Vinayak Narayan Patwardhan received PhD from University of London, UK. He worked as Professor of Nutrition, Vanderbilt University; Head of Nutrition Department, US Naval Medical Research Unit 3; Chief of Nutrition, World Health Organization, Geneva; and Director, Nutritional Research Laboratories, Coonoor and Hyderabad (1946-60).

Academic and Research Achievements: Patwardhan was an acknowledged nutrition expert in India. He investigated, among others, (i) influence of vitamin D on the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus; (ii) nutritive value of vegetable proteins; (iii) protein utilization and requirements; and (iv) protein malnutrition. He elucidated the role of essential fatty acids in aetiology of phrynoderma. During his tenure in WHO, he participated in worldwide studies on iron deficiency, nutritional anaemias and avitaminosis A. He authored the book Nutrition in India (IED, 1952, II Edn, 1961), rated as a classic of the 50s.

Awards and Honours: Professor Patwardhan was elected Honorary Member of the American Institute of Nutrition.