In a heartfelt gesture, Nitin Gadkari, the esteemed leader, and Union Minister, conveyed his warmest birthday wishes to the renowned agricultural scientist Padma Vibhushan Shri M.S. Swaminathan. The visionary agronomist, who has played a pivotal role in India’s green revolution, celebrates his 98th birthday on August 7th.
Nitin Gadkari acknowledged Shri Swaminathan’s unparalleled contributions to the field of agriculture, describing him as the “main architect of the green revolution in India.” Shri Swaminathan’s leadership and pioneering efforts in the development of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice have not only transformed the agricultural landscape but also averted potential famine-like situations in the past.
As Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Shri Swaminathan’s dedication and scientific endeavors earned him the prestigious World Food Prize in 1987, a recognition tantamount to the Nobel Prize in the realm of agriculture. He has been rightfully hailed as the “Father of Economic Ecology” by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Nitin Gadkari expressed his wishes for Shri Swaminathan’s continued good health and a life adorned with longevity. The visionary’s principles and tireless efforts continue to inspire generations, reminding us all of the profound impact that science and innovation can have on global food security and sustainable agriculture.