TUESDAY · SEPTEMBER
WHO Regional Consultation
Strengthening the Integrated Continuum of Long-Term Care for Older People
International Stakeholder Consultation
WHO Regional Consultation
Strengthening the Integrated Continuum of Long-Term Care for Older People
8th September 2026
Caregiving & Long-Term Care Law in India
Towards a Legal Framework for Care
9th & 10th September 2026
●National Law University, Jodhpur
~ From caregiving to a culture of care. ~
3Days of consultation
60+Speakers & delegates
10+Countries represented
40+Presentations & sessions
About the consultation
Giving Care a Place in Law
Care has long been carried by families; it is time for society and law to carry their share.
From invisible responsibility to recognised right, supported system and shared social duty — over three days in Jodhpur, this consultation set out to give care a language, a framework, and ultimately, a place in law.
The speakers and delegates who gathered formed the intellectual and experiential backbone of that effort, bringing together law, public policy, health and social care, academia, civil society and international practice. Their deliberations moved deliberately from evidence to architecture: what India’s existing law already covers, where it falls silent, what other countries have tried, and what a framework for care might look like if it were designed around the people who actually provide it.
The consultation closed with the adoption of a set of recommendations and proposed next steps — an agenda intended to carry these conversations beyond the three days, towards meaningful frameworks, policy and action.
Programme at a glance
WEDNESDAY · SEPTEMBER
International Stakeholder Consultation · Day 1
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in India: Legal Foundations, Global Perspectives and Lived Experience
THURSDAY · SEPTEMBER
International Stakeholder Consultation · Day 2
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in India: Policy, Technology and Legal Reform
About National Law University Jodhpur
National Law University Jodhpur, established in 1999, is among India’s leading national law universities, known for research-driven engagement with law and public policy. Through initiatives such as this consultation, NLUJ brings legal scholarship to questions of deep social consequence, including one of India’s most pressing and least legislated: who cares for those who care.
About Caregivers Asha Society
Founded in Jodhpur in 2019 from lived caregiving experience, Caregivers Asha Society is India’s first organisation dedicated entirely to the wellbeing and recognition of family caregivers. Its work spans caregiver training, emotional support, digital innovation through the CareAsha App, youth sensitisation and policy advocacy, with 200+ trainers certified across three nations. Represented on the WHO Civil Society Commission (2025–27).
Two consultations, one question
A global standard and a national framework
The three days held two connected conversations: one contributing a South-East Asia perspective to emerging global standards for long-term care, the other examining what Indian law would have to do to recognise and support family caregivers.
Day One · Tuesday 8 September
WHO Regional Consultation
Strengthening the Integrated Continuum of Long-Term Care for Older People. An expert consultation on the WHO Global Standards for Long-Term Care, convened by WHO’s Ageing and Health Unit in Geneva with the South-East Asia Regional Office.
- Advancing equitable long-term care systems across the WHO South-East Asia Region
- Structured table-by-table expert review of the draft Global Standards
- Rapporteur reporting, moderated synthesis and regional recommendations
- Concluded 9 September with the finalisation of regional recommendations and next steps
Days Two & Three · 9–10 September
Caregiving & Long-Term Care Law in India
Towards a Legal Framework for Care. A two-day stakeholder consultation on the legal, policy and institutional recognition of family caregivers in India, hosted at National Law University Jodhpur.
- Mapping India’s existing legal framework for ageing and care — coverage and gaps
- Comparative experience from Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia and South Africa
- Integration into health systems, nursing practice and primary health care
- Lived experience, economic recognition, technology, AI and cyber risk
- Priority recommendations for an Indian framework on caregiving and long-term care
Messages
Why this conversation, and why now
Prof. (Dr.)
Harpreet Kaur
Vice-Chancellor
National Law University Jodhpur
Welcome Address
It was my privilege to welcome you to the National Law University, Jodhpur, for the International Consultation on ageing, caregiving, and long-term care.
As societies age, care can no longer remain understood solely as a private responsibility of families. It raises fundamental questions of dignity, rights, responsibility and social justice. While families continue to form the foundation of care, caregivers themselves often remain unseen, insufficiently recognised and inadequately supported.
The WHO Regional Consultation on strengthening the integrated continuum of long-term care for older people brought a valuable South-East Asian perspective to the question of how systems of care can become more integrated, accessible and responsive to the needs of older persons.
The consultations that followed turned this conversation towards India’s legal and policy landscape. Caregiving & Long-Term Care Law in India: Towards a Legal Framework for Care invited us to examine how law can recognise caregiving, protect those who provide it, and create a more equitable distribution of responsibility.
For a university of law, this is a particularly meaningful conversation. Law must not only respond to changing social realities; it must help shape institutions that uphold dignity and justice. I hope these deliberations will connect lived experience with scholarship, policy with law, and recognition with meaningful action.
Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur
Dr. Arvind Mathur
Founder & Chairperson
Caregivers Asha Society
Welcome to the Consultation
It was my privilege to welcome you to Jodhpur for these important consultations on long-term care and caregiving.
Population ageing is reshaping our societies and bringing the question of care to the forefront. While families remain the foundation of care, caregivers themselves often remain insufficiently recognised, prepared and supported.
