Health promotion at higher educational institutions a clarion call for action in India.

This article introduces the concept of a health-promoting university (HPU) in an Indian context. The importance of health promotion through a 'settings-based' approach that focuses on India's needs is outlined. We highlight the aims and objectives of a HPU and the mechanisms to evaluate its impact. We call for action by stakeholders to develop a HPU project consistent with public health issues, including health development and sustainability. Furthermore, this settings-based approach provides a template that can be replicated in other low- and middle-income countries.