In the winter of 2006, when I was a X class student participating and attending the 93rd National Children's Science Congress at Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University in Hyderabad, Dr Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan's well deserved fame was ubiquitous. The so called 'Swaminthan effect' displayed at an exhibition, where two rice bags were placed next to each other, one small and crumpled, belonging to pre green revolution era of the 60s and the next one large and full, symbolizing the post green revolution success was a raging hit. The great agricultural ecologist was, however, always humble, unmindful of the fact that his was the most popular scientific name, next only to the then Hon'ble President Kalam at the event.
Dr Swaminathan's tale is a synonym of humanitarian concern meeting scientific genius, tenacity matching humility. After his birth in Kumbakonam, and a successful but initially zig zag academic career that was studded with clearing the Civils exam, the Bengal Famine of 1943 has had a terrific impact on the young Swaminathan and drew him towards agriculture and farmer welfare. For the UNESCO fellowship scholar, that was just the beginning. Despite all the talk of India being a predominantly agricultural country, the late 50s and 60s saw a spate of ill-timed macro-economic decisions, complete lack of support for agriculture and a series of famines and droughts. Agriculture was always a gamble on the monsoon. It appeared that Pandit Nehruji's thrust on scientific temper, alas was only meant for rapid industrialization. India's 'Ship to Mouth' existence was a terrible psychological blow, as the nation was forced to rely on wheat supplies from USA. Enter Swaminathan...
Modelled after the high yielding verities (HYV) championed by Norman Borlaugh, backed by political will, Dr Swaminathan ushered in an agricultural revolution, and is rightly regarded as the father of India's green revolution. With a targeted focus on mechanization, genetic variations, and never ignoring farmer welfare, this revolution was a success as by early 70s, India became self-sufficient in food grain production. The legend was established. But, for a man regarded as the father of economic ecology by UNEP, Dr Swaminathan is someone who is not blinded by success. He propounded an evergreen revolution, and although post green revolution, agriculture was once again ignored, the sector came back with a vengeance as 'Prime moving force' of Indian economy during the X five-year plan (2002). Heading the National Commission on Farmers (2004), Dr Swaminathan's observations and recommendations are timely, much needed and effective if implemented. The PM Kisan scheme has had its intellectual Genysis there.
In his passing away, we lost a beloved humanitarian who prioritized farmer welfare, a scientist unwavering in spirit, the architect of India's greatest revolution. It is fitting and proper that we remember and honor Dr Swaminathan.
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