Our consultations addressed two closely connected themes. The first focused on strengthening the integrated continuum of long-term care and contributing a South-East Asia perspective to emerging global standards for long-term care. The second focused on caregiving in India, exploring the need for legal and policy frameworks that recognise, protect and support family caregivers.
Together, these discussions brought perspectives from health and social care, law, public policy, academia, civil society and international organisations, linking stronger systems of care with greater recognition of those who provide care.
For Caregivers Asha Society, our vision is clear: caregiving must move from a largely invisible family responsibility to a recognised and supported component of our health and social systems. May our deliberations lead to partnerships, policies and actions that ensure dignity in care and recognition for every caregiver.
Dr. Arvind Mathur
The full programme
Three days, session by session
Every plenary, session, presentation and ceremonial proceeding as it was convened across 8–10 September 2026.
Day One · TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2026
WHO Regional Consultation
Strengthening the Integrated Continuum of Long-Term Care for Older People
CONVENTION CENTRE, NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY JODHPUR · 12:00 noon – 6:00 PM
12:00 – 1:00 PM✦Registration & Networking Lunch
Inaugural Session·1:00 – 1:30 PM
Welcome and Introduction
Group Photograph
Welcome Address
Dr Neeti Mathur · Convenor, National Law University Jodhpur
Presidential Address & Introduction of NLU Jodhpur
Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur · Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, National Law University Jodhpur
Special Address & Introduction of Caregivers Asha Society
Dr Arvind Mathur · Founder & President, Caregivers Asha Society
Master of Ceremonies: Dr Priyadarshi Patni, Secretary, Caregivers Asha Society
Session I·1:30 – 2:30 PM
Opening & Setting the Stage
- 1:30 – 1:45 PM
Objectives and Expectations
Dr Hyobum Jang & Dr Amrita Kansal · World Health Organization
- 1:45 – 2:00 PM
Advancing Equitable Long-Term Care Systems for Older People in the WHO South-East Asia Region
Dr Amrita Kansal · WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi
- 2:00 – 2:30 PM
Discussion
All participants
Session II·2:30 – 6:00 PM
Expert Consultation on the WHO Global Standards for Long-Term Care
- 2:30 – 2:55 PM
Overview of the WHO Global Standards for Long-Term Care
Dr Hyobum Jang · Ageing and Health Unit, WHO Headquarters, Geneva
- 2:55 – 3:05 PM
Consultation Format
Dr Hyobum Jang
- 3:05 – 4:35 PM
Group Discussions
Participants, group moderators & rapporteurs
- 4:35 – 4:50 PM✦Tea & Coffee Break
- 4:50 – 5:25 PM
Reporting Back by Tables
Rapporteurs
- 5:25 – 5:45 PM
Moderated Discussion on Key Points
Dr Hyobum Jang
- 5:45 – 6:00 PM
WHO Synthesis and Use of the Feedback · Close of Day One
Programme · 8–10 September 202602
Day Two · WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2026
International Stakeholder Consultation · Day 1
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in India: Legal Foundations, Global Perspectives and Lived Experience
CONVENTION CENTRE (TRAINING ROOM), NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY JODHPUR · 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM, followed by the Inaugural Function at 7:00 PM
WHO Regional Consultation: Concluding Sessions
10:00 – 10:45 AM
Session III: Finalisation of Regional Recommendations · Session IV: Next Steps and the Way Forward. From 11:00 AM, WHO delegates joined the International Stakeholder Consultation.
Plenary·11:00 – 11:30 AM
Caregiving in India: A System Without a Framework
Caregiving in India: From Recognition to Integration
Prof. A. B. Dey · Chairman, Geriatric Medicine and Longevity Sciences, Artemis Medicare Services, Gurugram
11:30 – 11:45 AM✦Tea Break
Session 1·11:45 AM – 12:10 PM
Legal Framework Mapping
India’s Legal Framework for Ageing, Caregiving and Long-Term Care: Coverage and Gaps
Dr. Mahendra Soni · Associate Professor of Law, National Law University Jodhpur
Constitutional Foundations of Ageing and Care: Dignity, Equality, Health and Social Security
Dr Renjith Thomas · Assistant Professor, National Law University Jodhpur
From Welfare to Rights: Case Law and Emerging Judicial Trends
Adv Vikas Balia · Senior Advocate, Rajasthan High Court
Session 2 · Part I·12:10 – 12:45 PM
International Experience and WHO Initiatives
Global trends and the international lens on caregiving law — international experience, WHO initiatives and lessons from comparative policy.
