The XVII Annual Scientific Conclave of Nutrition Society of India (Nagpur Chapter) in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University was recently organized at Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of RTMNU.
The program was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. Mohan Khamgaonkar Pro VC Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nasik by lighting the traditional lamp in presence of  Dr. A. Laximaiah, Scientist “G†& Head Public Health NINICMR, Dr. Varsha, Clinical Dietitian, Chennai, Prof. A.N. Radha convener, Dr. Shakti Sharma co-convener, Ms. Vinita Mehta secretary Nutrition Society of India, Nagpur Chapter, Dr. Jasmine Avari, HOD Pharmaceutical Sciences and Dr. Prakash Itankar, Associate Professor, Department Of Pharmaceutical Sciences, on the dais.
Prof. Sabiha Vali ex-HOD P.G. Dept. of Home Science RTMNU, Dr. Rekha Sharma, Dr.Pratima Shastri and Dr. Thakre graced the occasion.
Prof. A. N. Radha Convener, NSI Nagpur Chapter delivered the welcome address. In her talk, she introduced the theme of the conclave “Appropriate Lifestyle for Optimum Health†and insisted that students should have updated information in line with the cutting edge research findings in nutritional sciences to combat the triple burden of malnutrition.
Dr. A. Laxmaiah delivered the Keynote address on the theme. In his deliberation, he highlighted the alarming fact that according to ICMR- India State-Level Disease Burden study report entitled “India: Health of NationStates†the estimated proportion of all deaths due to Non-Communicable Diseases has increased from 37% in 1990 to 62% in 2016. Further, he enumerated the steps taken by the WHO, International Diabetes Federation and National Health Mission. In line with these organizations’ objectives, the National Health Mission of Govt. of India is taking up necessary policies.Â
Dr. Mohan Khamgaonkar in his inaugural address emphasized Eat Right Concept and gave practical suggestions. Those ideas were highly welcomed by the delegates.
A plenary session covered topics of current lifestyle problems.Dr. Varsha spoke on ‘Weight Reduction – Nutrient myth .Dr.Abinav Deshpande consultant cancer and Robotic Surgeon,National cancer Institute Nagpur spoke on “Diet an important link in cancer.â€Dr. Sumeeta Jain of Govt. Ayurvedic College, Nagpur spoke on “Impact ofBiological clock on Optimum Nutritional statusâ€.
Dr. Abhinav mentioned that there are many medical interventions for the cure and improvement of survival rate for cancer patients. However, he emphasized that role of dietetics is essential as itassist in prevention and management of cancer, though it demands more research findings.
Power Talk on theme “Eat right approach for prevention and management of lifestyle disorder†included lectures by Mrs. Jayshree Pendharkar, Dr. Renuka Mainde, Dr.Rita Bhargava  and Dr. Dadasaheb M Kokare.
Experts, Dr. Varsha, Clinical Nutritionist, Dr. Kamala Gopalan ex-HOD PG Deptt of Dietetics and Mrs. Sushma Chatterji, Public Health Nutritionist made the panel discussion very interesting and interactiveby throwing light on the Recent Perspectives in Therapeutic Nutrition.Â
To motivate the participation of students, Oral and Poster Paper Presentation were conducted. Dr. Monali Rewatkar bagged first Prize in senior scientist category and in junior scientist category Ms Aiswarya Gharpure won first prize. Poster competition was won by Ms. Sneha Paradhkar and second prize was won by Ms. Ekta Ningote. A chart making competition on theme for undergraduate students was won by Ms Anshuli Bhagat and second prize was bagged by Payal Rathod.Â
A formal vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Meghna Pandit, Jt. Secretary and the valedictory was compared by Mrs. Pradnya Bagalkote, treasurer.Â
A community outreach program was conducted on 31st Jan at Lava Village. The beneficiaries were anganwadi, workers and women enrolled in ICDS centre. The chief guest was Dr. D. M. Panchbhai, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture Nagpur. Dr. Rajaram Rokade, Public Health Nutritionist, initiated a discussion on the theme. The event was coordinated by Mr. Bijaykant of Community College, Khadgaon.Â
225 delegates was benefited by the conclave. The conclave was made highly impactful and successful by the untiring efforts of Dr. Prakash Itankar Dr. Renuka Mainde, Dr. Srilakshmi Potluri,Dr. Prashant Pauranik. Dr. Satyendra Prasad, Dr. Ujwala Mahajan,Dr. Kavita Bakshi, Dr. Vijay Gulkari, Dr. Renuka Das, Dr. T. R. Bandre, Dr. Nishikant Raut, Dr. Veena Belgamwar, Dr. Rita Wadetwar and Mrs Priya Bajaj.