MS Swaminathan, renowned Indian agricultural scientist and the inspiration behind Indias Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98 on Thursday, September 28. Swaminathan, dubbed the “Father of Economic Ecology” by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), revolutionised Indian agriculture in the 1960s and 1970s while preventing major famine and enabling the nation to become self-sufficient in food production.Owing to his contributions to the green revolution of India, Swaminathan is also known as the Father of Indias Green Revolution. His creative approach to agriculture in combination with cutting-edge scientific methods with a thorough comprehension of regional realities and requirements, improved the lives of several low-income farmers and helped the countrys economy thrive. Father of Indias Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan passes away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. (Pic: MS Swaminathan Research Foundation) pic.twitter.com/KS4KIFtaP2— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2023Accolades of MS SwaminathanIn recognition of his monumental contributions, the first World Food Prize was given to Swaminathan in 1987. With his dedication to inclusive and sustainable agricultural techniques, Swaminathan established the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai by using the prize money. The Ramon Magsaysay Award from 1971 and the Albert Einstein World Science Award from 1986 are only a couple of his other noteworthy honours.Beyond his efforts in India, Swaminathan was a significant player on the international platform who supported numerous environmental and agricultural projects. His wide-ranging influence was recognised when he was designated one of Time magazines 20 most influential Asians of the 20th century, which gives us an insight into his far-reaching impact. Swaminathan is survived by his wife, Mina, and their three daughters, Soumya, Madhura, and Nitya. With the demise of Swaminathan, an era in Indian agriculture comes to an end.
