Dr Mahtab S. Bamji, FNA delivered the C.V. Raman Medal Lecture on ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Science and Practice of Nutrition’. During her lecture Dr Bamji covered all important aspects of health, nutrition and life - style related diseases. She stated that the health is the most important determinant of development and nutrition an important determinant of health. Environment and to a lesser extent genetics also play a role. Developing countries like India face the double burden of pre-transition diseases like malnutrition and infections, and post- transition diseases like obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies show a link between the two. Individuals who have suffered intrauterine malnutrition and are born with low birth weight are more prone to the post transition lifestyle-related diseases. Need for nutritional well being of women and children is obvious.Though nutrition is the oldest science, vast gaps exist in our understanding of mechanism of action of several nutrients, the link between biochemical and pathological manifestations of deficiencies and determining nutrient requirements.

President INSA presenting CV Raman Medal to Dr. Mahtab S. Bamj

determining nutrient requirements. A multidisciplinary approach using knowledge and skills of modern biology is needed. India with its wealth of traditional knowledge should gainfully exploit the recent recognition of health- promoting phytochemicals (nutraceuticals) in plant foods.Indian diets are deficient in pulses, vegetables, fruits and animal foods. Nutrient dense millets have been replaced by paddy. Dietary diversification to include these foods, through diversification in agriculture, is needed. A model for diversification from water guzzling crops like paddy and sugar cane to mixed gardens of fruit trees and vegetables, and application of organic methods has been developed in villages of Medak district to enhance nutritional and environmental security. Models have also been developed to improve health care outreach by training rural women as health entrepreneurs and community mobilisers. Marked impact was seen on women’s knowledge, and morbidity and mortality. A model for waste water disposal using double soakage pit helped to reduce water stagnation, and morbidity.These models also provide scope for skill-based employment of women.Improvement in community health and nutrition is possible only through an integrated approach, which engages the community in planning and implementation. Empowerment of women through education, health and livelihood should be the focus.
Admission to the Fellowship

All the newly elected Fellows were invited for the admission to the fellowship of the Academy. Professor M Vijayan, VP (Fellowship Affairs) read the citations of 21 newly elected fellow which were admitted to the fellowship by Dr RA Mashelkar, President of the Academy after owing allegiance to the obligation.Following fellows were admitted :Parveen Chaddah, Indore; R Vasantrao Gavai, Mumbai; Rahul Pandit, Bangalore; Yashwant Singh, Varanasi; Deevi Basavaiah, Hyderabad; AR Chakravarty, Bangalore; RV Chaudhari, Pune; Anurag Kumar, Bangalore; Baldev Raj, Kalpakkam; GVR Prasad, Jammu; M Udaya Kumar, Bangalore; KC Upadhyaya, New Delhi;

Dr. Gaiti Hasan receiving the fellowship scroll from the President INSA

INSA Young Scientists Medal 2005

Ms. Pallavi Kshetrapal receiving the Young Scientist medal from President INSA

Dr (Mrs) Suman Lata Jain, Dehradun; Dr Subhradip Karmakar, New Delhi; Dr (Ms) Ananth Krupa, UK; Ms Pallavi Kshetrapal, Hyderabad; Dr Alagarsamy Perumal, Guwahati; Dr V Richa Rikhy, Mumbai; Dr Anirban Roy, West Bengal; Dr K Sandeep, Bangalore;Dr Pranav Kumar Sharma, USA; Dr Jimmy Stephen, Hyderabad; Dr Ashima Vohra, Delhi were presented young scientists award by Dr R.A. Mashelkar, President INSA. They were introduced by Professor M Vijayan, Vice-President (Fellowship Affairs), who highlighted the work done by young scientists in India.

Recipients of INSA Young Scientist Awardees