Our Values

Vision: To make India a world leader in the field of integrative nutrition, health, and ethical research. 

Mission: To upskill & reskill individuals in nutrition, health, and research and create a better & healthier tomorrow through education.

About ASNHR

In a rapidly advancing sphere of healthcare, continuous learning is pivotal for healthcare professionals. The Academy for Skills in Nutrition, Health and Research (ASNHR) offers high-quality, structured, and curated courses aimed at upskilling and reskilling nutritionists and other health professionals. Optimal nutrition plays a critical role in health and development, risk and prognosis of non-communicable diseases and prevention of deficiencies. In the realm of nutrition, staying abreast of contemporary developments is imperative. ASNHR provides comprehensive training in fundamentals of food and nutrition, community nutrition, public health nutrition and goal-based medical nutrition therapy.

Disclaimer: Our nutrition courses are designed for nutritionists or dietitians seeking professional advancement. Please note that completion of our courses does not confer eligibility to practice as a dietitian.

Our courses not only cover the latest advances and practices in health & nutrition but also underscore research's pivotal role in delivering precise and evidence-based patient care. Research is a systematic approach to increasing knowledge and finding truth. Through ASNHR courses, researchers would gain various skills to conduct meaningful research (both qualitative & quantitative), gain insights in data analysis, master skills for technical writing and understand the use of technology in research. Our research-based courses are accessible to individuals across fields, extending beyond healthcare to nurture research interests.

Apart from technical expertise, healthcare professionals/ nutritionists require a diverse set of soft skills, including effective communication, time management, cultural competence, stress management, leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, etc. These interpersonal abilities play a crucial role in successfully managing patients and fostering positive interactions with colleagues. At ASNHR, our goal is to assist health professionals/ nutritionists in honing these essential skills to excel in their careers and provide the best possible care to their patients. 

Under the guidance of esteemed faculty experienced in nutrition, health, research and soft skills, our courses offer practical evidence-based learning beyond the formal academia. Through ASNHR, healthcare providers can elevate their expertise, staying at the forefront of this ever-evolving field.

Dr. Neha Sanwalka Rungta 

Director ASNHR

Dr. Neha Sanwalka has a Ph.D in Health Sciences and Masters in Dietetics. With over 15 years of teaching and research experience, she is committed to fostering critical thinking in her students. 
She specializes in paediatric, bone, and endocrine nutrition; growth monitoring and data analysis using SPSS. Dr. Neha firmly believes that India has the potential to become a global leader in scientific research. She encourages her students to delve deeper into the field of scientific discovery, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to the world of nutrition and health. 
Dr. Neha's dedication to research and education is evident in her mentorship for 40+ students for M.Sc. Dissertation and her impressive publication record of 40 papers. She has provided statistical consultations to more than 500 PG, MSc. & Ph.D. Students. Dr. Neha's outstanding contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the "Rising Nutripreneur Award 2019" in the "Research Work" category by the Indian Dietetics Association, Mumbai chapter, and the "National Level Award for Academics 2022" from the India Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Neha enjoys spending her leisure time reading and crafting, nourishing her passion for creativity and personal growth.

She is also Director at NutriCanvas; Associate Professor at the Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, Jehangir Hospital Pune; a Recognized P.G. Teacher by Savitribai Phule Pune University and a consultant statistician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai

Mrs. Bhakti Samant

Senior Faculty

With an impressive 15-year tenure as the Chief Dietician at the illustrious Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Research Institute in Mumbai, Mrs. Bhakti Samant's impact on the nutrition & dietetics field has been nothing short of transformative. Mrs. Samant has a Masters in Dietetics and is Registered Dietitian (RD). She holds the esteemed European ESPEN Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. She has completed the Certificate Training Program on Ketogenic Diet in Epilepsy, organized by The Asian Institute of Ketogenic Diet as well as Bariatric Nutrition Certificate Program, hosted by iFSO APC at OSSICON 2017 . She holds the SIOP PODC Fellowship in "Nutrition in Pediatric Oncology" from Tata Hospital in Mumbai. 

Her position as Chief Dietician, coupled with her array of affiliations, certifications, and accolades, serves as a testament to her dedication to elevating the practice of clinical nutrition and its pivotal role in healthcare. Through her remarkable journey, Mrs. Samant exemplifies the impact of a passionate and pioneering dietitian in shaping the future of healthcare and nutritional wellbeing.

She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. and her core area of research is Chrono-nutrition.  She is th e Honorary Joint Secretary of the Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN), Mumbai Chapter and is a life member of Indian Dietetics Association (IDA) and the Association of Diabetes Educators (ADE).

Mrs. Shifali Mehraa, RD

Senior Faculty

Mrs. Shifali Mehraa is the the Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at MGM Hospital, Vashi. With 18 years of experience, she is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition and dietetics and has a wealth of expertise and is equipped to provide tailored dietary guidance for a range of health conditions. She is a Registered Dietitian and has and specialized training in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from Monash University in Australia. She is also trained in renal nutrition, nutrigenomics and is a qualified diabetes educator. Her extensive training helps her in a comprehensive understanding of diverse nutritional needs and genetic factors influencing health outcomes. She has demonstrated leadership and dedication in optimizing patient care and professional development. 

Additionally, Shifali is the Vice President of the IAPEN Navi Mumbai Chapter and is actively contributing to advancing nutritional practices and education within the community. Her commitment to excellence has been recognized through various accolades, including the IAPEN Distinction Award at the state level for outstanding nutritional practice in 2020, and the IAPEN National Quality Awards for nutritional innovation in 2023. She has also played a pivotal role in shaping Indian guidelines for Head and Neck Cancer and contributed as a core team member to the success of IAPEN ICNC 2024 held at Sahara Star.

She spearheaded Joint Commission International of Hospitals (JCI) accreditation in January 2021 and January 2024, underscoring her commitment to upholding the highest standards of healthcare delivery. As a registered dietitian, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of professionals, guiding students preparing for their RD exams with comprehensive support and expertise.

Ms. Chandni Chopra

Faculty

Ms. Chandni Chopra has Masters degree in Food and Nutrition from Delhi University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. from University of Mumbai. Her core area of research is depression among adolescents and its association with diet. She has over 5 years of teaching experience at College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan. Chandni has a keen eye for details and is driven by her passion for nutrition and a commitment to research excellence.

She has had the opportunity of being a Senior Research Associate at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, where she was involved in an international research project funded by the USDA and the Almond Board of California, USA. Additionally, she has spent four enriching years as a researcher under the guidance of Dr. Nikhil Tandon in the Department of Endocrinology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. During this tenure, she has actively participated in projects funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health (USA).

She has published papers in various National and International journals including a review paper in International Peer Reviewed Journal: Nutrition & Health as well as Editorial in The Indian Practitioner.