Chennai, September 28: Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a pioneering scientist widely regarded as the architect of the Green Revolution in India, has passed away at the age of 98, as confirmed by his nephew, Rajeev, in a phone conversation with IANS. Dr. Swaminathan breathed his last at 11:15 a.m. today, following a period of declining health spanning the past 15 days.
Dr. Swaminathan, renowned for his contributions to agricultural science and plant genetics, played a pivotal role in ushering in a social transformation through his visionary policies aimed at averting famine-like conditions in India during the tumultuous 1960s.
In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Dr. Swaminathan was honored with the inaugural World Food Prize in 1987, a testament to his tireless dedication to improving food security and agricultural sustainability. Subsequently, he established the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai, further solidifying his commitment to agricultural research and development.
Biography of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan:
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan dedicated his life to the advancement of agricultural science in India. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Madras and went on to obtain a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Swaminathan’s groundbreaking work in the field of plant genetics and his pioneering research on high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice earned him the nickname “Father of the Green Revolution in India.” His efforts led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity, ensuring food security for millions of people in the country.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Swaminathan held various prestigious positions, including serving as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and as the Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. His visionary leadership and scientific acumen left an indelible mark on Indian agriculture and made him a revered figure in the field of agricultural science worldwide.
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come as India and the world grapple with the challenges of feeding a growing global population while ensuring the sustainability of agriculture.