Chair: Dr Hyobum Jang, World Health Organization
WHO Initiatives for Long-Term Care and Caregiver Support
Dr Amrita Kansal · World Health Organization
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in Thailand
Prof. Prasert Assantachai · Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
Perspectives of Caregiving from the Experiences of the Tsao Foundation in Singapore
Ms Preeti H. Wasnik & Ms Susana Harding · Tsao Foundation, Singapore
12:45 – 1:30 PM✦Lunch Break
Session 2 · Part II·1:30 – 2:30 PM
Country Experiences from South Asia and Beyond
Chair: Dr Hyobum Jang, World Health Organization
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in Nepal: Policy Developments and Gaps
Dr Urza Bhattarai · Consultant Geriatrician, HAMS Hospital, Kathmandu; Clinical Research Coordinator, KHDC Nepal, Dharan
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in Sri Lanka: Emerging Priorities
Dr Sriromi Manjula De Silva Maduwage · Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law: The South African Perspective
Dr Leon Geffen · Member, Global Network for Long-Term Care (GNLTC)
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in Bangladesh: Challenges and Policy Directions
Dr Md Khurshid Alam Hyder (online) · Public Health Specialist; formerly WHO Bangladesh & SEARO
Session 3·2:30 – 3:45 PM
Health Systems and Caregiving Integration
Bringing caregiving into health and social systems; the caregiver’s role in medical practice.
Chair: Dr Jagadish K. Chhetri, Nepal Geriatrics and Gerontology Foundation · Co-Chair: Dr Laxmi Kant Goyal
Integrating Family Caregivers into Public Geriatric Services: Lessons from the National Centre for Ageing, Chennai
Prof. S. Deepa · Director, National Centre for Ageing, Chennai; Member, Technical Advisory Group, NPHCE
Integrating Family Caregiving into Nursing Practice: Challenges and Opportunities for Health-System Reform
Prof. (Dr) Latha T. · Professor-cum-Principal, AIIMS Bibinagar, Hyderabad
Making Family Caregivers Visible in Primary Health Care: A Community-Medicine Perspective
Dr Manoj Kumar Gupta · Additional Professor, Community Medicine & Family Medicine; Coordinator, MPH Programme, AIIMS Jodhpur
Integrating Caregiving into Health Systems: A Government Perspective
Dr Senthilnathan Subramanian · Additional Director General, NPHCE, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India
Family Caregivers as Partners in Geriatric Care: Lessons from Clinical Practice in Sri Lanka
Dr Maheshi Wijayabandara · Consultant Geriatrician; Joint Secretary, Sri Lanka Association of Geriatric Medicine
Building Age-Friendly Communities: Integrating Family Caregivers into Health and Palliative Care
Dr Praveen Gopalakrishna Pai · Healthy Ageing and Age-Friendly Communities Expert, Kochi
The Role of Regional Geriatric Centres in Integrating and Supporting Family Caregivers
Prof. Arunansu Talukdar · Professor & Head, Geriatric Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata
Session 4·3:45 – 4:30 PM
Lived Experiences of Caregiving
Ground-level realities, emotional consequences and ethical challenges.
Chair: Dr Anil Purohit · Co-Chair: Dr Harish Agarwal
Dignity, Dependency and Shared Responsibility: Ethical Challenges in the Lived Experience of Care
Dr K. R. Gangadharan · Heritage Foundation, Hyderabad
Caregiving on the Ground: Experiences of Supporting Older Persons and Their Families
Ms Anuradha Advani · Anubandh, Jodhpur
Dementia Care Beyond Diagnosis: Experiences, Challenges, and Support Systems
Dr Vidya Shenoy · Alzheimer’s Caregiving Society, Mumbai
The Emotional and Mental Health Dimensions of Caregiving
Dr Pranshu Singh · Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Jodhpur
4:30 – 4:45 PM✦High Tea
Inaugural Function·7:00 PM
Formal inaugural of the Two-Day International Stakeholder Consultation
Auditorium, National Law University Jodhpur.
Chief Guest
Hon’ble Mr Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur
Judge, Rajasthan High Court
- 7:00 PM
Arrival of the Chief Guest
- 7:00 – 7:05 PM
Group Photograph
- 7:05 – 7:10 PM
Welcome Address
Dr Neeti Mathur · Convenor, National Law University Jodhpur
- 7:10 – 7:20 PM
Objectives of the Consultation
Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur · Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, National Law University Jodhpur
- 7:20 – 7:30 PM
WHO Perspective on Caregiving and Long-Term Care
Dr Hyobum Jang · Ageing and Health Unit, World Health Organization
- 7:30 – 7:35 PM
Release of the CareAsha Comic Book
- 7:35 – 7:50 PM
Special Address by the Chief Guest
Hon’ble Mr Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur · Judge, Rajasthan High Court
- 7:50 – 7:55 PM
Vote of Thanks
Dr Arvind Mathur · Founder & President, Caregivers Asha Society
- 7:55 PM onwards
Cultural Programme, followed by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor’s Dinner at the Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Mr Apurv Mathur, Treasurer, Caregivers Asha Society
Programme · 8–10 September 202603
Day Three · THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026
International Stakeholder Consultation · Day 2
Caregiving and Long-Term Care Law in India: Policy, Technology and Legal Reform
CONVENTION CENTRE (TRAINING ROOM), NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY JODHPUR · 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, followed by the Valedictory Session at 4:30 PM
9:30 – 9:45 AM✦High Tea
Plenary II·9:45 – 11:00 AM
Recap of Day One · From Elder Rights to Caregiver Recognition
Demographic, social, disability-rights and ethical perspectives on India’s care transition.
