Alen Alexander

Psychiatric Social Worker | Community Mental Health
CRTP fellow @iphindia | Doctoral Scholar @psph_mahe

[APSWP @apswp]

APSWP stands in solidarity with the concerns of the transgender communities & releases the TG position statement. We believe the Amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act does more harm rather good. We call upon policy makers to reconsider issues flagged.

[APSWP @apswp]

The Association of Psychiatric Social Work Professionals (APSWP) acknowledges and appreciates the formation of the National Task Force that give due consideration for employment of Professional Social Workers. We express our readiness to contribute our knowledge and expertise.

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

We are happy to begin 2026 with a meaningful milestone.

On 6 January 2026, IPH Bengaluru inaugurated the Centre of Adivasi Health (CAH) Office at the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) - Technical Resource Centre campus in Mysuru. This day also marks coming together of the newly inaugurated CAH office with Viveka Research Centre for Biodiversity, Culture & Health of VGKK to form the Tribal Research and Training Centre (TRTC).

The Tribal Research and Training Centre aims to strengthen research, training, and education focused on Adivasi health, grounded in community realities and meaningful engagement.

Building on VGKK’s long-standing work with Adivasi communities, and IPH Bengaluru’s engagement in Adivasi health through the Centre of Adivasi Health, this collaboration reflects a partnership shaped by shared purpose and sustained engagement.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr H. Sudarshan and VGKK for their pioneering vision and unwavering support for the work we do.This is not just a new office. It is a shared space for learning, listening, and long-term engagement, marking a strong and meaningful start to 2026.

#IPHBengaluru #CAH #VGKK #PublicHealth #IPHUpdates #IPHEvents #2026WithPurpose #LookingAhead #SustainedCommitment

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

The blended #AnnualPhDWorkshop2025 – “Smarter with AI, Deeper with Art” organised by the T. T. Narasimhan School of Advanced Studies (TTN SoAS) at Institute of Public Health (IPH) Bengaluru began with a vibrant three-week online comprising of three modules.

The workshop brought together 16 participants from PhD aspirants to scholars nearing completion of their doctoral journeys. Module 1 focused on reflecting on “Our Evolving Identities as Researchers” through a live session led by  Dr. Tanya Seshadri (Assistant Director (Education), IPH Bengaluru), where participants explored how their values, motivations, and perspectives shape their scholarly voice.

Module 2, “Ethics, Expression, and the Researcher Within,” featured an Adda-style conversation on the ethical “guardrails” needed in use of AI, facilitated by Dr. Soumyadeep Bhaumik(George Institute for Global Health; UNSW Sydney).

This was followed by an art-based inquiry sessions led by Dr. @UpendraBhojani (Centre Head, Centre for Commercial Determinants of Health, IPH Bengaluru), and Dr. @MPutturaj (Co-lead, Centre for Adivasi Health, IPH Bengaluru), who shared how creative approaches have shaped their own research and reflective practice.

Module 3 centred on reflections across the PhD journey, featuring insights from scholars and supervisors, including a panel on “Doing a PhD – Reflections, Learnings, and Paying It Forward” with Dr. @NDevadasan (Adjunct Faculty, IPH Bengaluru) Dr. Pragati Hebbar (Dean, TTN SoAS at IPH Bengaluru) and Dr. Malu Mohan (Assistant Professor, IPH Bengaluru), followed by an interactive session on “Thinking Across Methods in PhD.”

Across modules, participants highlighted the importance of community, reflective practice, and balancing technological tools with human insight. Participants also engaged in a series of structured online activities on our Learning Management System (LMS) over the three weeks, deepening their reflections and strengthening the learning process.

For more information on the school, please visit: [email protected]

#AnnualPhDWorkshop #TTNSoAS #IPHBengaluru #ResearchTraining #ResearchEthics #PublicHealth #IPHEvents #PublicHealthEvents

[Alen Alexander @3ialen]

RT @iphindia: Registrations are now extended for the third edition of our Annual PhD Workshop, now in an exciting new format exploring AI a…

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

🎓 Exciting News from @iphindia The T.T. Narasimhan School of Advanced Studies at IPH Bengaluru is delighted to launch two new offerings for 2025: 1. Annual #PhD Workshop 2025 2. #Realist_Research Blended Course. Both offerings run for 3.5 weeks in a blended (online + in-person) format.

