In a momentous move, the Indian government unveiled a series of announcements on Friday, conferring the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, upon three illustrious personalities.
Among the esteemed recipients are former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, and Dr. MS Swaminathan. Their remarkable contributions spanning agriculture, farmers' welfare, nation-building, and economic reforms have earned them this prestigious honour, solidifying their legacy in India's history.
Also Read: Bharat Ratna Charan Singh, A farmer leader who rose to the top but never forgot his roots
Early life and education
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, born on August 7, 1925, dedicated his life to eradicating hunger and poverty. Despite initially pursuing a career in medicine, Swaminathan was deeply moved by the Bengal famine of 1942-43, prompting him to switch his focus to agriculture. He enrolled in the Agriculture College at Coimbatore, driven by a desire to contribute to India's independence and food security.
Pioneering agricultural research
Swaminathan's journey in agriculture began with a focus on genetics and breeding. His groundbreaking work at the Central Rice Research Institute in Cuttack marked the beginning of his quest to develop high-yielding crop varieties. This research laid the foundation for the Green Revolution, a transformative period in Indian agriculture.
The Green Revolution and its impact
Working alongside Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, Swaminathan spearheaded efforts to introduce high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat. The Green Revolution, characterized by the widespread adoption of modern agricultural techniques, drastically increased crop yields and transformed India's food production landscape. Swaminathan's visionary leadership played a pivotal role in ensuring food security and prosperity for the nation.
Global influence and advocacy
Swaminathan's influence extended beyond India's borders. He served in various international organizations, including the Food and Agricultural Organization Council and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Throughout his career, Swaminathan remained a staunch advocate for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan's contributions to agriculture and farmers' welfare earned him widespread acclaim. His visionary leadership and dedication to innovation earned him the title of "Father of the Green Revolution."
Swaminathan passed away at the age of 98 on September 28, 2023. In recognition of his monumental achievements, the Government of India posthumously conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.
Also Read: Govt to confer Bharat Ratna to these personalities; see full list
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