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

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.

Explore a visual tribute to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan through the dynamic MSS Picture Flipbook showcasing the rare and iconic man. From his personal life to his groundbreaking work in the Green Revolution, and his advocacy for sustainable farming and farmers’ welfare, MSS always placed the well-being of people at the heart of his work. His legacy continues through the MSSRF, the research institution he founded in 1988.

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.

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan through this MSS Story Map taking you through his pioneering contributions to the Green Revolution and his commitment to sustainable agriculture. Engage with visuals, maps, and timelines to discover his major scientific contributions and awards, books authored by him, his numerous honorary doctorates, and much more.

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,b 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 August 7, 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.

For full programme details, please click here for brochure…

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.
  • 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.
  • Commemorative Stamp and Coin Release*: Issuance of a special stamp and coin to honour Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy.
  • M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Lecture Series: An ongoing series of lectures by eminent personalities highlighting the impact of Dr. Swaminathan’s work and its relevance to current global challenges.
  • Institution of Fellowships, Awards, and Honours: 
    • M.S. Swaminathan Fellows: Supporting researchers and practitioners in agriculture and allied sciences.
    • Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Re-entry Fellowship: Encouraging Indian researchers abroad to return and contribute to national agricultural progress.
  • The establishment of Rural Biohappiness Centres: Community-based hubs that harness local biodiversity to strengthen food, health, and livelihood security.
  • M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace: The institution of the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
  • Addressing Challenges with Innovations: Scaling up of innovations with small and marginalized farmers, fishers, and tribal communities through our regionally anchored centres that link conservation with inclusive economic growth.

*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.

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.

 

National Advisory Committee

Chief Patron

  • Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India

 

Patron

  • Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science and Technology, India
  • Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India
  • Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
  • Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary - DARE and DG- ICAR, Government of India

 

Members

Dr. R. A.Mashelkar, Former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) & Chairperson, M S Swaminathan Centenary Celebrations Committee Dr Himanshu Pathak, President, NAAS, DG, ICRISAT Shri Anil Malik, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India Shri Tanmay Kumar, IAS Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India
Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, IAS Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India Mr. Auguste Tano Kouamé, Country Director, World Bank, India Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative, India
Ms. Elisabeth Faure, Country Director WFP, India Mr. Ulaç Demirag, Country Director, IFAD, India Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Country Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in India Dr. Rajiv Bahl Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India Shri Vibhu Nayar, IAS Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Dr Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Dr. Rajendra Singh Paroda, Former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research & Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Government of India & Founder Chairman, TAAS Shri C. Achalender Reddy, IFS (Retd.) Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority, India
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA) Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, Indian National Science Academy INSA, Delhi Prof. Vinod K. Singh, President, National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), Allahabad Prof. Umesh V Waghmare President, Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), Bengaluru
Dr. Srinivasa Rao, Director, IARI, Government of India Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Secretary, NAAS Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai Dr. G. N. Hariharan, Executive Director - R&D, Policy & Govt Affairs Member secretary

 

Celebrating The Living Legacy

This August, we're celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of our visionary founder, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, in New Delhi.

Your contribution will enhance the livelihoods and well-being of millions of rural and tribal communities across India, while honouring one of our greatest nation-builders.

Donate To The Legacy

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.