On the 9th of October 2023, a heartfelt event was conducted at the Community Agrobiodiversity Centre in Puthoorvayal, Kerala, to remember and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of M.S. Swaminathan, also renowned as the ‘Father of Green Revolution.’ The event brought together individuals from various walks of life who had been inspired by the work and vision of Prof, Swaminathan, an eminent scientist and humanitarian.
The event commenced with a welcome by the Director of the Community Agrobiodiversity Centre, Dr. Shakeela. She emphasized the importance of this gathering to honor the memory of a true legend in the field of agriculture and science.
The heart of the event revolved around a tribute to Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, a humanist scientist who dedicated his life to address world hunger through innovative agricultural practices reaching at the ground level. Speakers at the event acknowledged his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of farmers and ensuring global food security.
Shri P. Prasad, the Minister for Agriculture, Government of Kerala, highlighted Prof. Swaminathan’s contributions to holistic agriculture. He stressed the significance of addressing hunger and bringing prosperity to farmers through sustainable practices, a mission that Prof. Swaminathan had ardently pursued throughout his life.
Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Former Executive Director, MSSRF delivered a heartfelt tribute to Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, reflecting on the immense impact of his work and how he had influenced the world of agriculture and science. He underlined the need to carry forward Prof. Swaminathan’s legacy for the betterment of society. Dr. D. Anil Kumar emphasized the different facets of Swaminathan: geneticist, environmentalist, agriculturist, and humanist.
The event was graced by the presence of various dignitaries, farmers, and institution heads who had worked closely with Prof. Swaminathan or been inspired by his teachings. They shared their fond memories, anecdotes, and the profound impact that Prof. Swaminathan had on their lives and the world of agriculture.
The event saw a remarkable turnout, with more than 250 individuals participating, both in person and online. This vast and diverse audience demonstrated the enduring legacy and influence of Prof. Swaminathan’s work on agriculture and food security.
In conclusion, the event at the Community Agrobiodiversity Centre in Puthoorvayal served as a poignant and memorable occasion to honor the life and legacy of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. It reaffirmed his status as a visionary and ‘Father of Green Revolution’ and highlighted the importance of his contributions to agriculture, science, and humanity. The event left a lasting impression on all attendees, inspiring them to continue the mission of sustainable agriculture and hunger eradication that Prof. Swaminathan championed throughout his life