Chair: Mr M. L. Kumawat · Co-Chair: Dr Avisha Mathur
From Healthy Ageing to Long-Term Care: Recognising Family Caregivers within Person-Centred Health Systems
Dr Khaleda Islam · Former Director, Primary Health Care, Directorate General of Health Services, Bangladesh
India’s Ageing Transition: Families, Caregiving and the Demographic Imperative
Prof. T. V. Sekher · Professor & Head, Family and Generations; Centre for Ageing Studies, IIPS Mumbai
Gendered Care Transitions in India: Ethical Imperatives, Legislative Gaps, and Global Pathways for Caregiver Recognition
Prof. Mala Kapur Shankardass · Sociologist, Gerontologist and Ageing Policy Expert
Caregiving and Disability: Advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Their Caregivers
Dr Rashmi Mathur · Associate Professor, National Law University Jodhpur
Session 5·11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Government Policies and Implementation
Schemes, gaps and coordination issues.
Chair: Prof. M. K. Aseri, Vice-Chancellor, Marwar Medical University · Co-Chair: Dr Sandeep Tak
Caregiving for Older Persons in Rajasthan: Aligning State Action with National Policies and Schemes
Dr Sunil Singh · Medical and Health Department, Government of Rajasthan
Supporting Caregivers of Older Persons: The Role of Public Hospitals in Implementing Government Schemes
Prof. Fateh Singh Bhati · Medical Superintendent, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital; Dr S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur
Redesigning Aged-Care Systems: Governance, Integration and the Place of Family Caregivers
Dr Madhan Balasubramanian · Senior Lecturer & Deputy Director, Health Care Management, Flinders University, Australia
Government Policy Coordination: The Role of Law and Institutions
Dr Sunita Pankaj, RAS · Registrar, National Law University Jodhpur
Evidence-Informed Caregiving Policy: Research Priorities for India
Prof. Pankaj Bhardwaj · Director, ICMR–National Institute of Health Research, Jodhpur
Translating Long-Term Care Policy into Action: The Role of Civil Society Networks and Partnerships
Ms Caitlin Wald · Specialist, Member Engagement and Network Impact, International Federation on Ageing
12:30 – 1:15 PM✦Lunch Break
Session 6·1:15 – 1:45 PM
Economic and Social Recognition of Caregivers
Chair: Dr Senthilnathan Subramanian
Caregivers in India: Economic Insecurity, Social Recognition and Lived Realities
Ms Malti Jaswal · Inspiring Seniors, New Delhi
Changing Families, Intergenerational Support and the Future of Care in Asia and the Pacific
Dr Abhijit Visaria · Technical Adviser, Population Dynamics, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office, Bangkok
From Unpaid Care to Social Protection: International Approaches to Recognising and Supporting Caregivers
Mr Harsh Kothari · Social Policy Specialist, World Bank
Session 7·1:45 – 2:30 PM
Technology, AI and Cyber Risks in Caregiving
Digital care, telemedicine, fraud and safeguards.
Chair: Dr Gulshan Rai, Former National Cyber Security Coordinator, Government of India · Co-Chair: Prof. (Dr.) Priyadarshi Patni
Digital Caregiving and Technology: The United States Perspective
Ms Megha Mathur (online) · Associate, Barnes and Thornburg, Chicago, United States
Cyber Risks, Digital Fraud and Data Protection in Caregiving
Prof. Shilohu Rao · Professor, National Law University Jodhpur
Assistive Technologies for Older Persons and Caregivers
Dr Ravinder Singh · Indian Council of Medical Research
The CareAsha App: Using Digital Technology to Support Family Caregivers
Dr Arvind Mathur · Founder & Chairperson, Caregivers Asha Society
Session 8·2:30 – 3:15 PM
Round Table Discussion
Open discussion on pending and cross-cutting issues. Moderated questions and answers leading to priority recommendations for an Indian framework on caregiving and long-term care.
Moderator: Dr Prakash Tyagi · With Ms Stephanie Choo, UN ESCAP
3:15 – 3:30 PM✦Tea Break
Presentation of Recommendations·3:30 – 4:00 PM
Consultation Recommendations and Proposed Next Steps
Consultation Recommendations and Proposed Next Steps
Mrs Rajshree Acharya · National Law University Jodhpur
Concluding & Valedictory Session·4:30 PM
Adoption of the suggestions and recommendations of the two-day consultation
Auditorium, National Law University Jodhpur.
- 4:30 PM
Arrival of the Chief Guest
- 4:30 – 4:35 PM
Welcome Address
Dr Neeti Mathur · Convenor, National Law University Jodhpur
- 4:35 – 4:45 PM
Presidential Address
Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur · Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, National Law University Jodhpur
- 4:45 – 5:00 PM
Valedictory Address
Dr Gulshan Rai · Cyber Security & e-Governance Expert; Former National Cyber Security Coordinator, Government of India
- 5:00 – 5:05 PM
Vote of Thanks
Dr Sunita Pankaj, RAS · Registrar, National Law University Jodhpur
- 5:05 – 5:10 PM
Group Photograph
Master of Ceremonies: Dr Rashmi Rajpal Singh, Caregivers Asha Society
Programme · 8–10 September 202604
Speakers & delegates
The people in the room
59 speakers and delegates from 13 countries and international organisations — geriatricians, legal scholars, government officials, demographers, nurses, technologists and caregivers. Search by name, institution or role, or filter by country.
