How passion and persistence turned a dream of medicine into a lifetime of learning!

When we think of the human body, we often imagine doctors diagnosing illnesses and prescribing treatments. For Dharini Krishnan, that image once defined her dreams. She wanted to become a medical doctor, but life led her to a path that was slightly different yet just as fulfilling. She discovered Nutrition and Dietetics, a field that shared much of the medical curriculum, from physiology and biochemistry to clinical care, allowing her to explore the human body in depth, but through the lens of food and health.

From the first day of her course, Dharini felt at home. Each subject fascinated her, and she eagerly delved into medical journals to expand her understanding. The more she learned, the more confident she became in her decision. Her curiosity transformed into a deep passion, guiding her from graduation to postgraduation and eventually to a Ph.D. Even today, she continues to learn, driven by the constant evolution of the field and the endless discoveries that keep her engaged.

Early in her career, Dharini faced a challenge. Most of the knowledge she accessed came from Western textbooks, leaving a gap in applying nutrition science to the Indian context. She took it as an opportunity to adapt and localize the information, making it practical and relevant for her community. This effort to bridge global knowledge with local needs became a defining part of her journey.

For Dharini, the work is never finished. Her path reflects more than academic achievement; it embodies curiosity, resilience, and a desire to make knowledge accessible. What began as a dream of practicing medicine evolved into a lifetime of understanding the science of nutrition and improving the lives of those around her. Her story shows that the paths we do not plan can sometimes lead to the most meaningful impact.

Evolving Nutrition in India

During her tenure as Chair of the Registered Dietitian Board at the Indian Dietetic Association, Dharini played a pivotal role in shaping the professional and educational framework for dietitians across India. She expanded the number of examination centers, ensuring wider accessibility for candidates aspiring to become registered dietitians. Recognizing the challenges faced by students in clearing the exam, the board introduced complimentary refresher courses, drawing on the expertise of leading professionals from diverse areas of dietetics.

Dharini emphasized practical training by increasing partnerships with hospitals to provide internships, which allowed students to gain essential hands-on experience in clinical settings. The registration process required candidates to have worked in a clinical dietetics environment, ensuring a strong foundation in applied practice. Years before assuming the roles of national president and chair of the board, she contributed to establishing the Indian Dietetic Association’s website, answering students’ queries and guiding them through both exam preparation and association-related matters.

Her efforts extended beyond new graduates. She initiated outreach programs encouraging students to pursue the Registration Exam after completing their studies. Additionally, the board organized examination opportunities for senior professionals already in practice, enabling them to achieve R.D. credentials. Under her leadership, the board also introduced the Clinical Nutrition Manual, providing a comprehensive guide for the practice of dietetics in clinical settings.

Dharini’s initiatives collectively strengthened the structure, accessibility, and quality of nutrition education in India, leaving a lasting impact on the profession.

Transforming Lives Through Diet Counselling

A client arrived with dangerously high creatinine levels and was advised to begin kidney dialysis. The client expressed hesitation to follow that path. Dharini applied a carefully tailored approach, combining principles of traditional medicine with modern dietary practices. This strategy focused on sustainable, health-focused changes while addressing the specific needs of the patient. 

Over time, the client’s creatinine levels improved, and she continues to manage her health successfully through this guidance. The case illustrates the profound impact a personalized and thoughtful approach to diet counselling can have on a patient’s life.

Bridging Tradition and Science

Dharini combines the deep wisdom of traditional Indian food practices with the insights of modern nutritional science to create effective dietary guidance. When clients face challenges such as obesity or difficulty losing weight, she consults an Ayurveda Vaidhya and they help by carefully assessing their body type. By identifying foods that may not align with their constitution according to traditional medicine, she adjusts their diet to support gut health and overall balance. This approach often produces remarkable results, as the body responds naturally to foods suited to its unique needs.

The integration of ancient knowledge with contemporary understanding presents its own set of challenges. It requires careful evaluation of each individual, thoughtful selection of foods, and a nuanced approach that respects both tradition and scientific evidence. Dharini’s work demonstrates that when these two systems are combined thoughtfully, they create a powerful tool for improving health and achieving lasting wellness.

Innovating Tools for Better Practice

Creating the DIGEST diet software, along with its app and website, presented a significant challenge that Dharini embraced with dedication. In the field of dietetics, calculations of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats relied entirely on manual methods. 

