The Indian government announced on Friday the conferment of Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, upon three stalwarts, including former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and renowned scientist M.S. Swaminathan. Prime Minister Modi shared this declaration on his social media platform, expressing detailed information about each awardee.
Let’s delve into the extensive background of the acclaimed Indian scientist M.S. Swaminathan, often referred to as the “Rice Man of India.” Born on August 7, 1925, Swaminathan revolutionized agriculture, bringing about a significant breakthrough in the field of crop science. His work played a pivotal role in achieving self-sufficiency in food production in India. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and the freedom struggle, Swaminathan decided to dedicate his entire life to enhancing India’s agricultural sector during the Bengal Famine of 1942-1943.
The Pioneer of Green Revolution, Swaminathan is recognized as the architect of the Green Revolution in India. His leadership and success in introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, coupled with his efforts to develop these crops, earned him the title of “Father of the Green Revolution” in India. His initiatives ensured India’s self-reliance in food production, mitigating the threat of famine.
Swaminathan’s contributions extended beyond agriculture, advocating for fair prices and policies to benefit the farming community. Before being honored with the Bharat Ratna, he received numerous accolades, including the World Food Prize in 1987, and was decorated with Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972), and Padma Vibhushan (1989). Additionally, he received international recognition with awards such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971) and the Albert Einstein World Science Award (1986).
The announcement of Bharat Ratna for Swaminathan follows a series of prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field of agriculture, reaffirming his legacy as a global leader in agricultural science.
