Shukla Family Honored by Chapman University for Setting 165-Year OldCampus Records

Chapman University recognized Dr. Pradip K. Shukla and family for setting 165-year old campus records at the Charles C. Chapman Legacy Society dinner on April 16th, 2026 in Orange California. The dinner was held with prominent Chapman University administrators, donors, alumni, students, faculty, and friends in attendance.

David Moore, Assistant Vice President, Legacy Planning at Chapman University spoke of the family’s record setting accomplishments as he introduced Dr. Pradip K. Shukla and Professor Yatri Shukla as new members of Chapman University’s Charles C. Chapman Legacy Society along with their older daughter Dr. Monica Shukla-Belmontes.Pradip and Yatri both had parents and grandparents who were educators.

 

Dr. Pradip K. Shukla, The Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness, is in his 41st year at Chapman University’s Argyros College of Business and Economics. He was recognized for holding the record for having taught the most students in ChapmanUniversity's 165-year history.He achieved this milestone by teaching additional class sections during several summer sessions, interterms, along with overloads during regular semesters. Dr. Pradip Shukla also serves as a consultant and Advisory Board member of businesses.

Professor Yatri Shukla, who teaches Business Calculus, was recognized for being a triple alumna of Chapman University with a Master’s Degree in Food Science, a Teaching Credential in Science, and an Executive MBA Degree. Professor Yatri Shukla is also on the Board of Directors and Executive Committees of non-profit and for-profit organizations.

 

Dr. Monica Shukla-Belmontes, their oldest daughter, was recognized for having earned five Chapman University degrees along with two Graduate Program Certificates. Monica was recognized as the student who had earned the most Chapman University degrees in Chapman University’s 165-year history. Monica, who is now Dean of the School of Business at College of the Canyons, had previously co-taught a business class with her father and had also co-taught a class with her mother. According to a Google search, there is no record of any other professor who has co-taught University level classes with both parents.

Amy Alfi, the younger daughter in the Shukla family was also recognized for earning three Chapman University degrees. Amy also taught classes for Chapman University’s Academic Centers which were renamed Brandman University at the time.

 

Dr. Pradip and Yatri Shukla are making a gift to through their estate, to support the Hindu Vedic Fund within the Fish Interfaith Center. This ensures that Hindu students and others on campus are engaged in conversations and programs around their Hindu faith and its meaning in their lives.

The Charles C. Chapman Legacy Society celebrates those caring and visionary individuals who, through their estate plans, are making a contribution to the future of Chapman University. The visionary planning of donors provides a legacy of leadership for Chapman's future.

 

Chapman University is a nationally-ranked, R2 Carnegie Classified, private institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. Chapman’s campuses are home to nearly 10,000 students representing 50 states, three territories, and 87 countries. The 11 schools and colleges of Chapman, including Schmid College of Science and Technology, offer 65 bachelors, 53 master, and six doctoral programs, along with nearly 60 minors and 17 accelerated and bridge programs. Classes are taught by the more than 1,100 dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their fields, including Nobel Prize recipients, MacArthur Fellows, National Medal of Science honorees, former U.S. Supreme Court clerks, and Emmy, Grammy, and Academy Award winners. 

(L-R: Professor Yatri Shukla, Dr. Monica Shukla-Belmontes, Dr. Pradip K. Shukla source: Chapman student)

(L-R: Dr. Pradip K. Shukla, Professor Yatri Shukla, Chapman University President Matt Parlow source: Chapman student)

(L-R: Dr. Pradip K. Shukla, Dr. Monica Shukla-Belmontes, Chapman University President Matt Parlow source: Chapman student)

“Nutrition 360” Initiative Launched in California to Promote Food as Medicine and Holistic Living

A significant step toward promoting healthier lifestyles was marked with the launch of “Nutrition 360,” a nationwide initiative by the Global Indian Scientists and Technocrats (GIST) Forum. The event took place on April 15, 2026, at the devotee-run Irvine Hindu Mandir Cultural Center, drawing an enthusiastic gathering of around 150 attendees.

 

Aligned with the theme “Eat food as medicine, else medicine becomes food,” the initiative aims to raise awareness about nutrition, holistic wellness, sustainable living, vegetarian diets, and the principles of Ayurveda. The program began with the traditional lighting of the auspicious lamp, followed by invocations of Ganesha and Dhanvantari, setting a spiritually uplifting tone for the event.

 

In her inaugural address, Vice Consul of Los Angeles, Priyanka Tyagi, emphasized the importance of community-driven health awareness initiatives. The keynote speaker, Dr. Yelloji-Rao Mirajkar, delivered an engaging and informative presentation, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in preventive healthcare.

 

Adding further depth, renowned cardiologist Dr. Dinesh Kumar shared valuable insights on adopting a vegetarian diet, reducing processed foods and sugars, and making mindful food choices that benefit both health and budget. He stressed that not all food intake equates to proper nutrition, urging attendees to focus on quality over quantity.

The interactive Q&A session, moderated by Vaidya Rajesh Kanwar, encouraged active participation from the audience. The event was smoothly emceed by youth host Aradhya, reflecting strong community involvement.

The program concluded with the singing of the US and Indian national anthems, followed by a live evening aarti. Attendees also enjoyed a wholesome vegetarian dinner and received a special gift—the popular California time zone Panchang calendar—from the Mandir. The event’s success was made possible through the dedicated efforts of community volunteers.

“Nutrition 360” marks a promising movement toward integrating ancient wisdom with modern health practices, reinforcing the idea that mindful eating is the foundation of a healthy life.