‘A national icon’: Tributes pour in as ‘Father of Green Revolution’ MS Swaminathan passes away

Leading the tributes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences on the social media site, X.  “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation’s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation,” he wrote.

President Droupadi Murmu took to X and wrote about the rich legacy Swaminathan has left behind. “The demise of Dr M S Swaminathan, internationally renowned agricultural scientist, saddens me no end. A visionary who worked endlessly to achieve food security, he was rightly called the Father of 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,” Murmu wrote.

Tamil Nadu CM, MK Stalin offered condolences and posted that he shall always cherish the moments he spent with Swaminathan. “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of eminent agro scientist Thiru M.S. Swaminathan. His pioneering work in the field of sustainable food security has had a profound impact worldwide. I will always cherish the moments I spent with him. My thoughts are with his family and the global science community during this difficult time,” wrote Stalin on the social media platform X.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah offered his condolences while remembering Swaminathan’s contribution to India’s agricultural progress and economy and his works which are referred till date. “Sad to know that eminent agricultural scientist & father of India’s Green Revolution Shri M S Swaminathan is no more with us. His contribution to India’s agricultural progress & economy is immense. His works are widely referred to by the governments. My deepest condolences to his family members,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.

“His commitment to advancing India’s scientific progress and innovation will continue to inspire our scientific community,” BJP president JP Nadda said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to X and wrote about Swaminathan’s contribution which was key to turn India ‘into a food surplus country’. “Dr. MS Swaminathan’s steadfast commitment to revolutionising India’s agriculture turned us into a food surplus country. His legacy as the Father of the Green Revolution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this time of loss,” Gandhi wrote.

“India will not only miss a great scientist but a national icon,” wrote President of Indian National Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, while offering condolences on social media platform X. “A legendary scientist and a Padma Vibhushan recipient, his unmatched contribution to the field of agricultural science and his transformative intervention in making India self-sufficient in food grains shall always be cherished. United Nations Environment Programme has called him ‘the Father of Economic Ecology’, a richly deserved pseudonym,” wrote Kharge.

Swaminathan was conferred with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan apart from several international awards including the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971) and the Albert Einstein World Science Award (1986). Swaminathan is survived by his three daughters Soumya Swaminathan, Madhura Swaminathan, and Nitya Swaminathan. His wife Mina passed away in 2022.

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