Emphasising the importance of good health among young people, V. Prakash, former Director of the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, and Distinguished Scientist, CSIR-India, said on Tuesday that a combination of personalised nutrition, Ayurveda and Yoga could provide students with a strong foundation for sustained health.
Delivering the keynote address at Yuvaraja’s College here on the occasion of Nutrition Month, a programme on Ayurveda knowledge and the Yoga tradition of Mysuru, and Teachers’ Week, Dr. Prakash said students facing increasing academic pressures needed a holistic approach to health.
He said personalised food choices based on an individual’s biological constitution, or Prakriti, could complement modern nutritional science and help ensure better nutrient absorption while reducing fatigue and supporting brain function.
“Modern nutritional science reinforces several traditional principles by demonstrating the importance of wholesome nutrition in supporting brain function and long-term mental resilience,” he said.
Dr. Prakash also highlighted the role of Yoga in improving circulation, reducing stress and supporting digestive and metabolic health. Regular physical activity, he said, could help students overcome physical sluggishness.
Explaining the relevance of Ayurveda, he said concepts such as Agni (digestive fire) and Dinacharya (daily routine) emphasised mindful eating and alignment with the body’s natural rhythms.
He pointed out that digestive health played an important role in overall well-being, with the gut microbiome influencing mood, cognitive clarity and immunity.
Dr. Prakash stressed the need to move from a reactive approach to healthcare towards proactive health practices. Such an approach, he said, would empower young people to take greater responsibility for their physical and mental well-being.
He said developing balanced and healthy food habits could help the younger generation build a strong foundation for lifelong health and intellectual growth.
Retired professor Jamuna Prakash, senior journalist Amshi Prasanna Kumar and others were present on the occasion.