Office Bearers

Message from past President – Dr. P C Vijay Kumar

My Journey as the President of IAPEN India

My association with IAPEN began at the state level, where I was appointed as the President of the Tamil Nadu Chapter. This was my first leadership role in the organization, and I embraced it with the commitment to promote clinical nutrition in my state. During this tenure, I was also entrusted with the responsibility of chairing the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) core group. Under this capacity, I organized EnhaNS 2015 in Chennai, a pioneering conference that emphasized the implementation of ERAS protocols in surgical practice. The overwhelming success of this event reinforced my belief in the power of structured nutritional interventions in improving surgical outcomes.

Recognizing my contributions, I was soon elevated to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of IAPEN, where I played a role in shaping key decisions for the organization. As a firm believer in “one man, one post”, I voluntarily stepped down from my Tamil Nadu Chapter presidency, allowing new leadership to emerge and strengthening the decentralization of power within the association. I have always advocated for a leadership model that fosters growth rather than political entrenchment, and this decision was a reflection of that principle.

The year 2019 was a turning point, both for the world, grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and for IAPEN, which faced internal turmoil due to irregularities within the leadership. It was during this challenging period that the NEC placed its trust in me, asking me to lead as the President of IAPEN. My ascent to this position was unplanned—it was a role I assumed out of necessity rather than ambition.

With the association in crisis, we had to rebuild IAPEN from scratch. To navigate legal complexities and secure our identity, we rebranded ourselves as IAPEN INDIA, ensuring that we could move forward without ownership disputes. This transition came at the cost of financial and branding losses, but it was a necessary step to reclaim our integrity. The process was demanding – we established a new logo, new website, new bank account, and a new audit system, all while maintaining the unwavering support of our dedicated members. Under my leadership, IAPEN INDIA emerged like a phoenix, stronger and more determined than ever.

Today, IAPEN INDIA has grown into a formidable organization with over 3,500 members and 30 active chapters across the country. One of my primary objectives was to increase the involvement of doctors in the association, and I am proud to see this vision gradually coming to fruition.

On the international front, IAPEN INDIA faced a major challenge when ESPEN had to choose between two PEN societies in India. Through a strategic and transparent approach, we presented our case in a virtual meeting with ESPEN Chairman Dr. Rocco Barazzoni and other council members. With the unified efforts of our NEC team and a compelling presentation, we successfully secured our status as the only recognized PEN society of India under ESPEN. This was a defining moment for IAPEN INDIA, ensuring our credibility and paving the way for further international collaborations.

I personally took it upon myself to strengthen our relationship with ESPEN by attending multiple ESPEN Council Meetings and Congresses abroad. This led to IAPEN INDIA being granted the authority to conduct ESPEN’s LLL (Life-Long Learning) programs in India, which has significantly contributed to the professional development of our members. We now have a growing number of TLLL (Trained Life-Long Learning) professionals, further enhancing our academic and clinical credibility.

Under my leadership, ICNC (IAPEN Clinical Nutrition Congress) has been a flagship event that consistently showcases our progress and scientific excellence. Each year, we have expanded participation, enriched the scientific content, and enhanced international faculty involvement, making ICNC a premier event in the field of clinical nutrition.

Leadership is not about holding on to power; it is about empowering others to lead. From the moment I took on the responsibility of President of IAPEN INDIA, my vision was clear—to build an association that thrives on transparency, democracy, and collective strength.

Transforming IAPEN INDIA into a true democratic body was not an easy path. Finding the right balance between electing fresh, passionate leaders while valuing the wisdom of experienced seniors was a challenge that required patience, strategy, and above all, commitment to the greater good. Drafting the SOPs, bylaws, and guidelines was no less than a Herculean task, ensuring that every step we took strengthened the foundation of this great organization. But today, as we see new leaders emerging through a fair electoral process, I know in my heart that we did the right thing.

A true leader must know when to step down, and I have always believed that leadership is about building a system that can sustain itself beyond any individual. “A great leader’s legacy is not measured by how long they lead, but by how well the organization thrives after they step down.”

With that thought in mind, I made the conscious decision not to contest this election, choosing instead to gracefully pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. This is not an end, but a beautiful new beginning – for IAPEN INDIA, for all of you, and for me in a different role. I will continue to stand by IAPEN INDIA, not as its President, but as its unwavering supporter and guide in my new role as DIRECTOR.

To my colleagues, my friends, and every single member who has been a part of this incredible journey—thank you. Your faith in me gave me strength, your dedication inspired me, and your passion built this organization into what it is today.

As I take a step back, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. IAPEN INDIA is not just an association; it is my heart and soul, and it will always remain so.

“True leadership is not about being in charge; it is about taking care of those in your charge.” IAPEN INDIA, you will always have my care, my support, and my unwavering belief in your future.

Good luck, IAPEN INDIA. The best is yet to come!