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MS Swaminathan an agriculture scientist as well as father of Green Revolution passed away at the age of 98. He breathed his last at his residents in Chennai on Thursday at around 11.20 am.
Early Life and Contributions of MS Swaminathan
The full name of MS Swaminathan is Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan. He was born on August 7, 1925 in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. He was a multifaceted figure— an agronomist, agricultural scientist, plant geneticist, administrator and humanitarian. Swaminathan’s indelible mark on India’s agricultural landscape lies in his instrumental role in developing high-yielding varieties of paddy. These innovations proved to be a lifeline for India’s low-income farmers significantly boosting crop yields.
He started his career in 1949 by researching on the genetic of potato, wheat, rice and jute.
Condolence Shown by the leader
Narendra Modi express his condolence via. X, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation’s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation.
Beyond his revolutionary contributions to agriculture, Dr. Swaminathan was a powerhouse of innovation and a nurturing mentor to many. His unwavering commitment to research and mentorship has left an indelible mark on countless scientists and innovators.
I will always cherish my conversations with Dr. Swaminathan. His passion to see India progress was exemplary. His life and work will inspire generations to come. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation’s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation. pic.twitter.com/BjLxHtAjC4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2023
Rahul Gandhi Shows his condolence, “Dr. MS Swaminathan’s steadfast commitment to revolutionising India’s agriculture turned us into a food surplus country. His legacy as the Father of the Green Revolution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this time of loss.”
Dr. MS Swaminathan's steadfast commitment to revolutionising India's agriculture turned us into a food surplus country.
His legacy as the Father of the Green Revolution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this time of loss. pic.twitter.com/9pgMxwh81M
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 28, 2023
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The ‘Father of Green Revolution’ MS Swaminathan
As India grappled with the looming threat of a mass famine and a severe scarcity of food grains. Swaminathan, alongside Norman Borlaug and fellow scientists, embarked on a groundbreaking journey. They developed high yield variety seeds for wheat. This collaborative effort laid the foundation of the ‘Green Revolution’. An initiative that revolutionized wheat and rice production through the adoption of chemical-biological technology. During the 1960s and 1970s, Swaminathan collaborated with notable agriculture ministers such as C Subramaniam and Jagjivan Ram to drive the success of this transformation.
International Recognition
Swaminathan’s remarkable contributions earned him recognition on a global scale. The United Nations Environment Programme bestowed upon him the title of the “Father of Economic Ecology”. His groundbreaking work in introducing high yielding wheat and rice varieties in India he was awarded World Food Prize in 1987. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science and agriculture. Swaminathan set up the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai.
His awarded also include the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971, the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986 and India’s Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards. Swaminathan was also awarded H K Firodia Award, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award and the Indira Gandhi Prize
Administrative Roles by MS Swaminathan
Swaminathan’s influence extended beyond his research. He held key administrative positions in various agricultural research laboratories. He also serves as the Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Later he was served as the Director-General at the International Rice Research Institute. In 1979, he was the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. In the year of 1988, his contributions reached a global scale when he became the President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. He was appointed as the Chair of the National Commission on Farmers in India in 2004.
Global Impact and Legacy
Not confined to India, Swaminathan made a substantial impact globally. He contributes to various international agricultural and environmental initiatives. His influence was acknowledged by Time magazine. He was influence when he was named one of the “20 Most Influential Asians of the 20th Century.”
Personal Life
MS Swaminathan leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape India’s agricultural landscape. He was survived by his three daughters: Soumya, Madhura, and Nitya. His wife, Mina, passed away in 2022.
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