More details- https://t.co/lAaFAK1xwW

#PublicHealth #Evaluation #Blended #Realist #RealistEvaluation #HPSR #HealthPolicy #RealistResearch #workshop #PhDWorkshop #AIinResearch #ArtsInResearch #Interdisciplinary
#PublicHealthProfessionals
@India_Alliance

[GRB @grbepi]

Congratulations to the entire team at @iphindia on reaching this incredible milestone! Leading an institution through challenges while staying true to its mission is no small feat, and IPH’s journey is truly inspiring. This milestone is a testament to the vision, resilience, and hard work of everyone involved, past, present and future: @NDevadasan @UpendraBhojani @prashanthns @dr_hebbar

Here’s to the next chapter of making a difference and continuing to shape a healthier future! 🌿✨

#IPH #20YearsOfExcellence #Leadership #PublicHealth #Impact

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

For two decades, @iphindia has worked to build healthier communities through research, education, and participatory action.
As we turn 20 tomorrow, we’re delighted to share the trailer of our documentary “20 Years of IPH Bengaluru”. This film celebrates the people, partnerships, and relationships that has shaped our journey and offers a glimpse into where we’re headed next.

🎥 Watch the trailer here: https://t.co/dF3lq3ipnL
Stay tuned for the full documentary!

********
Credits:
A Film by Navya Sah

💠Director & Editor: Navya Sah
💠Content Conceptualisation and Development Leads: Dr. Pragati Hebbar, Neha Mohanty
💠Assistant Director: Meghna S Warrier
💠Cinematographer: Jeevan Shetty
💠Assistant Cinematographer: Sunil Golihole
💠Art Direction Consultant: Pooja Udhwani
💠Drone Operator: Raghavendra Achar
💠Kannada Translation: Shibani Ray, Neha Jain
💠Kollegal Camp Footage: YOGIN V A, Harish H N
💠Bangalore and Field Shoot Coordination (IPH): Dr. Chandrashekar Kottagi, Dr.Shivanand Savatagi, Manjunath HJ, Shivalankaraswamy M

@prashanthns @UpendraBhojani @dr_hebbar @NDevadasan @BasapathyRajeev @vkranthikumari @AgavaneVaibhav @achyuthang @PraveenRao_S
#20YearsOfIPH #IPHAnniversary #PublicHealthMatters #IPHCommunity #Healthforall

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

For two decades, @iphindia has worked alongside diverse partners and collaborators in a variety of landscapes, namely, remote forest areas, urban settlements and rural districts, among others. These longstanding relationships have aimed for strengthening health systems and addressing the root causes of health inequities.
We have collaborated with Adivasi organisations, engaged with health workers, and partnered with local leaders to improve access to medicines, services and care. These efforts have informed not just our research but also our approach, keeping us grounded in the lived realities of these communities and systems.
Our 20-year journey has been one of listening, learning, and engaging, towards building trust, fostering partnerships and translating evidence into policy and practice. It is the openness and commitment of our partners that have made this journey possible!

@prashanthns @UpendraBhojani @dr_hebbar @NDevadasan @BasapathyRajeev @vkranthikumari @AgavaneVaibhav @achyuthang @PraveenRao_S @ICMRDELHI @DHFWKA @India_Alliance @MoHFW_INDIA
#20YearsOfIPH #IPHAnniversary #PublicHealthMatters #IPHCommunity #Healthforall

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

In addition to our growing PhD program, Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru hosts Clinical Research Training Programme (CRTP) fellows— currently under the @CTRITH_Kar (Center for Training, Research & Innovation in Tribal Health) and SAMASTH (Systems Approach for MAnagement of self-harm by integrating Surveillance with mental health Training in general Hospitals in South India) projects, supported by the DBT/Wellcome Trust @India_Alliance
Through mentored fellowships, CRTP supports medical graduates and postgraduates in gaining hands-on experience in research design, ethics, and analysis aligned with India’s health priorities. As we celebrate 20 years of IPH, we remain committed to building an even stronger community of public health scholars and leaders in the years ahead.

Below are brief profiles of our current CRTP fellows at the institute,

@prashanthns @UpendraBhojani @dr_hebbar @NDevadasan @BasapathyRajeev @vkranthikumari @AgavaneVaibhav @achyuthang @PraveenRao_S
#20YearsOfIPH #IPHAnniversary #PublicHealthMatters #IPHCommunity #Healthforall

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

At the Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru, our research asks the most necessary questions about equity and access to health in India,
1. How can India’s health system deliver more integrated, inclusive care?
2. How do policies and the industries that influence them, impact our everyday health?
3. How can we build systems that work for Adivasi communities who remain excluded from mainstream care?

Through the following research projects at IPH, we attempt to find answers, inform and innovate. Our teams work across,

💠DRITHI : Developing Research and Action Capacity in India to Counter Harm Industries

💠ASPIRE : Agenda Setting for Oral Health Policy in India - Research on Neglect and Evaluation

💠REALISE : Realist Evaluation Advancement Lab for Implementation Strategy Explanations

💠CTRITH : Centre for Training, Research and Innovation in Tribal Health

💠IKYATHE project

💠EQUIP-HWC : Equitable, Quality Universal health coverage Implementation research Project for optimizing comprehensive primary health care through Health and Wellness Centers Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka

💠SAMASTH : Systems Approach for MAnagement of self-harm by integrating Surveillance with mental health Training in general Hospitals in South India

💠DHARANI : The Dental Health Access Research and Integration into Primary Health Care in Karnataka

For 20 years, at the heart of all our work is a commitment to equity and access—because we believe health systems must serve everyone, especially those most often left out.

