The Man Who Fed India: Biography of M.S. Swaminathan

A New Tribute to India’s Agricultural Visionary

The Man Who Fed India: Biography of M.S. Swaminathan: A new biography titled ‘The Man Who Fed India’ authored by Priyambada Jayakumar has been released in Chennai, celebrating the extraordinary life of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, India’s legendary agricultural scientist. The book traces his journey from humble beginnings in Tamil Nadu to becoming a global icon of agricultural transformation.

M.S. Swaminathan’s Role in the Green Revolution

Dr. Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, often called the Father of the Indian Green Revolution, played a pivotal role in transforming India from a food-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one. His scientific collaboration with Norman E. Borlaug introduced high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice during the 1960s, which drastically increased crop productivity.

Static GK fact: The Green Revolution began in India in 1965 under the leadership of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Agriculture Minister C. Subramaniam, with Dr. Swaminathan leading the scientific front.

Focus of the Biography

The biography ‘The Man Who Fed India’ explores not only his scientific achievements but also his lifelong commitment to farmers’ welfare, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Author Priyambada Jayakumar highlights Dr. Swaminathan’s belief in blending traditional knowledge with modern science to create equitable growth in rural India.

Static GK Tip: Dr. Swaminathan founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988, headquartered in Chennai, focusing on sustainable rural development and biodiversity conservation.

Recognition and Global Impact

Over his lifetime, Dr. Swaminathan received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972), and Padma Vibhushan (1989). His contribution extended beyond India—he worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNEP, shaping global policies on sustainable agriculture.

Static GK fact: Dr. Swaminathan served as a Rajya Sabha Member from 2007 to 2013, where he focused on the Farmers’ Rights Bill and Food Security legislation.

His Enduring Legacy

The book release in Chennai comes shortly after the passing of Dr. Swaminathan in September 2023, symbolizing a tribute to his unmatched legacy. His scientific philosophy—“If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right”—remains a guiding principle for policy planners and environmentalists.

The biography stands as a reminder of how science, vision, and compassion can reshape a nation’s destiny. Through his work, Dr. Swaminathan ensured that India’s fields would never run dry of hope.

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