The introduction of this technology transformed the work of dietitians by simplifying these processes and improving efficiency. Client data could be stored systematically, allowing for practical application in consultations and valuable use in research. Given that research in dietary assessment within India remained limited, these tools contributed meaningfully to advancing both practice and knowledge in the field.

Debunking Indian Diet Myths

Indian diets receive appreciation across the globe, yet common misconceptions persist about their composition. Many believe that Indian meals are high in carbohydrates and low in protein, but this view overlooks the potential of thoughtful meal planning. Vegetarian diets can provide ample protein when balanced carefully. Adequate fiber intake can also help maintain healthy levels of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12. 

Adjusting the proportions on the plate to include more protein-rich foods and vegetables creates a nourishing and wholesome meal. Cooking methods can focus on flavor while minimizing excessive use of oil, making traditional Indian food both healthy and enjoyable.

Culture and Nutrition Choices

Dietary choices in Indian communities are deeply shaped by cultural traditions, family practices, and long-standing habits. Maintaining familiar foods plays a crucial role in sustaining nutritional health, as sudden shifts to unfamiliar diets often prove difficult to follow. 

A detailed dietary assessment provides a clear understanding of existing eating patterns. Collaboration with the family ensures that dietary goals align with cultural preferences and daily routines, creating a sustainable approach to healthier eating. This method respects traditions while supporting individual nutritional needs.

Personalized Diets for Complex Cases

In cases involving severe burns or chronic illnesses, diet plans are designed with careful attention to the specific needs of each patient. The focus remains on providing essential nutrients that support recovery and maintain overall health. For burn patients, ensuring an adequate and affordable source of protein is a priority, as it plays a critical role in tissue repair and healing.

When advanced psychological conditions are present, collaboration with trained mental health professionals becomes an integral part of the process. Psychological counselling supports patients in adhering to their dietary plans and helps address emotional and cognitive factors that influence eating habits. This holistic approach ensures that both the physical and mental well-being of the patient is considered, creating a balanced pathway to recovery.

Impact of Research on Diabetes Care

Dharini’s Ph.D. research on diet and exercise in Type 2 diabetes created a significant shift in the way nutritional counselling is approached. As one of the early freelance dietitians with expertise in computers, she combined technology with personalized care, bringing precision and clarity to her practice. She meticulously tracked and calculated dietary plans for 150 clients throughout her research, demonstrating the tangible benefits of individualized counselling.

Her approach allowed clients to see the real impact of small, personalized changes in their diet. Using software and an app she developed, she generated accurate meal plans and visualized results through graphs, making complex nutritional concepts easy to understand. Group counselling sessions became interactive platforms where clients could observe improvements, empowering them to take ownership of their health.

This research solidified her belief in the power of tailored guidance and data-driven insights. It continues to shape her advocacy, as she promotes the importance of personalized diet strategies in managing Type 2 diabetes, inspiring both patients and professionals to embrace informed, individualized approaches.

Making Nutrition Accessible and Accurate

Dharini integrates the latest research in Dietetics directly into her professional practice. She translates complex scientific findings into clear guidance that the public can understand and apply. 

Through media engagements and educational initiatives, she ensures that accurate, evidence-based nutrition advice reaches people in a way that is practical for everyday life. Her approach emphasizes clarity, relevance, and reliability, helping individuals make informed dietary choices for specific health conditions or personal goals.

The Future of Nutrition Counselling in India

The future of nutrition counselling in India will be shaped by the integration of genetics, Ayurveda, and modern nutritional science, all supported by technology. Personalized diet prescriptions will increasingly consider an individual’s genetic makeup alongside traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda. 

This combination allows a more precise approach to health and wellness, addressing unique body needs. Technology will play a central role in delivering these tailored solutions efficiently, making expert guidance accessible to a wider population. Practitioners who combine these disciplines can offer programs that are both scientifically informed and culturally relevant, creating a more holistic and effective path to nutrition and well-being.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Passion for the subject drives Dharini to explore new horizons in dietetics and nutrition. She believes that the traditional Indian diet offers a naturally balanced and healthy foundation. Minor adjustments, such as reducing oil and including more vegetables and proteins, can significantly enhance health outcomes. 

Her vision for the next generation of Indian dietitians and nutritionists emphasizes preserving these time-tested eating patterns while thoughtfully integrating modern foods where necessary. She hopes they cultivate a curiosity to continuously learn and apply the latest research in their practice, ensuring that Indian nutrition evolves thoughtfully while staying rooted in its heritage.