Event details:
The Comprehensive Workshop on Tobacco Control and Cessation, organized by DISBR, CCE, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre on 28–29 May 2026, covered tobacco epidemiology, addiction neuroscience, cessation therapies, the 5As and 5Rs framework, MPOWER measures, the National Tobacco Quit line, and context-specific interventions. Dr. P. C. Gupta delivered the keynote address, while Dr. Mangesh S. Pednekar presented on MPOWER measures. Both Dr. P. C. Gupta and Dr. Mangesh S. Pednekar participated during the first day of the workshop in the release of the Tobacco Booklet, and moderated a panel discussion on evolving addictions and cancer risk..



2025

Roundtable Discussion on the theme: “Advancing Tobacco and Alcohol Control in India: Evidence and the Next Steps.”.

"Participants of the “Roundtable Discussion”, held at “Hotel Imperial New Delhi”, during the session on “Advancing Tobacco and Alcohol Control in India: Evidence and the Next Steps”, 4th August 2025.

Guest of Honour
Dr. Prakash Gupta and Dr. Mangesh Pednekar

"Dr. Prakash C. Gupta and Dr. Mangesh S. Pednekar, participating and representing Healis at “Roundtable on Advancing Tobacco and Alcohol Control in India: Evidence and the Next Steps”.

Event details:
Tobacco and alcohol co-use presents a significant public health challenge, with well-established research demonstrating strong co-morbid and interactive effects at the population, environmental, individual, and biological levels.

This forum brought together representatives from the Government of India, implementing agencies, academic and research institutions, and community-based organizations to deliberate on collaborative and strategic approaches for further strengthening the National Tobacco Control Program and for advancing national initiatives to address alcohol abuse in India.



2025

Scaling up tobacco control in India: Comparing smartphone to in-person training for implementing an evidence-based intervention to reduce tobacco use among schoolteachers.

Guest of Honour
District 1: The event had Mr. Savan Patidar (Assistant Director, Education)), Mr. Harsingh Bhartiya (District Education Officer (DEO)), District Project Coordinator (DPC), and Mr. Vikas Mahajan, Assistant Project Coordinator (Academic)

District 2: The event had Dr. Sanjay Bhandari (DTCC), the District Health Officer, DIO, the Assistant Commissioner (Tribal), the civil surgeon of Dhar District Hospital, the CMHO, Assistant Director, Tribal Department, Assistant Director (Education), and District Project Coordinator

Event details:
1. The event started at around 11:15 AM with the introduction of the present 48/70 PIGs in district 1 and 79/130 district 2, TFT-TFS study team members, an introduction, and a brief about the program by the government officials, how the study team arrived at the top 5 schools from each arm, and the prepared slide was used.
2. This was followed by the distribution of the mementos and certificates to the top 5 schools and PIGs by the esteemed officials, and then the participation certificate distribution to all 70 schools in district 1 and 130 schools in district 2 by Dr. M. S. Pednekar and Dr. E. M. Nagler simultaneously.
3. The present PIGs were advised to take the certificates/mementos on behalf of those PIGs who were not present on the day of the dissemination event and whose schools are nearby to those who are present.
4. After the distribution of mementos and certificates, the officials talked about the program, its necessity in the current scenario, and praised the TFT-TFS study team for the initiative
5. This was followed by Thanksgiving statements by Dr. E. M. Nagler
6. Further, Dr. M. S. Pednekar closed the program with thanksgiving statements to the government officials for their support and concluding remarks by explaining the 4-page dissemination document and the ways of downloading the app/other materials and carrying the program further.

Link: Dissemination document


2025

Regional Consultation for Key Stakeholders on NTCP and development of a roadmap for effective implementation

Theme: Regional Consultation
Date and time of Event :- Day-1: March 18th, 2025 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm;
Day-2 : March 19th, 2025 from 9:00am to 2:30 pm.

Location of Event: Tata Memorial Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

Guest of Honour: Dr. P. C. Gupta, Director, Healis-Sekhsaria Institute For Public Health, Navi Mumbai.

Purpose of Visit: Chair of the Plenary Session on the progress of NTCP at the Subnational Level

Event Details: Dr. PC Gupta chaired the plenary session on the progress of the National Tobacco Control Program in Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. His expertise offered valuable insights into the challenges, strategic planning and effective implementation of NTCP. The workshop covered implementation of COTPA Act 2003 & other policies.

Mr. Maruti Desai had a discussion with Dr. Rana Singh (Director, Southeast Asia, Vital strategies) regarding the real-life challenges and barriers in implementation of NTCP program at grass root level.

