National Level Conference titled "Ahara Vijnana: Holistic and Transdisciplinary Approaches to Nutrition in Health Management"

Dec 15, 2025

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Yenepoya Naturopathy and Yogic Science Hospital and College (YNYSCH), a constituent unit of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), successfully organized a two-day National Level Conference titled "Ahara Vijnana: Holistic and Transdisciplinary Approaches to Nutrition in Health Management" on 15th and 16th December 2025 at the YNYSCH Auditorium, AYUSH Campus, Naringana, Mangaluru. The conference was conducted from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on both days and witnessed active participation from academicians, clinicians, researchers, dietitians, and students from various institutions across the country.

The conference aimed to explore the concept of Ahara Vijnana, emphasizing the science of food and nutrition from a holistic, integrative, and transdisciplinary perspective. It sought to integrate modern nutritional science with traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Siddha, and Unani, while highlighting evidence-based dietary approaches for health promotion and disease management. The event also provided a valuable platform for academic interaction, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the presentation of scientific research through oral and poster sessions.

The inaugural ceremony held on 15th December 2025 marked the formal commencement of the conference. The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Ajith K, Assistant Professor cum Dietitian, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, YNYSCH, who highlighted the importance of Ahara Vijnana as a foundation for preventive, promotive, and therapeutic healthcare in the modern era. The inaugural function was graced by Dr. Iddya Karunasagar, Advisor - Research, Nitte University, as the Chief Guest, who emphasized the role of interdisciplinary research and innovation in advancing nutrition and health sciences. Mr. Asim Syed Sheeraz, CEO, Yenepoya Technology Incubator, attended as the Guest of Honour and highlighted the importance of technology, entrepreneurship, and translational research in developing nutrition-based public health solutions. The program was presided over by Dr. Puneeth Raghavendra, Principal, YNYSCH, who reaffirmed the institution's commitment to integrative education, research, and community-oriented healthcare. Dr. Sunitha D'Souza H, Assistant Professor, YNYSCH, was also present on the dais. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Arpith, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, participants, and organizers.

Following the inaugural session, the scientific sessions for Day 1 commenced with a lecture on integrating modern nutrition with lifestyle medicine by Dr. Shwetha H E, Assistant Dean - Academics and Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru. The session highlighted the synergy between modern nutritional science and lifestyle medicine, focusing on personalized nutrition, behavior modification, and preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases. This was followed by a session on the science of the Ayurvedic diet by Dr. Veeraj Praveen, Professor, Department of Swasthavrutta and Yoga, Yenepoya Ayurveda College and Hospital, who elaborated on dosha-based dietary planning, seasonal regimens, and their relevance in contemporary healthcare practice.

In the afternoon session, oral and poster presentations were conducted, during which students and research scholars presented their original research and review studies. These sessions encouraged academic discussion, critical appraisal, and exchange of innovative ideas. The final scientific session of Day 1 was delivered by Dr. Praveen Jacob, CEO, Alpha Natural Nutrition, Bengaluru, who spoke on the role of functional foods and nutraceuticals in contemporary nutrition, highlighting bioactive compounds, nutraceutical formulations, and their applications in preventive and therapeutic nutrition. The day concluded with high tea.

The second day of the conference, held on 16th December 2025, began with a keynote address by Dr. Prerana Hegde, Senior Dietitian and Head, Department of Nutrition, K.S. Hegde Hospital. The keynote session emphasized evidence-based diet therapy, recent advancements in clinical nutrition, and the expanding role of dietitians in integrative healthcare settings. This was followed by a session on naturopathic nutrition for lifestyle disorders by Dr. Geetha B Shetty, Professor, SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Ujire, who discussed naturopathic dietary principles, fasting protocols, detoxification methods, and therapeutic diets for lifestyle-related conditions.

Subsequent sessions included a lecture on the science of Mizaj and diet in Unani medicine by Dr. Syed Zahid Hussain, Medical Superintendent, AYUSH Hostel, Wenlock, Mangaluru, who explained temperament-based dietary planning and individualized nutrition in Unani practice. This was followed by a session on integrating Siddha dietary concepts in modern health management by Dr. Vikramkumar, CHO, Andippanur, Tirupattur District, who highlighted Siddha dietary principles, medicinal foods, and their relevance in chronic disease management. After the lunch break, Dr. Puneeth Raghavendra, Principal, YNYSCH, delivered a session on integrating yogic principles in dietary choices for holistic health, emphasizing mindful eating practices, yogic lifestyle principles, and the synergy between diet and yoga for overall well-being.

The valedictory function was held in the afternoon and was graced by Dr. Jeevan, I/c Principal, YIASCM, Kulur, as the Chief Guest, and presided over by Dr. Puneeth Raghavendra, Principal, YNYSCH. During the valedictory session, prizes were distributed to the winners of the best oral and poster presentations in recognition of academic excellence and research innovation. The conference concluded with expressions of gratitude to all speakers, delegates, organizing committee members, volunteers, and participants, followed by high tea.

The National Level Conference "Ahara Vijnana" successfully fulfilled its objectives by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting a holistic understanding of nutrition in health management. The conference significantly enriched participants with scientific knowledge, traditional wisdom, and practical insights, and stands as a notable academic initiative of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, YNYSCH, reflecting the institution's ongoing commitment to excellence in education, research, and holistic healthcare.