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Professor M.S. Swaminathan | PERSONALITY

The Man Who Made the
The Man Who Made the

ood Security
tion’s F
Nation’s Food Security
Na
e’s Mis
sion
His Life’s Mission
His Lif
There are individuals whose contributions are not confined to a specific era or region.
Professor M.S. Swaminathan was one such great scientist and a devoted son of Maa Bharti.
He made science an instrument for public service and dedicated his life to the mission of
ensuring food security. He ignited a consciousness that would continue to guide India’s
policies and priorities for centuries to come.

Birth: August 7, 1925 | Death: September 28, 2023

devastating famine struck Bengal in 1943 during on Farmers. Professor Swaminathan also played a
the Second World War, leaving the country with pivotal role in the creation of the All India Agricultural
a
A severe food shortage. This situation deeply Research Service (ARS).
shook a young man, who resolved that the nation Despite his advanced age, Swaminathan remained
should never again face a scarcity of food. Driven by active in research and collaboration within the agricul-
this resolve, he began his studies in agriculture. That tural sector. He continued to contribute to discussions
young man was none other than M.S. Swaminathan, on rural development, food security, and sustainable
who is hailed as the pioneer of the Green Revolution agriculture through his writings, public speeches, and
in India. It was Swaminathan who, through his historic participation in numerous forums and conferences.
work in the 1960s and 1970s to boost the productivity Professor Swaminathan played a crucial role in estab-
and output of wheat and paddy crops, saved millions lishing and managing institutions dedicated to agricul-
of people from starvation. Furthermore, while spear- tural development, research, and policy support. M.S.
heading the campaign to make India self-reliant in Swaminathan passed away on September 28, 2023, at
food grains, Dr. Swaminathan consistently raised the age of 98. A recipient of numerous honors, Swam-
awareness among farmers about the dangers of inathan’s name for the Bharat Ratna was announced
increasing chemical usage and monoculture farming. by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024. PM Modi
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil stated that Swaminathan played a vital role in helping
Nadu, Swaminathan’s full name was Dr. Mankombu India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during chal-
Sambasivan Swaminathan. In 1988, he established lenging times and made outstanding efforts to mod-
the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. Fur- ernize Indian agriculture. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary
thermore, Professor Swaminathan held several key leadership not only transformed Indian agriculture but
positions in India with grace, innovation, and creativity. also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity.
One of his most significant roles came in 2004 when he He was someone I knew closely; I have always valued
was appointed Chairman of the National Commission his perspectives and ideas. n

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