The School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, organized Dr. Yellapragada Subba Row Memorial Lecture on 28th August, 2024 at the Auditorium of School of Life Sciences. The memorial lecture is an annual event whereby an eminent Scientist involved in translational research is invited as the speaker. This year Dr. Hemalatha R, former Director, National Institute of Nutrition was the chief guest and she delivered the talk on “Dietary Guidelines for Indians”
The event started with lighting of the lamp by Dr. Hemalatha R, Prof. Ghanasham Krishna Director, Institute of Eminence and Prof. Geeta Vemuganti, Dean, School of Medical Sciences. Prof. Ghanasham Krishna. This was followed by garlanding the portrait of Dr. Yellapragada Subba Row.
Prof. Geeta K Vemuganti, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, welcomed the Speaker and highlighted the relevance and significance of Dr. Yellapragada Subba Row even today and presented the key events from his life and his achievements. Prof. Ghanasham Krishna gave the inaugural note followed by introduction of the speaker by Dr. C T Anitha, Associate Professor, School of Medical Sciences.
Dr.Hemalatha R started her talk highlighting the impact of individual components of diet on all-cause mortality & Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYS). She said as most Indians had a diet low in whole grains – leading dietary risk factor for deaths and DALYs and attributed two-thirds of diet-related DALYs – to low intake of fruits and vegetables. She mentioned that diet is the number one risk factor – major Non-Communicable Diseases – IHD (heart attack), stroke, diabetes and PCOD, NAFLD. The current eating patterns of Indians got their Calories primarily from refined carbs and had low intake of pulses, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts oilseeds with low intake of milk/curd. There is lack of dietary diversity and the Infant and young children (IYC) diets too are poor.
Given this context, she stressed that the Dietary guidelines for Indians had to be revised in 2024 based on available data and emerging research to focus on disease prevention rather than disease treatment. The new 2024 DGI – based on more recent data on “Nutrient Composition” and “Nutrient Requirements” would provide the government with a consistent approach for nutrition policy. In her talk she highlighted the seventeen dietary guidelines and reiterated important ones especially “My plate for the day” visual tool to effectively extend to reach all Indians, thereby contributing to the broader objective of improving health and nutrition outcomes.
Her talk was very well received and it was followed by a brief Q & A session. The gathering also heard from the grandchildren of Dr. Yellapragada Subba Row lineage. The grandnephew, Dr. Subramanya a retired scientist from Merck company shared some anecdotal incidents.
The event concluded with the Dean, SoMS presenting a token of appreciation to the speaker Dr. Hemalatha R followed by the vote of thanks by Dr Anitha CT. Towards the end, all faculty and students gathered for a group photo with the speaker and relatives of Dr.Yellapragada Subba Row.
Youtube link of the video is : https://m.youtube.com/live/CZEXKvkFUro