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“As I was working on agriculture, my family wanted me to take over the management of our plantations. But my aim was to master the art of developing new varieties, that is genetics and breeding. As the proverb has it, we reap what we sow. Consequently, sowing the right things is very important,” M S Swaminathan had once said.
Fondly addressed as MS by his friends and colleagues, Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, in his long career demonstrated what he said and ensured bumper crops by working side by side with farmers.
Born in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu on August 7, 1925 to Dr M K Sambasivan and Parvati Thangammai, Swaminathan played a significant role in changing the trajectory of the agriculture sector when farmers were dependent on archaic farming techniques.
He passed away with age related illness at the age of 98 at his home in the southern city of Chennai after an illustrious academic career that garnered him 84 honorary doctorates from some of the world’s top universities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tweeted,
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. pic.twitter.com/BjLxHtAjC4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed anguish over the death of renowned agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan and said he was a legendary figure in India’s economic history.
Swaminathan, a renowned agricultural scientist and lifelong crusader against hunger who bet on sustainable farming, died in Chennai on Thursday.
“Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Dr. M S Swaminathan Ji. A legendary figure in India’s economic history Swaminathan Ji led a journey of transforming our agriculture sector by introducing the nation to the true power of its farmers. A scientific genius in his own right Swaminathan Ji,” Shah wrote on X.
Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji. A legendary figure in India’s economic history Swaminathan Ji led a journey of transforming our agriculture sector by introducing the nation to the true power of its farmers. A scientific genius in his own…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 28, 2023
Jairam Ramesh Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications Tweeted
Dr. M.S.Swaminathan, the key scientific architect of the Green Revolution, that made India self-sufficient in rice and wheat by the mid-70s has just passed away.
He was a great institution builder, an inspiring teacher, a motivational leader, but above all, a man of the… pic.twitter.com/0uqGsFxdD8
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 28, 2023
M K Stalin, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
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…
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) September 28, 2023
