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Estd. 1949
Dear readers,
This newsletter brings to you sunshine in the form of our mentor Prof Subadra Seshadri, along with some
inspirational vibes from our alumni Ms. Dipti Gulati, highlights of some awards and accolades won by the
Department staff and students and also list of projects from the year 2014 onwards.
We are indeed proud of our alumni and seek suggestions for the next Mrunalini Devi Puar memorial oration as well
as nominations for the outstanding alumni award.
Kindly do keep us posted about your recent updates and activities and do share details of your classmates so that
we can increase the MSU-FNAA membership.
We look forward towards your presence in Vadodara and seek your support and ideas for making our department
scale new heights. Wish you all a very happy Vijayadashami, May Good Win over Evil!
Do write back to us at [email protected]
Cheers Editors MSUFNAA Newsletter
KNOW OUR MENTOR - A living encyclopedia
Prof Subadra Seshadri
A teacher par excellence, graceful and elegant
Prof. Subadra Seshadri, started out as a
lecturer (1970) to become Professor and Head
of the Department of Foods & Nutrition (1994)
which continued until her retirement in the
year 2002. With a double masters degree (MSc
in organic chemistry from Delhi University and
Masters in Human Nutrition from Colorado
State University, USA) and a Ph.D. in Nutrition
from our Department under the mentorship of
late Prof. Tara Gopaldas, her work on anemia
in pregnant women, pre-school children and
adolescent girls; programmatic interventions;
bio-availability of iron in typical Indian meals
have been noteworthy and led to more than
40 research papers and countless
presentations in academic forums.
These contributions also led to the
recognition of the Department as a
WHO-collaborating center for
Nutrition research in Anemia by the
World Health Organization wherein
madam was the Co-coordinator for
several years from 1995 to 2001. She
was also the Director of UGC special
assistance program at the
Department of Foods and Nutrition
in Baroda.
Her other research interests include identification of underutilized
food sources of beta carotene, quantitative estimation of beta
carotene in these and its bio availability. She was a recipient of
Mrunalini Devi Puar Oration Award, MSU-FNAA in 2009, also
received Dr. Jubilee Pratap Kumar Endowment Lecture Award of
the Indian Dietetic Association, Chennai Chapter (2008) and Dr.
Srikantia Memorial Lecture award of the Nutrition Society of India
(2005).Under her leadership associations such as NSI and IDA have
blossomed. Post retirement from Baroda, Prof. Seshadri is based in
Bangalore and is practicing as a Senior Nutrition Consultant.
Madam has always been a source of inspiration and a true mentor at all times and we wish her a very healthy
retired life.
October 2018
MSU-FNAA NEWSLETTER
MSU-FN Alumni Association (MSU-FNAA), Department of Foods and Nutrition,
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara - 390002, Gujarat
Number 11
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Meet our inspiring Alumni - Ms. DEEPTI GULATI
It’s a pleasure to introduce Ms. Deepti Gulati, our proud alumni (1976-1978) who has a rich 39 years of work
experience in nutrition and public health and currently heads GAIN India programmes: "Large-scale Food
Fortification" and "Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition" (CMAM).
Her guidance, technical assistance and support to the Food Fortification
Resource Centre of Food Safety Standard Authority of India have been
remarkable esp. for its staple food fortification agenda across the Indian States.
She has added substantially to the Nutrition and Development Sector in India by
leading innovative nutrition and public health projects and programmes, such as:
CMAM, staple food fortification, salt iodization and nutrition and health
education, in the nutritionally disadvantaged states of Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana,
Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
She has received Fellowships from the International Agriculture Centre,
Netherlands and from the United Nations University in ‘Management of
Community Nutrition Programmes’.
Prior to joining GAIN, Deepti was a Senior Nutritionist, UN World Food
Programme (2000-2009); Deputy Director, NIPCCD: National Institute of Public
Cooperation and Child Development, Government of India (1981-2000) and a
University Lecturer (1978-1981). At NIPCCD, she headed the Training
Technology Unit, was tasked with strengthening the training and building the
programme delivery capacity of India's largest programme for children: the
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme and as a university
lecturer, she taught nutrition and child development to the undergraduates.
Deepti madam was also a visiting faculty with the University of Delhi and of Jamia Milia Islamia University and was
the National Resource Person on Nutrition and Health Education for the Government of India's Ministry of Women
and Child Development (1995-2009). Her areas of specialization include: Nutrition, Food Security, Public Health,
Strengthening Policy Framework; Capacity Building etc.
