President, Nisargopchar Yog Manav Utthan Charitable Trust (NYMUCT)
Dr. Navin Patel is a distinguished psychologist, academician, and dedicated advocate of holistic and integrative wellness. Currently serving as the President of NYMUCT, he brings over four decades of experience in psychology, research, and education.
He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and has served for more than 34 years in various prestigious institutions, culminating his academic career as the Head of the Psychology Department at Smt. L & C Mehta Arts College, GLS Campus, Ahmedabad. Dr. Patel has made significant contributions to research, curriculum development, and academic leadership across Gujarat’s leading universities.
Dr. Patel has been actively involved in national and international conferences, and has delivered numerous guest lectures on psychology, Bhagavad Gita, education, stress management, and personality development. His unique ability to blend psychological insights with spiritual and value-based education has inspired students, educators, and professionals alike.
As President of NYMUCT, Dr. Patel envisions advancing the organization’s mission through a synthesis of modern psychology and traditional healing sciences like naturopathy and yoga. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to community wellness, human values, and integrative health education.
Chief Secretary, Nisargopchar Yog Manav Utthan Charitable Trust (NYMUCT) Chief Editor, International Journal of Integrative Health and Mind-Body Medicine
Dr. Chirag Andhariya is a pioneering leader in the field of integrative health, naturopathy, yoga, and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), with over 25 years of clinical and academic experience. As the Chief Medical Officer of the NABH-accredited Shankus Natural Health Centre, he has successfully guided more than 28,000 individuals worldwide on their journey to holistic wellness.
A Ph.D. scholar in Yogic Science and Naturopathy, Dr. Chirag holds multiple postgraduate degrees in Yogic Science, Jivan Vigyan, Preksha Meditation, and Alternative Therapy. His research explores evidence-based lifestyle and diet protocols for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and psychosomatic disorders, including groundbreaking work on the gut-brain axis.
In his role as Secretary of NYMUCT, Dr. Chirag is dedicated to reviving and institutionalizing traditional health systems through research, community engagement, and health education. He is especially passionate about integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern academic and public health domains and works actively to establish IKS-based programs in universities and society.
As Chief Editor of the International Journal of Integrative Health and Mind-Body Medicine, he leads efforts to publish high-quality, interdisciplinary research that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary healthcare. He is also spearheading the implementation of AI-driven plagiarism detection and ethical research protocols to uphold global standards of academic integrity.
Academic & Professional Engagements:
• Secretary, Research Committee for Naturopathy and Yoga, Naturopathy Doctors’ Association
• Chief Secretary, Akhil Gujarat Kudrati Upchar Mahamandal
• Examiner & Faculty, Diploma in Yoga Education, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University
• Visiting Faculty, Somnath Sanskrit University (Yoga Department)
• Visiting Faculty, Sreyarth University (IKS Department)
Leadership in Conferences & Workshops:
• Organizing Chairman, 1st Naturopathy Day Celebration & International Conference
Theme: Impact of Mahatma Gandhi Ji’s Philosophy on Naturopathy, Gandhi Ashram, in collaboration with BAOU, 2018
• Conference Chairman, National Conference on Emotional Detoxification through Yoga & Naturopathy – May 2022
• Conference Chairman, National Conference on Lifestyle Management through Naturopathy & Yoga – October 2018
• Co-Chairman, International Conference on Clinical Research: Psychology, Yoga & Naturopathy – Sept 2023, attended by Hon. CM Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel as Chief Guest
• Workshop Secretary, National Workshop on Research Paper Writing, BAOU – July 2023
• Expert Faculty, 2-Day Workshop on Naturopathy & Yoga for UG/PG/PhD students, Somnath Sanskrit University – Feb 2023
• Guest Speaker, International Conference on Mental Health Care through Spirituality, Ayurveda & Alternative Therapies, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
• Special Lecture Delivered on “Emotional Well-being and Resilience: Insights from the Indian Knowledge System” at Ganpat University – IKS Department
Research & Publications:
• Effect of Yogic Intervention on Stress among Adolescents, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya
• Disturbed Sleep as a Diagnostic Symptom for Depression, UYCON Global Yoga Fest, 2022
• Five-Element Theory for Psychological Disorders, BAOU National Conference
• Counseling During Naturopathy Stay for CHD Patients, Surabhi Journal (Peer-reviewed)
• Naturopathy: A Way Towards Healthy Living, International Psychometrics Conference, Gujarat University
• Yogic Intervention for Cancer Patients’ Psychological Well-being, International Clinical Research Conference
• Integrative Approaches in Lifestyle Medicine for Hypertension, International Conference on NEP & Holistic Education
• Impact of Yogic and Naturopathic Therapies on the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA), Lakulish Yog University International Conference
Authorship & Media:
• Author of “Advancements in Clinical Research: Integrating Psychology, Yoga, and Naturopathy for Wellbeing”
• Book Yoga: The Wonder Cure”
• Featured in leading media including Times of India, Divya Bhaskar, Chitralekha, Doordarshan AYUSH, ETV, etc.
