The 58th Annual Conference of the Nutrition Society of India (NSI) commenced in Coimbatore on October 9, 2026. Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women (AIHSHEW), in collaboration with NSI, is hosting the two-day conference on October 9 and 10.
The inaugural session was attended by Dr. T.S.K. Meenakshisundaram, Chancellor, AIHSHEW; Dr. V. BharathiHarishankar, Vice-Chancellor, AIHSHEW; Dr. Indu, Registrar, AIHSHEW; Dr. SarathGopalan, President, NSI; and Dr. Subbarao M. Gavaravarapu, Secretary, NSI, among other dignitaries.
The central theme of this year’s conference is “Food and Nutrition – Leaving No One Behind”. The scientific programme covers six major areas: Community Nutrition; Food Science and Nutrition; Experimental Nutrition; Clinical Nutrition; Nutrition Education and Communication; and Sports Nutrition and Nutrition and Health Policy Research. The conference aims to bring together experts and researchers from different disciplines to discuss emerging challenges in nutrition, share scientific knowledge and explore ways to improve public health.
Dr. T.S.K. Meenakshisundaram, Chancellor, AIHSHEW, appreciated NSI for its support and commitment towards the successful organisation of the conference. He also acknowledged the contributions of researchers, delegates, students and other participants, noting that their participation would enrich the scientific discussions.
He expressed the hope that the conference would inspire new ideas, encourage collaboration and promote meaningful research, contributing to the larger mission of ensuring that no one is left behind in matters of food and nutrition.
Dr. M. Srinivas, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Government of India, delivered the keynote address through video conferencing. He appreciated the organisers for bringing leading nutrition experts together in Coimbatore and highlighted the importance of the conference theme in the context of India’s public health priorities.
Providing an overview of the country’s progress in food and nutrition, Dr. Srinivas also drew attention to the growing challenge posed by processed foods. He explained that market forces were encouraging the availability of products high in sugar, salt and fat. The increasing consumption of such foods, combined with declining physical activity, particularly among children, was contributing to a rise in lifestyle-related health problems.
Dr. Srinivasemphasised that India’s ambition to become a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047 must be accompanied by efforts to ensure that its citizens remain healthy. Nutrition professionals have an important role in determining whether the country can reverse the rising trend of non-communicable diseases and build a healthier population alongside economic development.
He urged the experts attending the conference to deliberate on ways to improve the effectiveness of existing nutrition programmes and develop innovative approaches to promote healthy dietary practices. Nutrition research, stronger partnerships between academia and industry, and advances in food technology were identified as important areas for attention. He called for the application of technology and research to develop practical, scalable solutions to India’s nutrition challenges.
In his address, Dr. SarathGopalan, President, NSI, welcomed the delegates and explained that the society had been making efforts in recent years to bring different dimensions of nutrition under one platform. The theme and the range of subjects covered in the scientific programme reflected this approach.
He highlighted the conference’s emphasis on inclusivity, with particular attention to preventing malnutrition and maintaining optimal health and nutritional status in the community. These two objectives formed the central focus of the scientific deliberations and discussions planned during the event.
In her address, Dr. V. BharathiHarishankar, Vice-Chancellor, AIHSHEW, highlighted the institution’s distinction of hosting the prestigious NSI annual conference for the second time, after a gap of 27 years.
She pointed out that the institution had established a strong identity through its pioneering contributions to nutrition education, research, community nutrition and extension activities. Hosting the conference once again was an opportunity to celebrate this legacy and strengthen the institution’s continued engagement with nutrition science.
Dr. BharathiHarishankar also recalled the contributions of Dr. Rajammal P. Devadas, a visionary pioneer of Home Science education. Her work had helped transform nutrition from an academic discipline into a powerful means of promoting education, health, community development and social empowerment.
Dr. Subbarao M. Gavaravarapu, Secretary, NSI, presented the secretary’s report and highlighted the society’s vision and interdisciplinary approach. He explained that NSI is an important professional body associated with the Indian National Science Academy and the International Union of Nutritional Sciences. The society’s founding vision was to bring together professionals from diverse fields who shared a commitment to taking the message of nutrition to the community.
He noted that NSI welcomed professionals from food technology, social sciences, medicine, dietetics, economics and other related disciplines. This inclusive approach had helped the society advance its objectives over the years. He stressed the importance of remembering the founding principles of the organisation and ensuring that every annual conference continued to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of nutrition science. He observed that the current conference had a comprehensive and engaging scientific programme.
Earlier Prof. M. Sylvia Subapriya, Convenor of the conference, presented an overview of the event, outlining its broad focus and scientific programme.
The first day of the conference features a panel discussion on “Indian Knowledge Systems in Nutrition”, Young Scientist Award sessions and a round-table discussion on pre-pregnancy nutrition care. The programme also includes the 50th Dr. Gopalan Oration and the 38th Dr. S.G. Srikantia Memorial Awards Lecture.
The second day will feature the 13th Dr. B.K. Anand Memorial Award and the 17th Dr. Rajammal P. Devadas Memorial Award Lecture. A debate on “Plant-based vs Animal-based Diets – Which Is More Sustainable?“, will examine the sustainability of different dietary choices. A panel discussion on “Smart Foods, Food Technology and Precision Nutrition” will explore emerging developments and their potential applications in the field.
