National Nutrition Week 2026 Celebrated with Focus on Healthy Choices and Better Health
- “Nourishing Lives Through Healthy Choices”
Mangaluru: National Nutrition Week 2026 was observed under the theme “Nourishing Lives Through Healthy Choices” with a day-long programme aimed at promoting awareness of healthy nutrition, informed dietary choices and healthy lifestyle practices among students, healthcare professionals and the community.
The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Community Health Nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing; the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Father Muller Medical College Hospital; and the Department of Food Science, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
The programme featured educational competitions, a nutrition exhibition, health-promotion activities, expert sessions and intercollegiate competitions, providing participants with opportunities to explore nutrition from academic, clinical and community perspectives.
The initiative sought to promote awareness of healthy nutrition and lifestyle practices, encourage creativity and innovation among students, strengthen interprofessional collaboration in health promotion and foster greater community engagement in nutrition and wellness initiatives.
The inaugural function was held at 11 a.m. Dr. Sonia K. L. Sequera, Organising Chairperson, Father Muller College of Nursing, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Daniella Anne L. Chyne, Organising Co-Chairperson, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), introduced the chief guest, Dr. Sushma Appaiah, M.Sc., Ph.D., Founder-Director of Golz Nutrition & Diet Solutions, Certified Nutrigenomics Expert and Convener of the Indian Dietetics Association (IDA), Mysuru Chapter.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sushma Appaiah highlighted the important role of young nutrition professionals and students as nation-builders. She emphasised the need for different disciplines and approaches to converge towards better health outcomes and stronger communities.
Referring to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India, she stressed the enormous challenges facing the country and called upon students to explore emerging opportunities in nutrition, including start-ups, enterprises, precision nutrition and nutrigenomics. She urged the younger generation to recognise the significant role they can play in addressing India’s nutritional challenges.
The prize distribution for the school competitions followed the keynote address.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), spoke about emerging areas of nutrition research, particularly nutrinomics and proteomics. He observed that advances in nutrition science could eventually enable personalised nutrition plans tailored to individual requirements.
He also highlighted the potential of scientific advances in nutrition to help reduce the carbon burden and mitigate the impact of climate change on crops and different geographical regions.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ encouraged students to pursue research in their respective fields and use knowledge and innovation as tools to address hunger and malnutrition. Reflecting on the different dimensions of hunger, he emphasised the need to address both the basic nutritional requirements of underprivileged communities and the growing demand for healthier and more appropriate nutrition among affluent populations.
Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, reflected on the deeper significance of food and nutrition. He observed that food contributes not only to physical strength but also to the development of knowledge and overall well-being.
Emphasising the importance of the dining table as a place of communication, satisfaction, joy and peace, he noted that the quality of food served is equally important.
He urged budding nutritionists to look beyond food alone and focus on the individual, the nation and the world as a whole, with the larger goal of ensuring that everyone has access not merely to food but to adequate and meaningful nutrition. He also reminded the gathering that, despite the many demands of modern society, greater attention must be given to nutrition and holistic well-being.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms Sandis Joseph, Organising Co-Chairperson, FMMCH, followed by the institutional anthem.
The other dignitaries present on the dais included Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences and Father Muller College of Pharmacy; Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital; Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia, Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing; Dr. Renita Maria D’Souza, Dean, School of Life Sciences, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University); and Dr. Shycil Mathew, Organising Secretary, Father Muller College of Nursing. Faculty members and guests were also present.
Competitions and Exhibitions
The afternoon session featured a range of intercollegiate competitions for healthcare professional students and students of the Centre for Nutritional Studies. These included a Reel Making Competition on the theme “Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle” and a Nutrition Quiz Competition.
The programme also included competitions for school students in different categories. Students participated in Poster Making, Healthy Tiffin Recipe Preparation, Model Preparation, Cooking Without Fire, and Vegetable and Fruit Carving competitions.
A Nutrition Stall Exhibition was held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring student exhibits on nutrition education, healthy lifestyle promotion, nutrition assessment, and counselling demonstrations. Industry exhibits showcased nutritional products, healthy food demonstrations, and awareness and information booths.
Winners of the Competitions
- First Prize: Likith and Thanushree – St Joseph Higher Primary School
- Second Prize: Jhilam Ganguly and Diganth – Lourdes Central School
- Third Prize: Karen Fiona and Nehal Pearl – Ladyhill School
- First Prize: Soha Suvarna and Akshara – Lourdes Central School
- Second Prize: Sparta Avani and Chrissy Merlin D’Souza – Ladyhill School
- Third Prize: Krithika Ganesh and Hanaa Abdul – Ladyhill School
- First Prize: Malvida Posiva and Nikhil – St Joseph’s Primary School, Kulshekar
- Second Prize: Vanyasri M.C. and Donitha – St Rita’s English Medium School, Jeppu
- Third Prize: Gresa Prashika and Shravya – Lourdes Central School, Bejai
Cooking Without Fire
- Shinal BS Dechamma and Tanishka Singh – Lourdes Central School, Bejai
- Reesh Abdul and Adnan – St Sebastian English Medium School, Permannur
- Yashika and Vaishnavi – St Rita’s English Medium School, Jeppu
- Ganavi Nayak and Mazilla Monterio – St Sebastian English Medium School, Permannur
- Chithrali Tejpal and Safina S. – Padua High School
- Thoufeeq and Abdul Jallel – Milagres Central School
Intercollegiate Competitions
- First Prize: Rimsha Zainab M.A., Haleema Hiba and Reya V.K. – St Aloysius College
- Second Prize: Melony Minol D’Silva, Melissa Noronha and Melwy Marin Minu – Father Muller College of Nursing, II B.Sc.
- Third Prize: Anu Riya Bijo, Aney Benny and Daya Maria Vincent – Father Muller College of Nursing, I B.Sc.
- First Prize: Johan and Team – Father Muller College of Nursing, I B.Sc., B Section
- Second Prize: Angel Thomas and Team – Father Muller College of Nursing, I B.Sc., A Section
- Third Prize: Elain and Team – Father Muller College of Nursing, I B.Sc., A Section
