19th January 2024 , New Delhi: In his special address, at the ASSOCHAM 5th Beauty, Wellness & Personal Care Symposium-cum-Felicitation Ceremony. Mr. A.K. Pradhan, Joint Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (HQ), DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI, underlined the pivotal role of trust & credibility in the beauty and wellness industry. Focusing on regulatory collaboration, he highlighted the importance of growing the industry while ensuring quality standards and protocols for consumers. This practice can help products to pass the benchmark and reach more national and international markets.
Ayurveda is a medical system that is officially recognized in 24 countries throughout the Indian continent, according to Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. Products made from Ayurveda are exported to over 100 nations worldwide. To work with stakeholders and encourage outbound investments, we started the Startup India initiative, he added. Outside of India, yoga is becoming more and more popular, and the demand for therapies is increasing. To make it easier for foreigners to travel to India for yoga, therapeutic treatment, and wellness, Ayush Visa is introduced recently.
Recent reforms in BIS were discussed by Shri. Virendra Singh Scientist D, Member Technical Committee CHD 25, Bureau of Indian Standards highlighting the sustainability standards in the products. Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations is the need of the hour as wellness and beauty standards are evolving among consumers, he said.
Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Co-Chairperson ASSOCHAM National Wellness Council -Chairperson Aroma Magic Pvt. Ltd highlighted the symbiotic connection between lifestyle and beauty. She talked about the cosmetic industry’s shift towards Holistic wellness in enhancing outer beauty. To look good, one has to feel good from inside, she added.
Dr. Ravi Gandhi, Group President, and Chief Public Policy & Regulatory Officer Reliance Retail Ltd. and Reliance Jio Infocom Ltd talked about the current trends in the beauty and wellness industry that are sustainable, vegan and gender-neutral products that are cost-effective. Market players and startups designing product lines parallel to the rising notion of beauty to engage with the ever-growing consumer base are gaining a competitive advantage.
At the event, there was a felicitation ceremony where Bodyshop was named the Best Skin Care Product of the Year, NAT Habit was named the Best Natural/Organic Product of the Year, Marico Ltd was named the Best Hair Care Product of the Year, Hindustan Unilever Ltd was named the Best Body Care Product of the Year, and Konark Herbal and Healthcare Pvt Ltd was named the Best Manufacturer of Cosmetic Ingredients.
The beauty, Wellness & Personal Care Symposium concluded by Walk for Cause focused on the Livelihood of Weavers of India to promote the essence of synergy between Ayurveda and cosmetics in wellness led by Dr. Sanjana Jon, Film Maker, Social Activist, Motivational Speaker & International Fashion Designer.