The Department of Home Science – Nutrition, Food Service Management & Dietetics, S.A. College of Arts & Science, successfully organized a National Seminar on “Integrating Diet and Mental Health: The Nutrition–Mind Connection for Holistic Well-Being” on 25 September 2026.

The seminar brought together 138 participants from 14 colleges, creating an enriching platform for academic interaction, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary learning. Students actively participated in the technical sessions, discussions, and interactive Q&A.

The programme commenced with an insightful Keynote Address by Dr. Subbarao M. Gavaravarapu, Scientist G & Head, NICHE Division, ICMR–NIN, Hyderabad, and Professor, Faculty of Medical Research, AcSIR, India.

Technical Sessions

The seminar featured three informative technical sessions delivered by eminent resource persons:

• Dr. P. Vandarkuzhali, Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, Avvaiyar Government College, Karaikal – “From Plate to Brain: The Neurobiology of Nutrition”
• Dr. A. J. Hemamalini, Professor & Head, Department of Clinical Nutrition, SRFAHS, SRIHER – “The Gut–Brain Axis: Decoding the Microbiome–Mind Connection”
• Dr. Sangeetha Makesh, Counselling Psychologist & Relationship Therapist, Founder Director, Psycafe, Anna Nagar – “Nutritional Psychiatry: From Emerging Evidence to Holistic Mental Well-being”

Panel Discussion

A special Panel Discussion was organized on “Can Food Shape the Mind? Translating Nutrition–Mental Health Research into Real-World Practice”, moderated by Dr. Gowri Ramesh, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Home Science, Women’s Christian College, Chennai.

The panel featured Dr. Kalaivani Ashok, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Home Science, Queen Mary’s College; Dr. Mary Pramela, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Home Science and Chairperson, Board of Studies in Home Science, University of Madras; Dr. A. J. Hemamalini, Professor & Head, Department of Clinical Nutrition, SRFAHS, SRIHER; and Dr. Sangeetha Makesh, Counselling Psychologist, Psycafe, Anna Nagar.

The panel discussion was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where students and participants interacted with the experts and gained practical insights into the connection between nutrition and mental health.

Nutrition Month Activities

The programme concluded with the Valedictory Function, Nutrition Month Report, and Prize Distribution Ceremony for various Nutrition Month activities, including:

• 21 Days Diet Challenge – “Discover the Healthy You”
• Meal Plate Planning Competition – “Rs. 50 Power Plate”
• Cooking Without Fire Competition – “Nourish Without Fire: A Creative Cooking Challenge”
• Poster Presentation

The Department expresses its sincere gratitude to the Respected Correspondent, Mr. Venkatesh Raja P.; Principal, Dr. Anbazhagan; Director – Career Development Cell & Administration, Dr. Prabhakar K. S.; and Director, Dr. Sayi Sathyavadhi, for their constant support, encouragement, and guidance.

Special appreciation is extended to the Department faculty members, F3 Nutrition Club, and student volunteers for their dedicated efforts, active participation, and teamwork, which contributed to the successful conduct of the seminar.