ASPIRE-BioNEST, at University of Hyderabad (UoH) in collaboration with Miracle Me and IKP Hyderabad, successfully hosted a panel discussion on “My Plate for the Day: Real Insights into the Dietary Guidelines by ICMR, NIN” as part of the Global Bio-India Roadshow at the School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad.
The event began with Dr. Harshita Yakkala, Incubation Manager at ASPIRE-BioNEST, welcoming the distinguished guests and introducing the audience to the activities and initiatives of ASPIRE-BioNEST. The session featured an enlightening talk by Ms. Mitika Kashyap, Senior Program Officer at BIRAC, who provided an overview of the upcoming Global Bio-India event. Scheduled to be held from 12-14th September 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Global Bio-India is the flagship biotech event organized by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Ms. Kashyap highlighted the event’s significance in showcasing India’s biotech growth and opportunities, and how the 4th edition promises to be the largest and most impactful yet, offering a wealth of opportunities for both national and international stakeholders.
Following this, the event transitioned into a lively and interactive panel discussion moderated by Ms. Maithreye Murali, Founder of Miracle Me, a leading nutraceutical company. The distinguished panel included Dr. Sairam Reddy, Co-Founder of Urban Kisan; Dr. Ajay Tumaney, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad; Dr. Nida Fatima Hazari, a freelancing Nutritional Psychologist; Ms. Lakshmi Tejasvi, a Sports Nutritionist; and Dr. Koteshwara Prasad, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Omega Hospitals, Hyderabad.
The panelists, each bringing their unique expertise, discussed the critical issue of nutrition and healthy eating in today’s fast-paced world. Dr. Sairam Reddy raised concerns over the increasing levels of pesticides and heavy metals in fruits and vegetables and advocated for urban farming as a sustainable solution. Dr. Ajay Tumaney emphasized the need to instill healthy eating habits from a young age, particularly in schools, while Dr. Nida Fatima highlighted government initiatives promoting balanced diets.
Ms. Lakshmi Tejasvi, who works extensively with sportspersons, urged the audience to “Avoid junk foods and say no to fancy diet regimes.” Adding a touch of humor, Dr. Koteshwara Prasad underscored the importance of staying connected to our ancestral and cultural food practices, which he believes are key to long-term health and well-being. The panel collectively recommended that everyone familiarize themselves with the ICMR and NIN dietary guidelines and make efforts to incorporate them into daily life.
Ms. Maithreye’s dynamic moderation ensured the discussion was both engaging and informative. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Apoorva Bhatnagar, Senior Manager at IKP-Hyderabad. The session saw active participation from students of the Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI), and students and faculty members from different schools of the University of Hyderabad, marking a successful step toward raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating.