PM Modi Inaugurates Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference 2025 – Key Highlights
In a historic tribute to the legacy of one of India's greatest agricultural scientists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi. The event, held from 7 August to 9 August 2025, marked the centenary birth celebration of Bharat Ratna awardee, Prof. M. S. Swaminathan—widely acclaimed as the "Father of India's Green Revolution."
This three-day international event was organized to reflect upon and carry forward Dr. Swaminathan's vision of sustainable agriculture. The conference took place at the Pusa Campus of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in the national capital and was spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW).
The conference gathered scientists, policymakers, agricultural experts, and farmers from across India and abroad to discuss the future of green and inclusive agricultural innovation. The event was also graced by the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (daughter of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and ex-Chief Scientist of WHO).
📌 Quick Overview – Conference Details
| Organization Name | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Celebration of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary and Launch of Global Agricultural Initiatives |
| Total Vacancies | Not applicable (Commemorative event) |
| Qualification | Not applicable |
| Age Limit | Not applicable |
| Application Start & End Date | 07 August 2025 to 09 August 2025 (Event Duration) |
| Application Mode | Not applicable |
| Official Website | https://agricoop.gov.in/ |
🌾 About the Conference
The main theme of the centenary conference was "Evergreen Revolution: Pathway to Bio-Happiness." Organized in collaboration with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the conference aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices to ensure food security and climate resilience.
PM Modi emphasized the need to integrate science with farming by launching high-impact initiatives such as 'Lab to Land' and 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.' He acknowledged Dr. Swaminathan's pivotal role in transforming India from a food-deficient country to a food-surplus one during the 1960s and 1970s.
🔍 Key Highlights from the Inauguration
- 📍 Venue: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi
- 🗓 Duration: 7–9 August 2025
- 🎯 Occasion: 100th birth anniversary of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
- 💡 Theme: "Evergreen Revolution: Pathway to Bio-Happiness"
- 🎟 Organized by MSSRF, MoA&FW, ICAR, NAAS
- 👥 Participants: International scientists, agricultural experts, policy leaders, and farmers
💰 Commemorations & Launches During the Event
🔸 Release of ₹100 Commemorative Coin & Postal Stamp
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a Centenary Memorial Stamp to honor Dr. Swaminathan's invaluable service to Indian agriculture.
This coin marks the 17th commemorative coin issuance of 2025 and stands as a national symbol of gratitude for his contribution to science, food security, and farmer welfare.
🔸 Launch of Global M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace
One of the most significant highlights was the launch of the Global M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace. Jointly established by the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and MSSRF, this award aims to honor exceptional scientists from developing nations who drive innovation in food security and social justice.
🧑🔬 First Recipient: Professor Ademola A. Adenle from Nigeria became the inaugural recipient of the award. PM Modi personally handed over the honor, which also includes a $25,000 monetary prize and a medal.
📖 Legacy of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan was a trailblazing geneticist and agronomist. He played a pivotal role in introducing high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice and collaborated with Norman Borlaug to make India self-sufficient in food grains during the mid-20th century.
His emphasis on eco-friendly farming earned him global respect, and his concepts like the "evergreen revolution" continue to be highly relevant in today's era of climate consciousness and sustainable development.
🏆 Notable Awards & Recognition:
- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award – 1961
- Ramon Magsaysay Award – 1971
- Albert Einstein World Science Award – 1986
- Padma Shri – 1967
- Padma Bhushan – 1972
- Padma Vibhushan – 1989
- Bharat Ratna – Awarded posthumously in 2024
🚜 Government Initiatives Inspired by Dr. Swaminathan
During the inauguration, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan threw light on how Dr. Swaminathan's scientific contributions led to a remarkable jump in wheat production from 5 million tonnes (1966) to 17 million tonnes (1967).
To honor that legacy, the Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to bridge the gap between laboratories and farmlands. These include:
- 🔬 Lab to Land Programme
- 📣 'Krishi Chaupal' (Agri knowledge sharing drives)
- 🚜 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' – Over 2,100 scientific teams mobilized to visit 64,000+ villages, connecting with over 1 crore farmers directly.
📌 Organizational & Administrative Information
- Organizing Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
- Union Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Lok Sabha MP, Madhya Pradesh)
- Ministers of State:
- Ram Nath Thakur (Rajya Sabha – Bihar)
- Bhagirath Choudhary (Lok Sabha – Ajmer, Rajasthan)
🔚 Conclusion
The Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference 2025 has set a new benchmark in agricultural policy discourse. It not only celebrated the monumental legacy of a scientist whose work saved millions from hunger but also served as a platform to inspire future-ready, climate-resilient agriculture in India and other developing nations.
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