Launch of the Global M.S. Swaminathan Award in India

Why is news ?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched an important global award named after Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution.
• This award will honor outstanding contributions in food security and sustainable agriculture in developing countries.
• The announcement was made during the M.S. Swaminathan Centennial International Conference held in Delhi, where PM Modi also released a centenary commemorative postage stamp remembering Swaminathan’s life and work.

Key Points:

1. Legacy of Professor M.S. Swaminathan:
   1. He is regarded as the father of India’s Green Revolution, which led the country towards food self-sufficiency.
   2. Swaminathan introduced the concept of ‘Bio-Happiness,’ focused on human welfare and ecological balance.
   3. He passed away on 23rd September 2023 and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024.
2. Role of the M.S. Swaminathan Award:
   1. This award will be given globally for revolutionary contributions in food security and sustainable agriculture.
   2. The first recipient is Nigerian scientist Dr. Adenle honored for his transformative work in hunger eradication in Nigeria.
   3. The award symbolizes Swaminathan’s lifelong mission of “Food and Peace,” promoting agriculture’s role in global hunger elimination.
3. Focus on Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
   1. PM Modi called on scientists to develop climate-resilient seeds, water-efficient technologies, and sustainable farming practices to address the increasing impacts of climate change on agriculture.
   2. This is crucial to safeguard the future food systems.
4. Global Significance:
   1. The award is expected to become a prestigious international honor in the future.
   2. It will recognize those advancing the goal of “Food and Peace” through agriculture globally.