Mahadeva Swaminathan did his DSc (1940) from University of Madras. He was Chairman, Applied Nutrition and Dietetics (1949-72) and also Emeritus Scientist, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore.

Academic and Research Achievements: Swaminathan developed chemical methods for the determination of niacin and worked on several aspects of nutrition and dietetics. His achievements relate to: (i) infant and protein foods, (ii) mutual and amino acid supplementation of proteins, and (iii) metabolism studies in children. He also authored the books: Essentials of Food and Nutrition, Handbook of Food and Nutrition, Food Science and Experimental Food and Biochemistry for Medical Students.

Other Contributions: Swaminathan was Member of the FAO/WHO Expert Group of Calcium Requirements (1961) and also served as Associate Editor of Nutrit Rep Internat.

Awards and Honours: Dr Swaminathan was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad and Honorary Member of the American Institute of Nutrition.