• Speaker at public platforms such as Lions Club, Karnavati Club, Rajpath Club, GCCI, IMA, and Pushti Parivar
Dr. Chirag’s vision blends ancient Indian healing systems with modern scientific insight. Through NYMUCT and his editorial leadership, he continues to serve as a torchbearer for holistic, integrative, and sustainable healthcare rooted in the Indian Knowledge System.
Trustee (Treasurer), Nisargopchar Yog Manav Utthan Charitable Trust (NYMUCT)
Dr. Manish Shah is a dedicated trustee and currently serves as the Treasurer of NYMUCT. He holds a Diploma in Naturopathy and Yoga Education from Bhavnagar University, along with a Postgraduate Degree in Psychology from the same institution. He further advanced his academic journey by earning a Ph.D. from Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan.
With over 18 years of professional experience, Dr. Shah has been actively engaged as a naturopath and psychotherapist across leading nature cure hospitals and wellness centers in Gujarat. He began his career in a psychiatric rehabilitation center, where his foundation in psychotherapy took root.
His integrative approach—merging naturopathy with psychology—offers a unique and comprehensive perspective on holistic health, addressing both physical and mental well-being. He has extensive experience in managing psychosomatic disorders through a combination of nature cure therapies and psychotherapeutic techniques.
Dr. Shah’s contributions are not limited to clinical practice. He is equally passionate about academic and research activities. His doctoral research focused on the impact of naturopathy and counseling on lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.
In addition to his clinical and research work, he serves as a visiting faculty member at various institutes, including colleges of Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, and Nursing, where he continues to inspire and educate future health professionals.
Currently, Dr. Manish Shah is associated with Punarnava – An Integrated Centre for Research and Well-being in Valsad, where he continues his work in the field of holistic health and wellness.
Secretary, Nisargopchar Yog Manav Utthan Charitable Trust (NYMUCT)
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Panchal is a distinguished academician and seasoned psychologist with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. A retired professor from the Department of Psychology at Gujarat University, he currently serves as the Dean of Research and Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at Lakulish Yoga University.
He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, and has dedicated 34 years to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, shaping the minds and careers of future scholars and professionals.
Prof. Panchal has made remarkable contributions to psychological research, with over 50 research papers published in reputed national and international journals. His academic influence extends further through his exceptional mentorship, having successfully guided 43 Ph.D. scholars to completion.
In recognition of his excellence in teaching and lifelong service to education, he was honored with the Best Teacher Award in 2015 by the Gandhinagar Panchal Parivar.
As the Chief Secretary of NYMUCT, Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Panchal brings his academic rigor, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to promoting holistic and integrative health systems grounded in Indian traditions. His presence strengthens the Trust’s mission to advance evidence-based naturopathy, yoga, and mind-body medicine in education, research, and community service.
Coordinator, International Journal of Integrative Health and Mind-Body Medicine Committee Member, Nisargopchar Yog Manav Utthan Charitable Trust (NYMUCT)
With extensive experience in the field of Radiation Oncology, Ms. Kruti Haraniya brings a unique blend of clinical excellence, academic distinction, and technological innovation. A Gold Medalist in Medical Physics, she has built a distinguished career marked by precision, dedication, and a passion for improving cancer care through advanced radiotherapy techniques.
Ms. Kruti is particularly focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning into radiotherapy to improve precision and enhance treatment outcomes. She has played a pivotal role in the installation and commissioning of Radiation Oncology departments and has demonstrated exceptional expertise in advanced treatment planning, system validation, and radiation safety.
Her specialization includes:
Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Operations
Brachytherapy and Treatment Planning Systems (TPS)
Radiation Safety and Protection
Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques such as SRS, SRT, SBRT, and Adaptive Radiotherapy
Expertise in treatment planning for brain, head & neck, breast, lung, and liver tumors
Recognized globally, Ms. Kruti has consistently ranked among the top treatment planners over the past five years, a testament to her dedication and technical acumen.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Ms. Kruti is actively working on AI-based tools for plagiarism detection and ethical research validation, supporting the journal and academic activities of NYMUCT. Her contributions are instrumental in maintaining the integrity and quality of scientific publications and fostering a culture of research excellence.
She is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including:
Association of Medical Physicists of India (AMPI)
European Society of Radiology (ESR)
American Brachytherapy Society (ABS)
Middle East Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (MESTRO)
She has also contributed to the academic and professional community by participating in and speaking at numerous national and international conferences.
In her role as Coordinator of the International Journal of Integrative Health and Mind-Body Medicine, Ms. Kruti supports interdisciplinary research and publication efforts, bridging the gap between traditional healing systems and modern scientific advancements. As a committee member of NYMUCT, she actively contributes to the promotion and development of holistic and integrative healthcare initiatives