On 7th August, 1925, M.S. Swaminathan was born who has pulled out India from the verge of a mass famine saving the entire country! Holding over 50 honourary doctorate degrees, Time magazine listed him in the list of most influential Asian people of 20th century.
Let’s explore some unknown facts about the ‘Father of Green Revolution’, on his birthday today:
- S. Swaminathan did his bachelor’s in Science, twice. First – Bachelor’s in Science in Zoology and then in Agricultural Science.
- He made his decision of entering the field of Agriculture after experiencing the 1943 Bengal famine and the shortage of food in the country.
- In 1960s, India was on the verge of a mass famine. M.S. Swaminathan along with Norman Bolaug and other scientists, developed HYV seeds of wheat.
- This development led to Green Revolution in India and Indian geneticist, M.S. Swaminathan was known as ‘The Father of Green Revolution’.
- S. Swaminathan has been credited for his research on potato, rice, wheat, jute etc.
- Indian government awarded Swaminathan, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, in 1967 and 1972
- S. Swaminathan served as the Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (from 1972-1979) and International Rice Research Institute (1982-88).
- In 1979, M.S. Swaminathan was the Principal Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture.
- In 1986, M.S. Swaminathan was awarded Albert Einstein World Award of Science.
- In 1988, M.S. Swaminathan became the President of International Union of the Conservation of Nature and Natural resources.