As a member of various professional bodies, several national and state-level committees and advisory boards on
nutrition and public health, she has made important contributions to the formulation of national and state policies
and programmes on nutrition and public health.
Mrs. Gulati has presented many papers and orations at the national and international level and has authored several
manuals / guidebooks / training-modules and papers.
Besides work, her interests include reading and volunteering for projects for the disadvantaged children. You can
contact her at [email protected] , [email protected].
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WORLD BREAST FEEDING WEEK ACTIVITIES-2018
This year, an effort to promote, protect and strengthen breastfeeding was being done by an alliance formed last
year (2017), an initiative of Head – Prof. Meenakshi Mehan with Prof. Vanisha Nambiar as the Convener of WBW
celebrations-2018 - whose theme was “Breastfeeding: Foundation of life, Breastfeeding: Nourishment of
Life”
The activities ranged from quiz, drawing competition, poster and NHE making competitions, development of
complimentary feeds, skits and street plays in various strategic places to create awareness among mothers and
general population, round table meet for sensitization and discussion for making all maternity homes of Vadodara
Baby Friendly and pledge for protection, promotion and strengthening of breastfeeding by pediatricians of
Vadodara, Interactive session and Quiz for Understanding the KAP- AWW, ASHA, CDPO, seminar on Adbhut
Matrutva, Display of nutrition education materials on promotion breastfeeding and IYCF, Free Diet Counseling
sessions for mother and child by the nutrition counseling centre of the Department of Foods and Nutrition, The M S
University of Baroda, collection of a data base regarding the practices related to baby friendly hospital guidelines
from maternity homes of urban Vadodara, Breast feeding counseling in post partum wards and among nursing
students, Banners and posters distribution to all AOPV/ BOGS members, UHCs, Institutions/ Alliance partners and
Mega Quiz competition for winners of respective colleges and seminars regarding breastfeeding foundation and
nourishment of life along with ORS.
.
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The Nutrition month of September witnessed several activties rangind from flash
mobs, extension work and geriatric home visits with staff (Prof Komal Chauhan, Dr
Hemangini Gandhi and Dr Shruti Kantawala and Mansi Diwanji) and a recipe
competetion with the theme: “Healthy way to begin your day” for the students and
their mothers wherin more than 150 participants demonetrated their recipes. It was
jointly organizedby MSU - FNAA, NSI- Baroda Chapter, IDA – Gujarat Chapter,
Vadodara Cluband Nestle on 15th
September, 2018. Facilitated by Prof Mini Sheth, the
program was well orchestrated by Dr Shonima Venugopal and the entire young staff
of the dept were instrumental in its organization. The event ended with a a quiz
organized by PhD students and a lecture on “Healthy way to begin your day” by Dr.
Vijayata Sengar.
(Low fat, low salt and low sugar breakfast recipes displayed by the students and their mothers)
GLIMPSES OF NUTRITION MONTH CELEBRATION 2018
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AWARDS AND ACCOLADES –STAFF OF FN DEPARTMENT
Our Department has received a certificate
from WABA, Malaysia for its World Breast
Feeding Week-2018 activities.
Prof. Meenakshi Bakshi Mehan, the Head
of our Department has been invited as a task force member
in the meeting of the “Balanced and Healthy Diets” held on 10
th August, 2018 at New Delhi conducted by Dte. General
Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
She was also a moderator for the panel discussion on
reduction of under nutrition in Gandhinagar
on 7th September, 2018.
Prof Meenakshi Mehan also attended the 2nd
meeting on National
Technical Board on Nutrition was conducted on 28th
August, 2018
wherin scientific issues related to POSHAN Abiyaan were
discussed.
She also has contributed in developing Operational Guideline for
State Programme Managers to be followed in Public Health
Facilities – “ JSSK - Dietary Norms” published by Maternal health Division, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, GoI, July 2018.
Prof. Mini Sheth recognized for her patents on food
product development and literary materials on
“Prebiotics – our gut guardian” (Sheth M. & Singh T.)
and “Let’s make diabetes our best friend”
(Sheth M. & V. Shrivastava) by our Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of
Prof. Parimal Vyas on 15th
August, 2018.
She also received leadership in higher education award-2018,
from CSKVIM and Higher education forum.
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Prof. Sirimavo Nair has been nominated as Nodel Officer – Gujarat State for
Monitoring and evaluation of National Food Security Act co-ordinate by Ministry of
Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution.
She is one of the members in scientific committee in Panel of Nutrition and
Fortification of FSSAI, GoI.
