Mangaluru's leading academic and healthcare institutions recently united to observe National Nutrition Week 2026, hosting a comprehensive day-long program aimed at cultivating healthier dietary choices and lifestyle practices. The initiative, themed 'Nourishing Lives Through Healthy Choices,' brought together students, healthcare professionals, and the wider community.
This significant event was a collaborative effort by the Department of Community Health Nursing at Father Muller College of Nursing, the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, and the Department of Food Science at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). Participants engaged in a diverse range of activities, including educational competitions, a dedicated nutrition exhibition, various health-promotion initiatives, expert-led sessions, and intercollegiate contests. These components provided unique opportunities to explore nutrition from academic, clinical, and community perspectives. The organizers designed the program to raise awareness about healthy nutrition, encourage student creativity, strengthen interprofessional health promotion, and foster greater community involvement in wellness initiatives.
The inaugural function commenced at 11 a.m. Dr. Sonia K. L. Sequera, Organising Chairperson from Father Muller College of Nursing, extended a warm welcome. Dr. Daniella Anne L. Chyne, Organising Co-Chairperson from St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), then introduced the chief guest, Dr. Sushma Appaiah. As Founder-Director of Golz Nutrition & Diet Solutions, a Certified Nutrigenomics Expert, and Convener of the Indian Dietetics Association (IDA), Mysuru Chapter, Dr. Appaiah delivered a compelling keynote address. She highlighted the critical role of young nutrition professionals and students as future nation-builders, advocating for a convergence of different disciplines to achieve better health outcomes and stronger communities. Addressing India's increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, she underscored the country's substantial challenges and urged students to explore emerging opportunities in nutrition, such as start-ups, enterprises, precision nutrition, and nutrigenomics. She emphasized the profound impact the younger generation could have in tackling India's nutritional issues.
Following the keynote, prizes were distributed for the school competitions. Rev. Fr. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), delivered the presidential address. He discussed advancements in nutrition research, particularly nutrinomics and proteomics, noting how these could lead to personalized nutrition plans. He also connected scientific progress in nutrition to reducing carbon footprints and mitigating climate change's impact on crops and regions. Rev. Fr. Dr. Martis encouraged students to pursue research, using knowledge and innovation to combat hunger and malnutrition across its various dimensions, from basic needs in underprivileged communities to the demand for healthier options among others.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News