In 1962, a group of like-minded nutritionists, dietitians and workers in the allied health fields resolved to form a scientific body to highlight the importance of dietetics and nutrition in the maintenance of health, and in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Thus, the Indian Dietetic Association was founded, with Prof. Kalyan Bagchi as Secretary and Dr. C. Gopalan as President. The association was affiliated to the International congress of Dietetics in 1975.