2025

Co-Development Workshop for the project- “ANANT MUSKAAN: A multi-site Implementation research on Primary School-based tooth brushing and oral health education in India: Sindhudurg, Maharashtra”.


Purpose: Co-development workshop for the Anant Muskaan Project to engage key stakeholders for developing an action plan for implementation.

Date: 07/03/2025

Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sabhagruha, Zilla Parishad, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, 416602.

Collaborators: Dept of Health & Dept of Education, Maharashtra

Chair: Dr. Umesh Shirodkar, Deputy Director (Oral Health), Maharashtra

Guests: Dr. Dhuri, DHO; Dr. Patil, CS; Dr. Kamble, ADHO; Mr. Angane, ADEO; NOHP & NHM teams; CHOs; School Teachers & Cluster Officers

Organiser: Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Navi Mumbai

Details: The co-development workshop for the Anant Muskaan Project aimed to review the project's progress, challenges, and achievements. It focused on discussing findings from the pilot-testing phase of Model M-0, implemented in 20 schools in the Sindhudurg district and analysing the outcomes. The workshop contributed to the development of the revised Model M-1 for the district, through co-development and iteration processes and laid a full implementation plan for the study.

2024

Capacity Building Workshop for Community Based Organisation for Tobacco Control On India”

Theme: "Tobacco & its burden in India"
On February 27, 2024, Bajaj Electricals Limited (BEL) hosted a half-day workshop at the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry conference hall exclusively for NGO’s working in tobacco control.
Dr. Prakash C. Gupta, Director of Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, served as the Chief Speaker, delivering a presentation on topic "Tobacco & Its Burden in India".
The session aimed to raise awareness and foster strategies to reduce tobacco consumption and production.
The event was well received, and Dr. Gupta’s insights contributed significantly to the participants' understanding of tobacco control issues.

2024

SIPHER ECHO WEBINAR ON GOOD REPLICABLE & INNOVATIVE PRACTICES IN TOBACCO CONTROL IN INDIA.

Theme: "Involving School Teachers in Tobacco Control: A Story from Bihar, India"
Presenter: Dr. Prakash Gupta, Director, Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health
Description: This webinar highlights the unique and successful role of schoolteachers in reducing tobacco use among students and the community.
Dr. Prakash Gupta, Director of Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health and Principal Investigator of the study presented this case study.
His expertise and first-hand experiences provide valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of engaging educational institutions in
public health efforts.
Key points:
• Rationale for choosing teachers based on the Global School Personnel Survey.
• Healis surveys on the prevalence of tobacco consumption among Indian teachers: in two different school systems: Central and State.
• Formative research for intervention materials and strategies.
• Planned randomized control trial.
• Detailed insights into the “Tobacco Free Teachers, Tobacco Free Society” intervention program.
• Results of the Bihar school teachers study.
• Challenges faced during the intervention.
• Institutionalization and sustainability of the intervention.
• Further dissemination of the intervention.
• Impact of educational interventions on student behaviour and community health.
• Practical steps for replicating this model in different regions.
Watch the full webinar to explore these innovative practices and gain inspiration for implementing similar initiatives:
.'Link: https://youtu.be/m8ptBKGcQ8k

2024

6TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TOBACCO OR HEALTH (6th NCTOH).

Theme: "TOWARDS TOBACCO-FREE INDIA-AN AUDACIOUS RACE AGAINST TIME"
Dr. Prakash C Gupta, Director of Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, India, played a pivotal role in the recent 6th NCTOH.
• Dr. Gupta graced the inaugural session of the event, where he, along with other esteemed dignitaries, illuminated the event by lighting the lamp, symbolizing the commencement of the proceedings.
• Dr. Gupta participated in a panel discussion on 'How do Leaders Perceive Integration of Tobacco Control in Medical and Dental Colleges', enriching the discourse with his insights.
• Additionally, he chaired two significant sessions:
i. Plenary Session: "Ending the Tobacco Epidemic: Does Tobacco Endgame Hold Significance", featuring an open discussion on the development of a roadmap for the Tobacco Endgame in India.
ii. "Tata Memorial Experiences in Tobacco Control", facilitating conversations on lessons learned from tobacco control initiatives at Tata Memorial.

2024

The release of Tobacco Free Teachers-Tobacco Free Society (TFT-TFS) Program Dissemination of self-guided manual for Headmasters and Teachers.

‘You are cordially invited to attend the press conference online on 24th January 2024 between 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. via the YouTube link below.
' Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3WxQwRhx7E&t=87s

2023

AMRITA: Amalgamation of Medicine, Research and Innovative Technology for Action 6th Amrita International Public Health Conference (AIPHC)


Theme: ‘ADVANCING PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGIES FOR CANCER CONTROL’
Topic: Oral cancer and tobacco- Epidemiology of Smokeless Tobacco use with special reference to India
Speaker: Dr. Prakash C Gupta, Director, Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, India.