Dr. Hyobum Jang
Medical Officer (Long-Term Care), Ageing and Health Unit | WHO Headquarters, Geneva
Switzerland
A public health physician and health systems specialist responsible for long-term care in WHO’s Ageing and Health Unit. He has extensive experience in community-based primary health care, noncommunicable diseases, climate change and health, and healthy ageing, having served at WHO Headquarters, the Regional Office for the Western Pacific, and country offices in Samoa and the South Pacific. M.D., Seoul National University; M.P.H., Harvard School of Public Health.
Dr. Amrita Kansal
Technical Officer (Healthy Ageing) | WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi
India
A global public health specialist with over 25 years of experience, currently Technical Officer for Healthy Ageing at WHO SEARO. She previously worked as Technical Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and as National Professional Officer for Maternal and Reproductive Health with WHO. Her expertise spans healthy ageing, policy dialogue and health systems strengthening.
Dr. A. B. Dey
Chairperson, Geriatric Medicine | Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram
India
A pioneering geriatrician widely regarded as the father of geriatric medicine in India. With over four decades of experience, he spent 38 years at AIIMS New Delhi, rising to become Founder Professor and Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine (2012–2020).
Dr. Abhijit Visaria
Technical Adviser, Population Dynamics | UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office, Bangkok
Thailand
A demographer by training, his research and policy work spans population ageing, the health and wellbeing of older persons, fertility, marriage, gender and demographic change across Asia.
Prof. Andrew Briggs
Professor of Musculoskeletal Health | Curtin University; WHO Regional TAG on Healthy Ageing
Australia
Professor of Musculoskeletal Health in the School of Allied Health at Curtin University, Perth, and a Specialist Research Physiotherapist — one of a small number of Australian physiotherapists awarded Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.
Dr. Anil Purohit
Founder, President & CEO | Jodhpur School of Public Health
USA
A global health leader and founder of the Jodhpur School of Public Health. Based in the United States, he has spent decades advancing public health initiatives, particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Former Executive Director of the Francois Xavier Bagnoud Association and Director of the AIDS programme at Harvard University.
Ms. Anjali Singh
Assistant Professor of Law | National Law University Jodhpur
India
An Assistant Professor of Law with an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights and a UGC-NET qualification. Her areas of interest include intellectual property rights and criminal law, and she has published research on AI patentability and crimes against women.
Ms. Anuradha Advani
Founder | Anubandh Vridhjan Kutir, Jodhpur
India
Founder and Director of Anubandh Vruddhajan Kutir Sanstha, an old-age home in Jodhpur dedicated to care, dignity and support for elderly persons without family support. Since establishing Anubandh in 2002, she has devoted over two decades to the holistic care of vulnerable older persons.
Prof. Arunansu Talukdar
Professor & Head, Geriatric Medicine | Medical College, Kolkata
India
A distinguished physician with MBBS, MD, Ph.D. (Epidemiology), FICP and WHO Fellowship credentials. He serves as Nodal Officer of the Regional Geriatric Centre, Kolkata, under India’s National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly.
Dr. Atreyi Ganguli
Consultant, Healthy Ageing & Long-Term Care | Caregivers Asha Society
India
A public health physician with over 25 years in mental health, noncommunicable diseases, adolescent health and healthy ageing. At WHO from 2010 to 2025 she wrote training modules for the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly, geriatric and palliative care guidelines for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and led India’s ICOPE roll-out.
Ms. Caitlin Wald
Specialist, Member Engagement & Network Impact | International Federation on Ageing
International
A global health and ageing specialist with more than 16 years of experience in healthy ageing, universal health coverage and long-term care systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and the Asia-Pacific. She leads member engagement and network impact at IFA.
Prof. Fateh Singh Bhati
Professor of Anaesthesia | Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur
India
His research and clinical work focus on regional anaesthesia techniques, including ultrasound-guided and nerve stimulator-guided peripheral nerve blocks, spinal anaesthesia and perioperative management.
Prof. Goverdhan Dutt Puri
Executive Director | AIIMS Jodhpur
India
A distinguished anaesthesiologist and intensivist. He previously served as Professor and Head of the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at PGIMER Chandigarh for many years, and also held the position of Dean there.
Prof. (Vaidya) Govind Sahay Shukla
Vice-Chancellor | Dr. S. R. Rajasthan Ayurved University
India
Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurveda University, Jodhpur, with over 26 years of experience in Ayurvedic education, research and administration. He has authored three books and over 60 research papers.
Dr. Gulshan Rai
Former National Cyber Security Coordinator | Government of India
India
A pioneering cybersecurity expert and India’s first National Cyber Security Coordinator in the Prime Minister’s Office. With over three decades in information technology, e-governance and cyber law, he served as Director General of CERT-In and headed the E-Security and Cyber Law Division at MeitY. He helped draft the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Dr. Harish Agarwal
Assistant Professor, Geriatric Medicine | Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur
India
Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Faculty of the Regional Geriatric Centre under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly.
