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).

Dr. Geeta Dharmatti

Senior Faculty

Dr. Geeta Dharmatti is a trailblazer in the world of personalized and integrative nutrition, known for her sharp clinical insight, deep-rooted academic excellence, and a passion for demystifying health science. A Registered Dietician and the Founder-Director of Geeta Nutri Heal Consultancy, she brings over two decades of experience in clinical practice, education, and research. As a trained and senior nutrigenomics counsellor, Dr. Dharmatti is a sought-after speaker, having delivered impactful sessions across national and international forums on the power of gene-based, individualized nutrition. She’s a gold medalist from Nagpur University and topped the Special RD exam conducted by the IDA in 2012—firmly establishing her as a top-tier expert in the field. In addition to running her consultancy, she shapes future dietitians as a faculty member at Savitribai Phule Pune University’s Course of Integrated Dietetics, guest lecturer at Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, adjunct professor at Tilak Maharashtra University, and Bariatric Nutrition Course Coordinator at SVT College, Mumbai. 

Her authorship of “It’s Not Always Calories, Dear” reflects her mission to challenge conventional diet wisdom with evidence-based clarity.

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. Datta Patel

Senior Faculty

Ms. Datta Patel is a dynamic leader and academic trailblazer in clinical and sports nutrition, currently serving as the Head of the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics and Program Coordinator for the School of Sports, Exercise & Nutrition Sciences at D Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai. A Registered Dietician and PhD scholar, she brings deep expertise backed by an ESPEN Diploma in Clinical Nutrition and certifications in nutrigenomics, sports nutrition, and diabetes education. 

Ms. Patel holds national and international leadership roles—Co-Treasurer of SAPEN 2025, Executive Member of IAPEN India, and Block Member of both ESPEN and ASPEN GNP—championing evidence-based nutrition practice across borders. She is also the Executive Committee member for NSI Mumbai Chapter. She is also a published author and Associate Editor for Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, shaping the scientific narrative in metabolic care. 


Her academic, editorial, and clinical contributions reflect a passion for translational research and a vision to empower future nutrition professionals with practical, global perspectives.

Ms. Sunita Sahoo

Senior Faculty

Ms. Sunita Sahoo is a powerhouse in the field of clinical nutrition, serving as the Chief Clinical Dietician at Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, with over 17 years of impactful experience. With core expertise spanning critical care, oncology, renal health, women’s wellness, and sports nutrition, she’s been recognized as one of India’s Top 10 Dietitians (2023) by DrugResearch.in. A recipient of the IAPEN India Quality Excellence Awards for both Public (2020) and Therapeutic Nutrition (2022), Ms. Sahoo is also a prolific academic contributor—co-authoring the Apollo Clinical Nutrition Handbook and co-editing My Food My Health. She plays pivotal leadership roles in IDA, IAPEN, NetProFaN, and other prestigious bodies, while also serving as the Visiting Dietitian to the Honorable Governor of Odisha

A speaker, educator, and media columnist, she has delivered 500+ talks nationwide, all rooted in science and driven by her mission to make nutrition accessible, evidence-based, and empowering.

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.