2023

SIPHER–ECHO Webinar on Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices of Tobacco Control in India.


Topic: "Advancing Operational Research in Tobacco Control since COTPA 2003: Dr Mangesh S. Pednekar, Director of Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Mumbai"

‘You can access the recording of the session on the following link:
.'Link: https://youtu.be/Ukn4Ab6r-0Y

2023

SIPHER–ECHO Webinar on Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices of Tobacco Control in India.


Topic: "Advancing Leadership and management in Tobacco Control: Dr. PC Gupta, Director of Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Mumbai"

‘You can access the recording of the session on the following link:
.'Link: https://youtu.be/Xps4Wnt-Ep8

2022

Tobacco control policy evaluation (TCP) project findings from a nationally representative survey, India.

‘You are cordially invited to attend the press conference online on 30th May 2022 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. via the YouTube link below.' Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3WxQwRhx7E&t=87s

2021

Sustainable Development Goals and Tobacco Control

e-Registration for the National Webinar on “Sustainable Development Goals and Tobacco Control on 12th August 2021 (Thursday)
Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC), DCM&SPH PGIMER Chandigarh has conceived a virtual National webinar on “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Tobacco Control” in collaboration with The Union SEA office & Strategic Institute for Public Health Education and Research (SIPHER)
Date:
12th August 2021 (Thursday)
Timings:
11:00 am to 01:00 pm
Link to register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvfu6qrDMqHNy
OmBtxHVLTpj96aKKOFtk4
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinars

2021

Prajatantra 2021 Knowledge Session

Prajatantra 2021 is a Pan-India virtual festival of democracy There are 67 institutions participating with more than 500 participants from 30 cities across 21 states and 3 Union Territories
The theme for this year's event is 'Model city government'
As part of the Prajatantra 2021, six Knowledge Sessions, with over 20 experts
Please find link and poster for the first knowledge session on Public Health
Knowledge Session on Public Health
Date and Time: 11th Aug 2021, 03:00 pm – 04:00 pm.
Platform:Zoom
Joining Link:
http://tiny.cc/PTKS01
You can access the recording of the session on the following link:
https://youtu.be/DIIXDGpz3hg

2021

1st International Healthcare Management Conference- Phase II' Jointly with K J Somaiya Institute of Management

Presents the Symposium on

FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE POST COVID-19
Date of the conference: March 27th, 2021
Healis Symposium time 3:00- 4:00PM IST
Topic: 1st International Healthcare Management Conference 2021
You can access the recording of the symposium on the following link-
Meeting Recording:
https://somaiya-edu.zoom.us/rec/share/QNe7R-I1d1nWYJbd6eKGm9K8VEnH5QzbqzyxyPv5PGZg-siML9T0-2ZyklM48STJ.ACtPc635qNAW7cbR
Access Passcode: +QZi.8Sa

2021

Join Zoom Meeting
Link: https://somaiya-edu.zoom.us/j/95557781191?pwd=MERGODRIUk0zaElqb1VmZ1RVamdOQT09
Meeting ID- 955 5778 1191
Passcode: 220912

2021

The 1st International Healthcare Management Conference(Online mode)

We are very delighted to share the information that
Healis (Scientific Knowledge Partners) and K J Somaiya Institute of Management is jointly organising:
The 1st International Healthcare Management Conference 2021(Online mode)
Phase I: 9th January, 2021
A) Keynote Address
B) Panel Discussion
C) Samavesh-Healthcare Management Case Study Competition
Phase II: 27th March, 2021
International Conference and Research Paper Presentation
More details you may find in the brochure link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QUU7OxeWe6t-57YutoRJsOKb5i7SYl3B/view?usp=sharing
Please share this information to people in your network
who you think will benefit from this!
Thanks in advance for your cooperation and support.

