Noted scientist, father-figure of nutrition research in India, and ex-Director of National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Dr. Coluthur Gopalan passed away in the early hours of Thursday at his residence in Chennai after a brief illness.
Dr. Goplan was born in 1918 and celebrated his 100th birthday last year. He served as the Director of NIN from 1961 to 1974 and as DG of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, from 1974-79.
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1970 and Padma Bhushan in 2003. A scientist of international eminence, he spearheaded the cause of nutrition science for several decades -- contributing towards betterment of nutrition of population in India and other developing countries, especially in south-east Asian countries.