Mr. Harsh Kothari
Social Policy Specialist | World Bank
International
A Social Policy Specialist with experience in social policy, public-sector development and governance. An alumnus of IIM Kozhikode, his work focuses on policy initiatives and development programmes aimed at strengthening social and economic outcomes.
Dr. Jagadish K. Chhetri
President, Nepalese Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics | Nepal Geriatrics and Gerontology Foundation
Nepal
A leading geriatrician and ageing researcher specialising in healthy ageing, intrinsic capacity, frailty and physical resilience. He has worked at the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. K. R. Gangadharan
Founder | Heritage Foundation, Hyderabad
India
A pioneering leader in geriatric care and elder services in India. He founded the Heritage Medical Centre and Heritage Foundation in Hyderabad in 1994, establishing one of the country’s earliest dedicated geriatric medical facilities.
Dr. K. Uma Kalyani
Associate Professor, Geriatric Medicine | Madras Medical College; National Centre of Ageing
India
With nearly 15 years of experience in geriatric medicine, her areas of interest include frailty, multimorbidity and palliative care. She contributes to geriatric education and professional training through the Indian Academy of Geriatrics.
Dr. Khaleda Islam
Former Director, Primary Health Care | Directorate General of Health Services
Bangladesh
Former Director of Primary Health Care in Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services. She is adjunct MPH faculty at several universities and a member of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Technical Advisory Group on Healthy Ageing.
Prof. (Dr.) Latha T.
Professor-cum-Principal | College of Nursing, AIIMS Bibinagar
India
She holds an M.Sc. in Nursing, a Ph.D., and additional qualifications in diabetes education, biostatistics, epidemiology and research methodology. With extensive experience at Manipal Academy of Higher Education and other premier institutions, she specialises in nursing research, systematic reviews, nursing education, trauma and emergency care.
Prof. Laxmi Kant Goyal
Professor & Chair, Geriatric Medicine | SMS Medical College, Jaipur
India
Instrumental in establishing the Department of Geriatric Medicine at SMS Medical College. His areas of expertise include geriatric care, frailty, sarcopenia, medical education, medical ethics and healthcare technology.
Dr. Leon Geffen
Director | Samson Institute for Ageing Research (SIFAR)
South Africa
A family physician in general practice in Cape Town and Director of the Samson Institute for Ageing Research. He is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Cape Town and works in the Groote Schuur Hospital memory clinic, and is president and honorary medical superintendent of Highlands House. A Fellow of interRAI, his research centres on improving the quality of long-term care.
Ms. Li Stephanie Choo
Social Affairs Officer | UN ESCAP
International
A Social Affairs Officer with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, based at its Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia. Her work focuses on social protection, disability inclusion, accessibility and inclusive development.
Prof. M. K. Aseri
Vice-Chancellor | Marwar Medical University
India
An eminent orthopaedic surgeon and medical administrator serving as founding Vice-Chancellor of Marwar Medical University, Jodhpur. He previously served as Head of the Department of Orthopedics and Superintendent of Mathura Das Mathur (MDM) Hospital.
Shri. M. L. Kumawat, IPS (Retd.)
Former Special Secretary, Internal Security | Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
India
A former IPS officer of the 1972 Andhra Pradesh cadre, he served as Director General of the BSF and Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs. He has extensive experience in border security, counter-terrorism and counter-Naxalism, and previously headed the Greyhounds anti-Naxal force.
Dr. Madhan Balasubramanian
Senior Lecturer & Deputy Director, Health Care Management | Flinders University
Australia
A transdisciplinary health systems researcher and Business Research Lead at Flinders University. His work focuses on health workforce policy, health and aged care management, integrated care, digital health and strengthening health systems across the Asia-Pacific.
Dr. Maheshi Wijayabandara
Consultant Geriatrician | National Hospital, Kandy; Sri Lanka Association of Geriatric Medicine
Sri Lanka
MBBS, MD, MRCP (UK). A First Class Honours graduate of the University of Colombo, she completed specialist registrar training in geriatric medicine at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Dr. Mahendra Soni
Associate Professor of Law | National Law University Jodhpur
India
Associate Professor of Law at National Law University Jodhpur, with a Ph.D. and LL.M. in Business Laws from National Law Institute University, Bhopal, and earlier experience as a Law Officer with Bank of Baroda. He specialises in labour and employment law, banking and insurance law, competition law and civil procedure, and founded the Centre for Research in Labour and Employment Laws at NLU Jodhpur.
Prof. Mala Kapur Shankardass
Managing Trustee | Development, Welfare and Research Foundation
India
An academician, researcher, author and activist trained in sociology, health social sciences, gender studies and gerontology, who retired as Senior Faculty Member from the University of Delhi in 2021.
Ms. Malti Jaswal
Founder | Inspiring Seniors Foundation
India
Founder of Inspiring Seniors Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit focused on healthy, purposeful ageing. Before entering the ‘senior world’, she was a Senior Consultant with the World Bank and an Advisor to the National Health Authority from the launch of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in 2018.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Gupta
Additional Professor, Community Medicine & Family Medicine | AIIMS Jodhpur
India
A gold medalist MBBS graduate from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, he has built a strong academic and research career in preventive and social medicine. His work spans public health epidemiology, noncommunicable diseases, adolescent health, nutrition and health systems research.