2020

HRIDAY webinar series - Protecting youth from new emerging threats of tobacco and nicotine addiction

Protecting youth from new emerging threats of tobacco and nicotine addiction. Dr. Prakash C.Gupta Director Healis would speaking on Protecting youth from new emerging threats of tobacco and nicotine addiction . Webinar Registration Link: https://forms.gle/fcCYta4WuNeh3Ttw9

2020

Endgame of Tobacco Protecting Next Generation

Hi there, You are invited to a Global webinar organised by Poornima University, India in collaboration with Jodhpur School of Public Health, India on Jun 6, 2020 at 6:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).
Topic: Endgame of Tobacco: Protecting Next Generation.Register in advance for this webinar (.limited 100 seats):http://tiny.cc/protectingnextgen In case you are unable to watch on zoom, watch live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/poornimauniversity/live.Speakers:K. “Vish” Viswanath, Director, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health India Research Center.Dr Rati Godrej, Godrej Industries Limited, India.,Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon, TATA Memorial Hospital.,Dr Prakash Gupta, Visiting Scientist, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Dr Arvind Mathur, Director, Asian Centre for Medical Education, Research & Innovation, India Dr Manu Mathur, Dentist, Health Systems Preparedness for Smoking Cesation, India.,Dr Sitesh Roy, Senior Consultant Physician, India Kishore Sankhla, Co-Founder & CEO, Solutions 4 Health, UK.,Anil Purohit, Global Public Health Specialist, USA.

2020

National Summit on World No Tobacco Day 2020

Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use. Dr. Prakash C.Gupta Director Healis would chair the Technical session on Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use.Get an opportunity to become a part of The National Summit on World No Tobacco Day 2020. click on the link: https://forms.gle/r6u44MpPBbsMyhmG7

2020

HRIDAY webinar series - Protecting youth from new emerging threats of tobacco and nicotine addiction

Protecting youth from new emerging threats of tobacco and nicotine addiction. Dr. Prakash C.Gupta Director Healis would speaking on Protecting youth from new emerging threats of tobacco and nicotine addiction . Webinar Registration Link: https://forms.gle/fcCYta4WuNeh3Ttw9

2019

4th National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) Feb. 2019

Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Salaam Bombay Foundation, Action Council against Tobacco and Tata Memorial Hospital hosted the 4th National Conference on Tobacco or Health held from 8th-10th February, 2019. Dr. PC Gupta, Director, Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health was the President of the conference, the theme for which was Tobacco Free Generation.

2016

16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH)

The 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health was held from 17 to 21 March 2015 in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Conference was a call for a collective resolution to fight tobacco by working together and integrating tobacco control into two broad agendas for achievement of common health and development goals. Dr. PC Gupta, Director, Healis- Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health was advisor on the Scientific Programme Committee of the 16th WCTOH and provided his continuous support and guidance throughout the conference.

2015

3rd National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH)

On 15th and 16th of December, 2014 Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai welcomed guests and delegates from all over the country and abroad to the 3rd National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH). The conference was co-hosted by Salaam Bombay Foundation, Action Council against Tobacco, and Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health. Dr. PC Gupta, Director of Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health was the President of the conference. The inaugural ceremony saw the release of the monograph "Smokeless tobacco and public health: A Global perspective", a joint venture of CDC, NIH and US Department of Health with editing and contribution of chapters by Healis.

2012

Smokeless Tobacco and Public Health in India

Healis had organized a two-day author’s meeting on Smokeless Tobacco and Public Health in India on November 21-22, 2012 in Delhi. Research personnel who attended this meeting represented collaborating organizations PHFI, WHO, CDC NCI, USA.

2010

2nd National Conference on Tobacco or Health

Healis co-hosted national level conference on tobacco or health from September 23-25, 2010. The Conference generated a rich repository of information through the presentations of delegates. The 2nd National Conference on Tobacco or Health was held at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai from September 23-25, 2010.


AFTC Networking Meet

The members of the Advocacy Forum for Tobacco Control (AFTC) met in Mumbai in June 2010, to discuss the most burning issues regarding tobacco control in India. The five core issues discussed were smoke-free public places, advertising of tobacco products with a special focus on surrogate advertising, tobacco industry tactics, pictorial warnings on tobacco products and tobacco taxation. Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health was the principal organizer and host for the event. Healis was assisted by HRIDAY (New Delhi) in the development of the scientific sessions.

2009

14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH)

The 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health was an event that brought pride to the country and Healis. It was after 12 years that a developing country hosted this international event on tobacco control. Dr. PC Gupta, Director of Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health was appointed as the President for the 14th WCTOH. It was held at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai from 8th to 12th March 2009. The Conference was hosted by three organizations: Healis- Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Salaam Bombay and ACT-India in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India and the Ministry of Public Health, Government of Maharashtra.

2009

Media advocacy through national level workshop

National Level Media Workshop on Current Issues in Tobacco Control organized by Healis in December 2009 to sensitize journalists about tobacco control issues. The workshop was able to enhance and generate media attention on tobacco control issues and COTPA with media.

2008

Media Workshop on Bidi Monograph

Healis organized a media workshop session on impact of bidi on health and socioeconomic factors based on the ‘Bidi Monograph’ – the most comprehensive document available on the varied issues related to bidis.