She has contributed a lot in the implementation of Double fortified salt
(DFS) in India - moved the DFS for cabinet approval through Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Women and& Child Development
to implement the use of DFS.
Technical advisor of Gujarat State – Women and Child Development
Department for full launching of DFS in PDS system
Technical officer for e-launching of DFS during POSHAN ABHIYAN by Ms.
Vibhavari Dave, Minister of Women and Child Development Department
Dr. Hemangini Gandhi delivered the inaugural address at
the UNICEF sponsored “har ghar poshan tyohar” Jan
Andolan for Narmada district, envisaged under Poshan
Abhiyan, was launched at Didiyapada on Thursday,
6th
2018, attended by more than 2000 participants.
She also led the Department
students for the Nutrition
Brigade.
Prof Vanisha Nambiar contributed towards Tips for
healthy eating and lifestyle 230 recipes from the world
for the book, “Live life in style”, published by International Diabetes Federation, Brussels.
Our veteran alumni Prof G. Subbulakshmi madam’s contribution in Sports Sciences and Nutrition culminated in
formation of a registered Association of Sports Nutrition and
Fitness Sciences, along with members of Nutrition Society of
India, Mumbai Chapter with aims to provide science based
advice to the Indian sport persons and fitness enthusiasts.
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OUR STUDENTS WHO MADE US PROUD
Ms Charul Jha (Guide, Prof Vanisha Nambiar) won the 1st prize (Oral Presentation)
at the 2nd
National Conference of Indian Society of Clinical Nutrition (INCSN), on
“Nutritional Management of Gastroenterology Surgical & Critically Ill Patients:
Consensus and Controversies” was held from Aug 31st -Sep 2
ndin All India Institute of
Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi. The programme was jointly organised by Indian
Society of Clinical Nutrition & Departments of Gastroenterology & HNU and Surgical
Disciplines, AIIMS, New Delhi. The research paper was on reducing Gastro Intestinal
(GI) complications post bariatric surgery through behavior change communication-
a case control study on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery patients (cash
prize of Rs 10000/- and a certificate).
Ms Charul Jha (Guide, Prof Vanisha Nambiar) won 1st
prize in IDA president’s award for poster in Experimental
Nutrition at IDACON-2018, 30th
Sept- 2nd
Oct, 2018, Indore. Title: RYGB bariatric surgery and consequences of
individual NHE vs standard hospital care on remission of diabetes and improvement in quality of life.
Ms. Roshani Vakilana (Phd Student, Guide, Prof. Vanisha Nambiar) received
Professional Exchange Sponsorship from Rotary International Club. She visited
Argentina to learn about CONIN methodology under Noble prize nominee Dr.
Able Albino, one of his major achievements being bringing down IMR to 0 in
Chile. With this methodology he runs almost 100 centers in Argentina towards
decreasing undernutrition among children from 0-6 year.
Ms Drasti Zaveri (Guide, Prof Vanisha Nambiar), won 3rd Prize, Oral Presentation in
DIACON-2018, 21-23rd Sept, 2018, Ahmedabad on Effect of personalized
counselling and Nutrition Health Education on remission of diabetes post
Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery- a case control trial.
Research Work - In association with different Funding Agency (2014-2018)
Prof. Uma Iyer, Dr. Swati Dhruv and Dr. Shonima Venugopal - Britania Project entitled” Glycemic and Lipemic response of Oats and Ragi Cookies” (2017-18) funded by Britania Ind. Ltd.
Prof. Meenakshi Mehan and Dr. Hemangini Gandhi - Rapid assessment of Kishori Jagrut Abiyan in selected districts of Gujarat (2017-18) funded by UNICEF, Gujarat
Prof. Meenakshi Mehan and Dr. Hemangini Gandhi - Delivering key nutrition and dietary intervention for (NP/NL) reproductive age group and Adolescent girls through community engagement in Vadodara (2017-18) funded by Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan (VMSS), Vadodara , Gujarat
Prof. Mini Sheth and Dr. Hemangini Gandhi - Development, standardization and acceptability trials of nutria dense recipes for community-based management of SAM children (2017-18) funded by Torrent Power
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Prof Mini Sheth and Dr VIjayata Sengar - Prevalence of Lactose Intolerance in children, adults and elderly of urban Vadodara and Effectiveness of Supplementing Lactose – Free Milk on their Quality of Life and Nutritional status. (2017-18) funded by Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.