Dr. Md Khurshid Alam Hyder
Public Health Specialist | Formerly WHO Bangladesh & SEARO
Bangladesh
A Bangladeshi public health specialist who served for over 20 years in Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare before joining the World Health Organization, where he worked for well over a decade.
Ms. Megha Mathur
Associate | Barnes & Thornburg, Chicago
United States
A healthcare attorney at Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office, advising hospitals and healthcare providers on contract, licensure, regulatory and agreement matters. She holds a degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and that public-health grounding shapes her work with healthcare clients. Her practice also covers compliance and government investigations.
Dr. Naveen Kishoria
Senior Internal Medicine Specialist & Geriatrician | SN Medical College, Jodhpur
India
With an MBBS and MD in Medicine and over 25 years of clinical experience, he practises at MDM Hospital and is associated with S.N. Medical College. His expertise spans general medicine, geriatric care, HIV medicine and sleep disorders.
Dr. Neeti Mathur
Assistant Professor of Management; Assistant Registrar (Placement) | National Law University Jodhpur
India
Convenor of the consultation. She has served at NLU Jodhpur for over 12 years, teaching Marketing Management, Principles of Management, Service Marketing, Business Environment and Business Ethics.
Prof. Pankaj Bhardwaj
Public Health Specialist | ICMR–NIIRNCD, Jodhpur
India
A distinguished public health professional associated with the ICMR–National Institute for Implementation Research on Non-Communicable Diseases. His work focuses on strengthening evidence-based health interventions and advancing effective approaches to NCD prevention and control.
Dr. Prakash Tyagi
Executive Director | GRAVIS, Jodhpur
India
Executive Director of GRAVIS and Founder-Director of GRAVIS Hospital, working extensively on community health and rural development in the Thar Desert. His work focuses on healthy ageing, community-based health, occupational health and strengthening health systems for underserved communities.
Dr. Pranshu Singh
Assistant Professor, Psychiatry | AIIMS Jodhpur
India
His clinical and academic interests lie in mental health and psychiatric care, including community-oriented mental health initiatives, dementia care and support for family caregivers.
Prof. Prasert Assantachai
Emeritus Professor, Preventive & Social Medicine | Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Thailand
President of the Thai Society of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and Past President of IAGG Asia/Oceania. A technical adviser to WHO South-East Asia and the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation, he recently led Thailand’s national pilot implementation of the WHO ICOPE framework.
Dr. Praveen G. Pai
Healthy Ageing & Age-Friendly Communities Expert | WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities
India
A geriatrician, gerontologist and public health specialist with over 25 years across clinical practice, health-system strengthening and grassroots community development. A Commonwealth Scholar with a Master’s in Gerontology from the University of Southampton and an MPH from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute.
Dr. Preeti H. Wasnik
Public Health & Ageing Researcher | Tsao Foundation, Singapore
Singapore
A public health and ageing researcher with the International Longevity Centre Singapore at the Tsao Foundation. Her work spans ageing policy, intergenerational approaches, caregiving and population health, with a focus on building more inclusive and age-ready societies.
Dr. R. N. Agarwal
Assistant Professor of Mathematics | National Law University Jodhpur
India
He has taught at NLU Jodhpur for 24 years and serves as Course Coordinator for the MBA (Insurance) programme, Faculty In-Charge of the Convention Centre, and Faculty Co-Chairperson of the Mess Committee.
Ms. Rajshree Acharya
Research Scholar | University of Alberta, Canada
Canada
Her work explores the intersection of sustainability, Indigenous law, intellectual property rights and artificial intelligence. A recipient of the Canada Impact Award Scholarship, she prepared the background research for this consultation and presented its recommendations.
Dr. Rashmi Mathur
Associate Professor of English | National Law University Jodhpur
India
She teaches General English, Legal Language, Business Communication and Research Methodology. Her academic interests include the Language of Law, Modern Feminism, Intersectionality, Contemporary Culture, Literature and Cinema, and Post-Colonial Writing.
Dr. Ravinder Singh
Senior Scientist | Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi
India
A Senior Scientist with ICMR who heads the WHO Collaborating Centre for Policy Research in Assistive Technology. His work spans noncommunicable diseases, medical research, assistive technology, health policy and multidisciplinary research.
Dr. Renjith Thomas
Assistant Professor of Law | National Law University Jodhpur
India
With over a decade of academic experience in substantive and procedural criminal law, criminal justice and criminology. He is Chief Editor of the NLUJ Law Review and Executive Director of the Centre for Criminal Law and Forensic Justice Studies and the Centre for Litigation Studies.
Prof. S. Deepa
Professor & Director (FAC) | National Centre of Ageing, Madras Medical College
India
An expert in geriatric medicine with over two decades of experience, she specialises in expanding specialised healthcare, rehabilitation and wellness services for senior citizens. Under her leadership, the landmark 200-bed facility provides comprehensive acute and preventive care to thousands of elderly patients daily.
Dr. Senthilnathan Subramanian
Additional Director General, NPHCE | Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India
India
Additional Director General for the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly at the Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India.
Prof. (Dr.) Shilohu Rao N. J. P.
