Flashcards with the word on one side and the meaning on the other side are useful for memorizing. Also, saying the words into a recording, with a pause between each word and the meaning, is a helpful way to use your listening skills while learning.

Hi, I am your neighbour from India.

I know that Mandarin and English are completely different languages structurally. I therefore believe you must first note how same letters of the English alphabet have different sounds. Don't bother about the meaning, just note how differently 'g' is pronounced in gate and cage. Or how differenly 't' is pronounced twice in 'that'.

Then try learning phrases instead of words. This is a much more easier and quicker method to learn.

There are many course books, available in India to help learn Mandarin from English. I am sure such books teaching English from Chinese are also available in China. Also try getting help from a person who speaks both.

And I agree with what you have written in Chinese, online translators are not of much use, though I used one myself to translate that. Good luck ahead... :)