Chennai/New Delhi: Agricultural scientist Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, regarded as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, breathed his last at the age of 98 in Chennai around 11.20 a.m. today. He was reportedly suffering from age-related illness for the last two weeks. Last year on March 14, he had lost his wife Meena, who was an educationist who authored several books on the subject of drama and child development.
Dr. Swaminathan played a key role in introducing and further developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, and his basic research was related to potato, wheat, and rice, in areas such as cytogenetics, ionizing radiation, and radiosensitivity.
In 1999, TIME magazine recognised him along with two other Indians Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore as among the twenty most influential Asians of the 20th century. He was awarded the first World Food Prize in 1987, and he used the prize money to establish the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai.
Offering her condolences on social media platform X, President Droupadi Murmu remembered Dr Swaminathan as an internationally renowned agricultural scientist and a visionary who worked endlessly to achieve food security. The President said he was rightly called the Father of the Green Revolution that ensured our country’s self-reliance in food grains. “He pioneered path-breaking research in the agriculture science for which he got a range of awards- from Padma Vibhushan to the prestigious World Food Prize. He leaves behind a rich legacy of Indian agriculture science which may serve as a guiding light to steer the world towards a safer and hunger-free future for humanity,” she stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shared his photos with the eminent scientist on X, recalled in his condolence message that at a very critical period in India’s history, Dr. Swaminathan’s groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for the country. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar said his pioneering works contributed to the prosperity of millions of farmers.
Modi said 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,” the Prime Minister said. Stating that Dr. Swaminathan’s passion to see India progress was exemplary, he added, “I will always cherish my conversations with Dr. Swaminathan. His life and work will inspire generations to come. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Dr Swaminathan is left behind by his three daughters including Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, an eminent paediatrician and clinical scientist known for her research on tuberculosis and HIV, who had also served as the chief scientist at the World Health Organization from 2019 to 2022.
– global bihari bureau
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