Professor of Law | National Law University Jodhpur
India
With extensive experience in law, technology, governance and digital transformation. His areas of expertise include AI governance, technology law, data protection, cyber law and e-governance, and he heads the Centre for Law and Technology at NLU Jodhpur.
Dr. Sriromi Manjula De Silva Maduwage
Senior Public Health Specialist | Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
A Senior Public Health Specialist and Consultant Community Physician with extensive experience in public health, disability care, rehabilitation and healthy ageing. Her work has focused on assistive technology, primary care reform and accessibility for persons with disabilities; she has been recognised among the WHO Healthy Ageing 50 leaders.
Dr. Sunil Singh
Joint Director | Medical, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Rajasthan
India
Joint Director in the Directorate of Medical, Health & Family Welfare, and State Nodal Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases and the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly in Rajasthan.
Dr. Sunita Pankaj, RAS
Registrar | National Law University Jodhpur
India
Registrar of NLU Jodhpur and a distinguished officer of the Rajasthan Administrative Service with extensive experience in public administration and governance. She has held senior positions across Rajasthan in municipal administration, electoral management, administrative reforms and infrastructure development.
Ms. Susana Concordo Harding
Senior Director, International Longevity Centre | Tsao Foundation, Singapore
Singapore
Senior Director of the International Longevity Centre Singapore, one of the core initiatives of the Tsao Foundation, where she leads policy advocacy, catalyses research and develops programmes on active ageing and older people’s participation in the community.
Prof. T. V. Sekher
Senior Professor, Family & Generations | International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai
India
A sociologist and demographer who has headed the Centre for Ageing Studies at IIPS Mumbai. He was Principal Investigator of India’s two landmark national ageing surveys: the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) and SAGE-India.
Dr. Urza Bhattarai
Consultant Geriatrician | HAMS Hospital, Kathmandu
Nepal
A Consultant Geriatrician in Nepal with expertise in frailty, multimorbidity, chronic noncommunicable diseases and comprehensive geriatric care. She played a key role in establishing Nepal’s first comprehensive geriatric assessment-based frailty clinic.
Dr. Vidya Shenoy
Chairperson | Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India, Greater Mumbai
India
Honorary Secretary of the Greater Mumbai chapter of ARDSI and previously Secretary-General of ARDSI nationally. An integrative therapist and dementia care specialist, she founded Smriti Vishvam (‘Universe of Memory’), an ISO-certified specialised dementia day care centre in Mumbai.
Adv. Vikas Balia
Senior Advocate | Rajasthan High Court
India
A Senior Advocate and rank-holding Chartered Accountant, designated in 2021 as the youngest Senior Counsel in Rajasthan. With over three decades of experience, he specialises in corporate governance, restructuring and risk oversight. Founder of the law firm Legalsphere.
No speakers match that search.
Profiles and photographs as published in the consultation’s Speakers & Delegates booklet. Additional presenters and chairs are named in the programme above.
The organising teams
Who carried this from an idea to a room
Caregivers Asha Society
Through their time, commitment and quiet work, these members helped carry this consultation from an idea into a shared space for dialogue. Their work reflects the spirit of Caregivers Asha Society: that care is not merely something to be received or provided, but a responsibility that must be recognised, supported and sustained.
Prof. Dr. Priyadarshi Patni
Secretary
Apurv Mathur
Treasurer
Dr. Abha Mathur
Executive Member
Ajay Kumar Solanki
Executive Member
Mrs. Archana Patni
Executive Member
Dr. Avisha Mathur
Executive Member
Khushboo Sharma
Executive Member
Kuldeep Singh Mathur
Executive Member
Dr. Rashmi Rajpal Singh
Executive Member
Roopesh Purohit
Executive Member
Mrs. Ruchira Agarwal
Executive Member
Mrs. Saroj Mathur
Executive Member
Sunil Mathur
Executive Member
Vinod Sharma
Executive Member
National Law University Jodhpur
The students and members of the NLUJ organising team gave this consultation its institutional home. At a university of law, ideas are not meant to remain abstract; they are examined, questioned and carried into the world. By helping convene this dialogue, the team has contributed to giving language, recognition and eventually legal form to a responsibility that has too often remained invisible.
Surya Veer Singh
Organising Committee
Aditya Sharma
Organising Committee
Ananya Rai
Organising Committee
Avdesh Meena
Organising Committee
Kashish Saxena
Organising Committee
Krish Joshi
Organising Committee
Krishna Mishra
Organising Committee
Nandhana V
Organising Committee
Nandika Khator
Organising Committee
Nikita Meena
Organising Committee
Pihu Pandya
Organising Committee
Samridhi Goyal
Organising Committee
Vaibhav Aswani
Organising Committee
Vaishnavi Suresh
Organising Committee
Vanshika Tuteja
Organising Committee
Yashika Kamalvanshi
Organising Committee
Documents
Programme and delegate booklet
The two documents issued to participants, available here as a record of the consultation.
What comes next
From caregiving to a culture of care
The consultation’s recommendations now move from a room in Jodhpur towards policy, partnership and law. If your institution works on ageing, caregiving or long-term care, we would like to hear from you.