From Ratti village in Balh to national recognition, her journey puts Mandi on India’s healthcare innovation map
Munish Sood
Mandi
In a proud moment for Mandi district, especially the Balh Valley, Prof. Nitika Kaushal has brought national recognition to Himachal Pradesh by winning the prestigious Women Leadership in Healthcare Award at the Himalayan Healthcare Innovation Summit 2026 held in Dehradun.
Hailing from Ratti village in Balh Tehsil, Prof. Kaushal’s achievement has sparked a wave of pride across Mandi, with locals calling it a moment of honour for the entire region. Her journey—from a modest background in Balh to becoming a leading name in healthcare education—stands as a powerful inspiration for the youth of Himachal.
Currently serving as Professor and Dean (Student Welfare) at Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University, Prof. Kaushal has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to healthcare services, medical education, and public health awareness. Her work has not only strengthened academic standards but also helped bridge the gap between education and community health.
Mandi Connect: From Balh’s Soil to National Stage
For residents of Mandi and Balh, this recognition is more than just an award—it is a reflection of the region’s growing footprint in national achievements. Daughter of Mahesh Kant Kaushal and Taruna Kaushal, a ward member of Balh Panchayat, Prof. Kaushal continues to stay deeply connected with her roots despite being settled in Dehradun after marriage.
Local voices in Balh describe her success as “a reminder that even from the smallest villages of Mandi, global-level excellence can emerge.”
Summit Highlights: Focus on Himalayan Healthcare Challenges
The summit, organised by Veloxx Media at Hyatt Centric, Dehradun, brought together healthcare experts and policymakers from across Himalayan states including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur.
Uttarakhand Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, who attended as Chief Guest, stressed the urgent need to strengthen preventive and community-based healthcare systems in hilly regions. He highlighted the importance of schemes like Ayushman Bharat in improving rural healthcare access and called for greater use of Artificial Intelligence, telemedicine, and stronger primary healthcare networks.
Key discussions during the summit revolved around public health, women’s health, mental health, digital healthcare, and public-private partnerships—issues highly relevant to regions like Mandi, where terrain and accessibility continue to challenge healthcare delivery.
Inspiration for Himachal’s Youth
Prof. Kaushal’s journey reflects resilience and dedication. Rising from a modest rural background in Balh, she has previously been honoured with awards like the Bharat Shri National Ratna Award, further cementing her reputation in the field.
Her success story is now being seen in Mandi as a beacon of hope—especially for young students aspiring to excel in education and public service.
A Proud Moment for Mandi & Himachal
As news of her achievement spreads, Balh and Mandi are celebrating one of their own reaching national heights. Her recognition once again reinforces that Himachal Pradesh, particularly regions like Mandi, continues to produce talent capable of making a mark on the national stage.
In the hills of Balh, where her journey began, Prof. Nitika Kaushal’s success is now being seen not just as a personal milestone—but as a collective pride of the entire region.
