In 1963, a band of 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 registered under the Registration of Society Act, 1961 vide Reg. No. 6039 (1963-64). The Association was affiliated to the International Congress of Dietetics (ICDA) in 1975.