Bharat Ratna Dr M. S. Swaminathan: A Legacy of Transforming Lives

The Bengal Famine of 1943 profoundly influenced Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, igniting a lifelong dedication to eradicating hunger through scientific innovation and policy reform. His ground-breaking collaboration with Norman Borlaug introduced high-yielding wheat varieties to India, forming the cornerstone of the Green Revolution and propelling the nation toward food grain self-sufficiency.

Recognising the environmental and social challenges posed by intensive farming, Dr. Swaminathan championed an “Evergreen Revolution,” emphasising sustainable agricultural practices that balanced productivity with ecological harmony. He spearheaded transformative initiatives such as the Bio-Village model that integrated sustainable development with rural livelihoods, and the National Virtual Academy, which empowered rural communities through digital education and knowledge sharing. His unwavering advocacy for equitable agricultural policies prioritised the rights of smallholder farmers and women, promoting their empowerment and ensuring access to critical resources and technologies.

Globally, Dr. Swaminathan’s leadership roles in organisations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reflected his systems-thinking approach to tackling climate change, conserving biodiversity, and addressing socio-economic inequalities.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to agriculture and food security, he was honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1967), Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971), Padma Bhushan (1972), World Food Prize (1987), Padma Vibhushan (1989), and Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development (2000). In 2024, his legacy was further immortalised when he was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

In an era marked by existential challenges — climate change, energy crises, and deepening inequalities –Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His life’s work underscores the urgency of transforming global systems through the fusion of scientific innovation and social justice. Celebrating his centenary is not merely a tribute to his monumental achievements but a call to action, reaffirming a global commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and a hunger-free world. His vision of cooperation and benevolence among individuals, institutions, and nations continues to guide us in addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan

As we approach the birth centenary of Professor M.S. Swaminathan on 7 August 2025, the M.S. Swaminathan Birth Centenary Celebration Committee will host a series of events to honour his extraordinary contributions to sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development. These commemorations aim to reflect on his transformative impact and inspire future generations to carry forward his vision of a hunger-free and sustainable world.

The centenary events will serve as both a tribute to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s unparalleled contributions and a call to action to advance his vision of a hunger-free world. These events will underscore the urgency of collaborative research and policy initiatives to tackle the pressing food security challenges of our time, particularly in the context of climate change.

Key Events Planned for the M.S. Swaminathan Birth Centenary Celebrations

• M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference: A global platform bringing together scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to address challenges in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
• M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Lecture Series: A series of lectures by eminent personalities highlighting the impact of Dr. Swaminathan’s work and its relevance to current global challenges.
• Short Inspiring Films on the Life and Work of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan: Documentaries and short films showcasing his journey and contributions to agricultural science and rural development.
• Commemorative Stamp and Coin Release*: Issuance of a special stamp and coin to honour Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy.
• Declaration of 7th August as National Agricultural Science Day*: Advocacy for officially designating Dr. Swaminathan’s birth anniversary as a day to celebrate agricultural innovation and science.
• S. Swaminathan Annual Award for Agriculture and Genetics*: A prestigious award recognising excellence in agricultural research and genetics, supported by the Government of India.
• Life and Work of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan: Multilingual Brochures: Publication of informational brochures in Hindi, English, and regional languages to reach diverse audiences.
• Community Outreach Programmes: Engagement with rural communities through workshops, capacity-building initiatives, and sustainable agriculture demonstrations.
• MSS@100 Regional Workshops: Regional events across India focusing on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and rural development.
• Institution of Fellowships, Awards, and Honours:
• M.S. Swaminathan Fellows: Supporting researchers and practitioners in agriculture and allied sciences.
• M.S. Swaminathan Re-entry Fellowship: Encouraging Indian researchers abroad to return and contribute to national agricultural progress.
• Inspiring Future Generations: Think Tank for Student Research and International Student Exchange Initiatives to nurture young minds through research opportunities and global academic collaborations.
• Recognition for Schools and Colleges: Awards for institutions promoting awareness and innovation in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Plantation Drives: Nationwide campaigns promoting agroforestry and environmental sustainability to honour Dr. Swaminathan’s vision.
• Establishment of a Global Institute on Policies in Agriculture*: Creating an institute focused on advancing agricultural policies for global food and nutritional security.
• Setting-up a Museum to Commemorate the Life and Contributions of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan*: A dedicated space preserving his legacy, showcasing his life, and inspiring future generations.

*Subject to approval by the Government of India

These events aim to celebrate Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy while fostering dialogue, innovation, and action for a sustainable and hunger-free world.

For more information…

Ongoing Events

M.S. Swaminathan Birth Centenary Celebration: Organising Committee

The Birth Centenary celebrations of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan will be guided by a distinguished organising committee comprising eminent leaders from science, policy, and development.

Chairperson

• Dr. R. A. Mashelkar

Committee Members

• Dr. Rajeev Sethi
• Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
• Dr. T. Ramasami
• Prof. K. Vijayraghavan
• Dr. R. S. Paroda
• Dr. Renu Swarup
• Mr. T. Nandakumar
• Dr. Narayan Hegde
• Prof. P. C. Kesavan
• Dr. K. C. Bansal
• Dr. Karthikeya Sarabhai
• Dr. N. Parasuraman
• Dr Sanjay Deshmukh

Member Secretary

• Dr. G. N. Hariharan

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) will spearhead the centenary events under the guidance of this esteemed committee, ensuring a fitting tribute to Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy and contributions to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Support the M.S. Swaminathan Birth Centenary Celebrations

All contributions to the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) are eligible for income tax exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Additionally, MSSRF is authorised to receive foreign contributions under Section 11 of the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA).

For contributions & further details, please contact:

• Dr. R. A. Mashelkar – Email: ram@mashelkar.com
• Dr. Soumya Swaminathan – Email: doctorsoumya@mssrf.res.in
• Dr. G. N. Hariharan – Email: gnhariharan@mssrf.res.in

Your support will help commemorate the legacy of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and advance the vision of sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development.