@prashanthns @UpendraBhojani @dr_hebbar @NDevadasan @BasapathyRajeev @vkranthikumari @AgavaneVaibhav @achyuthang @PraveenRao_S
@ICMRDELHI @DHFWKA @India_Alliance @MoHFW_INDIA
#20YearsOfIPH #IPHAnniversary #PublicHealthMatters #IPHCommunity #Healthforall

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

The Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru in partnership with the Karnataka State Indigenous Tribal People’s Network, hosted a consultative workshop at the Tribal Resource Centre, VGKK, Mysuru on 21st July, 2025.
This powerful gathering brought together Adivasi leaders from nine communities across Karnataka to critically engage with the WHO’s Draft Global Action Plan for the Health of Indigenous Peoples (2025). This workshop created a vital space to ensure that community voices, lived experiences, and cultural perspectives are meaningfully represented. Feedback from this workshop will be formally submitted to the World Health Organization, contributing to a culturally grounded global health framework.

@prashanthns @PraveenRao_S @meenaputturaj @WHO @India_Alliance
#AdivasiHealth #PublicHealth #CommunityEngagement #IndigenousHealth

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

Our 20-year journey, @iphindia has been shaped not only by the work we do but by how we grow and learn.

From  leadership training and participatory dialogues to theatre-based workshops and storytelling circles, we’ve built a culture of creativity, reflection, and shared learning. The moments where we speak, listen, act, and evolve together, have strengthened our work, deepened our bonds, and reminded us that growth is always a collective act.

We’re excited to continue growing together, every single day!

@prashanthns @UpendraBhojani @dr_hebbar @NDevadasan @BasapathyRajeev @vkranthikumari @AgavaneVaibhav @achyuthang @PraveenRao_S
#20YearsOfIPH #IPHAnniversary #PublicHealthMatters #IPHCommunity #HealthForAll

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

The Centre for CDOH & Centre for Adivasi Health at IPH, in collaboration with Chamarajanagara Adivasi Sangha, held a half-day workshop on Commercial determinants of health and Adivasi communities at the Medical Education Unit, JSS medical College.
Senior faculty, staff, and scholars from IPH, along with Adivasi community leaders, participated in the workshop to brainstorm the influence of commercial activities impacting health of the tribal communities in the district.

@JSSMCMYS @IPHDrithi @CTRITH_Kar @India_Alliance
#TribalHealth #PublicHealth

[daktre/ಡಾಕ್ಟ್ರೇ @prashanthns]

Listen to Dr. C Madegowda, an amazing Soliga Adivasi scholar, ecologist, singer, writer & thinker in this podcast about his journey, life, struggles & contributions. His life & work are an inspiration to Adivasi youth and social inequity scholars alike

https://t.co/V5wIoGOLf1

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

We at IPH celebrate the #NationalConstitutionDay; this year marks 75 years from the adoption of our Constitution.
We celebrated it by reading aloud the Preamble in English and in multiple Indian languages at our workplaces in Chamarajanagar, Mysore and Bangalore!
We call for a greater unity among us people around the principles enshrined in our Constitution.

#ConstitutionAt75 #SamvidhanDivas2024

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

Day 1 of EPHP2024
A glimpse of the wonderful people associated with Public Health Research. Though some could not attend in person, we acknowledge their virtual participation.

@georgeinstitute, @niirncdjodhpur, @iimb_official, @NIMHANS_BLR, @DHFWKA, @H_S_Global, @prashanthns, @dr_hebbar, @UpendraBhojani, @jeevan__shetty, @AgavaneVaibhav, @BasapathyRajeev, @drChilgod, @shilpisikhadas1, @MPutturaj, @dr_vijayashree

[IPH Bengaluru @iphindia]

Recently, @dr_hebbar (Dr Pragati Hebbar) and Alen Chandy Alexander from @iphindia delivered a talk on "Training and capacity building of health workers in tobacco control cessation", ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2024 at the Oxford Dental College, Bengaluru. The audience were largely undergraduates and faculty members of the college. #oralhealth #publichealth

[Alen Alexander @3ialen]

It truly takes a village to raise a child.
Happy to share my colleague @RkThangadurai's article on urgent need for action on suicide among children in India!

https://t.co/opDsARmqiP
#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness
@anishvcherian @NIMHANS_BLR

[daktre/ಡಾಕ್ಟ್ರೇ @prashanthns]

Sigh!

How poorly understood community engagement is and how complex issues are are boiled down to “locals vs dept”; and all this from a location with a long history of community engagement…

https://t.co/UmmVlVOJMF