Prof Vanisha Nambiar - Project CHOICE – Choosing healthier options – Experiments with International cuisines (2017-18) funded by International Diabetes Federation
Dr. Swati Dhruv - A cross sectional study on consumption pattern of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) in adult population of Urban Vadodara (2017-18) funded by Research & Consultancy Cell, The M. S. University of Baroda
Dr. Swati Dhruv - Nutritional Assessment of Young Adult Girls Studying Adarsh Nivasi Shalas (2016-17) funded by Toddler Food Partners, USA
Prof. Mini Sheth - Development of sugar substituted FOS added popular Indian sweets (2016 -17) TATA Chemical Ltd., Pune
Prof Vanisha Nambiar and Dr. Rujuta Desai - Improving Food and Nutrition Security in rural households through promotion of agri-nutri-health at Ekalbara village (2015-17) funded by Transpek Silox Industry Pvt. Ltd., Vadodara
Prof. Sirimavo Nair - Identifying Inborn errors and classifying by ICD-10 funded by MERD, India
Dr. Suneeta Chandorkar - Impact Evaluation of a flavanol rich drink on the post activity recovery markers and oxidative stress in elite cricketers from Urban Vadodara (2015-16)
Ms. Kanchi Baria - Assessment of Health and Nutritional Status and its Relation with the Potential of Sports Performance, Endurance and Strength Training: Impact of Functional Foods and Nutrition Health Education on Physical Activity Profile of Athletes of Urban Vadodara (2015-16) funded by Research & Consultancy Cell, The M. S. University of Baroda
Dr. Hemangini Gandhi - Evaluation of Mid Day Meal Program(MDMP): Nutritional status, Program implementation and status of School Monitoring Committees in Akshay Patra (AP)and Non Akshay Patra Served schools of Vadodara District (2015-16) funded by Research & Consultancy Cell, The M. S. University of Baroda
Dr. Shonima Venugopal - Studies on Insulin Plant (Costus Igneus) Leaf Powder: Nutrition Profile, Sensory Evaluationand Intervention Study in T2DM Patients (2015-16) funded by Research & Consultancy Cell, The M. S. University of Baroda
Prof Vanisha Nambiar, Dr. Rujuta Desai, Ms. Roshani Vakilana - Strengthening the ICDS services in Surat city (2015-16) funded by Surat Municipal Corporation
Prof. Sirimavo Nair - Qualitative analysis of Iodine from salt using local ingredients available in the kitchen (2014-15) funded by Micronutrient Initiative, New Delhi
Nutritional Status, Physical Fitness Profile and Assessment of Knowledge Practices of Hockey Academic Players of Urban Vadodara: Impact of Nutrition Health Education (NHE) on Knowledge and Practices (2015-16)
Prof. Sirimavo Nair and Dr. Suneeta Chandorkar - Flour fortification project (2015-16) funded by TATA-Cornell Institute, New York
Prof. Mini Sheth - Effect of liquid Fructosaccharide supplementation on the inflammatory markers of young obese adults of Urban Baroda (2014-15) funded by TATA Chemical Ltd., Pune
Dr. Suneeta Chandorkar - Trans fat content of selected processed foods and behavioral factors associated with their consumption (2014-15) funded by GUJCOST, Gujarat (Gujarat Council of Science & Technology), Dept. of Science & Technology, Gandhinagar
Prof. Sirimavo Nair and Dr. Hemangini Gandhi - Documentation on barriers and triggers for optimal IYCN practices in Gujarat (2014-15) funded by UNICEF, Gandhinagar
Dr. Swati Dhruv - Impact of supplementation of flaxseed on the cardio metabolic profile of overweight/obese subjects (2014-15) funded by Research & Consultancy Cell, The M. S. University of Baroda
Prof. Mini Sheth and Dr. Swati Parnami - Acceptability of FOS incorporated food items of supplementing FOS on gut microflora and on direct/indirect determinants of obese adult of urban vadodara”(2014-15) funded by Department of Biotechnology, GoI, New Delhi
FNAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE- 2017-2022
Patron: Late Dr. (Smt) Mrunalini Devi Puar
Past President: Prof Uma Iyer
President: Prof. Meenakshi Bakshi Mehan
Vice Presidents: Prof. Mini Sheth & Prof. Vanisha Nambiar
Secretary: Dr. Vijayata Sengar
Treasurer: Dr. Hemangini Gandhi
Joint secretary: Dr. Mital Dave
Executive Committee members:
Mansi Diwanji, Yamee Bardoliwala, Nikita
Joshi
Newsletter Editors:
Prof. Vanisha Nambiar and Dr. Mital Dave
Feedback:[email protected]