Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, popularly known as Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, one of India’s leading agricultural scientist passed away at his residence in Chennai on September 28.

Considered the key architect of the country’s ‘Green Revolution,’ Swaminathan played a crucial role in the success of the Green Revolution which witnessed quantum growth in the productivity and production of wheat and rice through adaptation of chemical-biological technology in the 1960s and ‘70s that helped India achieve food security.

Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency, Dr. Swaminathan began his career as an administrator in the Indian Police Service, however his passion in agricultural science and research led him to change his profession and pursuing research with two undergraduate degrees, including one from the Agricultural College, Coimbatore (now, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University).

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Dr. Swaminathan went on to serve at a number of institutions related to the sector in both India and abroad – as an Independent Chairman of the Food and Agricultural Organisation Council (1981-85), President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1984-90), President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (India) from 1989-96 and the Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), among others.

Survived by three daughters – Soumya Swaminathan, Madhura Swaminathan and Nitya Rao, the noted Indian agricultural scientist passed at 98 years. His wife Mina passed away last year.

In a post on X, Nagaland Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak  condoled the demise of Dr. M.S Swaminathan, considering him as one of the country’s greatest sons. “With his endless contribution to the country’s growth and enriching the lives of millions, the Father of India’s Green Revolution will be deeply missed. We shall remember him with profound gratitude. May his soul rest in peace,” posted Konyak.