Bharat Ratna Prof. M. S. Swaminathan: An inspirational Life

The Bengal famine of 1943 deeply influenced Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, driving his passion for eradicating hunger through scientific and policy solutions. His collaboration with Norman Borlaug introduced high-yielding wheat varieties, forming the backbone of India’s Green Revolution, which helped the nation achieve food grain self-sufficiency.

Recognizing the limitations of intensive farming, Dr. Swaminathan advocated for an “Evergreen Revolution”, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices. He spearheaded programs like the Bio-Village model, which integrated sustainable development into rural livelihoods, and the National Virtual Academy, which empowered rural communities through digital education and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Dr. Swaminathan also championed equitable agricultural policies, emphasizing the empowerment of smallholder farmers and women while advancing farmers’ rights and resource access.

Globally, his leadership roles in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) showcased his commitment to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequalities through a systems-thinking approach.

In recognition of his transformative contributions to agriculture and food security, he received numerous honors during his lifetime: Padma Shri (1967), the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971), Padma Bhushan (1972), the World Food Prize (1987), Padma Vibhushan (1989), Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development (2000), and posthumously the Bharat Ratna (2024).

Amid today’s existential threats—a changing climate, energy crises, and widening inequalities—Swaminathan’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope. His life’s work underscores the urgent need for purposeful transformation of global systems, blending scientific innovation with social justice. Celebrating his centenary is not just a tribute to his monumental achievements but a reaffirmation of the global commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and a hunger-free world. Dr. Swaminathan’s vision of cooperation and benevolence among people, institutions, and nations remains a powerful guide to addressing the complex challenges of our time.

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

Leading up to the birth centenary of Professor M.S. Swaminathan on 07 August 2025, the M. S. Swaminathan birth centenary celebration committee will co-organize a series of events to commemorate the remarkable life and contributions of this agricultural pioneer and to honor his legacy in sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development.

The centenary events planned will not only be a tribute to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s achievements but also a call to action for continuing his vision of a hunger-free world, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts in research and policy to address ongoing food security issues in the era of climate change

M. S. Swaminathan Birth Centenary Celebration: Organizing Committee

• Dr. R. A. Mashelkar – Chair
• 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. G. N. Hariharan – Member Secretary

Under the guidance of the organizing committee, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) will be organizing the centenary events.

Key Events planned

• M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference
• M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Lecture series
• Short inspiring films on the life and work of MSS
• M.S. Swaminathan centenary commemoration stamp and coin release*
• Declaration/Designation of 07 August as National Agriculture Science Day*
• M.S. Swaminathan Annual Award for agriculture and genetics : with support from the Government of India to announce a prestigious Award in the name of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan*
• Life and work of MSS: Brochures in Hindi, English, vernacular languages
• Community Outreach Programs
• MSS@100 Regional Workshops
• Institution of Fellowship, Award / Honors:
  • M.S. Swaminathan Fellows
  • Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Re-entry Fellowship
  • Inspiring Future Generations/ Think Tank for Student Research- International student exchange
  • Recognition for Schools and Colleges
• Plantation Drives
• Establishment of a “Global Institute on Policies in Agriculture”*
• Setting up a museum to commemorate the life and contributions of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan*

*with the approval of Government of India

All contributions to MSSRF are eligible for IT exemptions under section 80G of IT Act, 1961. MSSRF is eligible to receive foreign contributions under the Section 11 of the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act, 2010

For Contributions & further detail please contact

Dr. R. A. Mashelkar – ram@mashelkar.com

Dr Soumya Swaminathan – doctorsoumya@mssrf.res.in

Dr. G. N. Hariharan – gnhariharan@mssrf.res.in