PM Modi leads in tribute to M.S. Swaminathan; says his work ensured food security for India

PM Modi: Scientist M.S. Swaminathan's groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed lives & ensured food security. He was a powerhouse of innovation & a nurturing mentor. His passion for India's progress exemplary. TN Governor: Swaminathan father of Green Revolution & builder of modern Bharat. CM Stalin: Pioneering work in food security had profound impact. Congress President Kharge: Unmatched contribution to agricultural science & transformative intervention in making India self-sufficient. Rahul Gandhi: Steadfast commitment to revolutionising India's agriculture. AIADMK: Deeply saddened by his death, respected across world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, September 28 said that scientist M.S. Swaminathan’s groundbreaking work in agriculture at a very critical period of India’s history transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation.

He said he was deeply saddened by the demise of Swaminathan, who passed away at his residence in Chennai on Thursday. In a message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he said Swaminathan “was a powerhouse of innovation and a nurturing mentor to many”.

“His unwavering commitment to research and mentorship has left an indelible mark on countless scientists and innovators,” he said, adding that the late scientist’s passion to see India’s progress was exemplary. He said he will always cherish the conversations he had with Swaminathan and the latter’s work will inspire generations to come.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi credited Swaminathan as the “father of Green Revolution and builder of modern Bharat”. “He will always live in our hearts and minds,” he said, adding that this thoughts were with his family and friends in this hour of grief.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said Swaminathan’s pioneering work in the field of sustainable food security had a profound impact worldwide. “I will always cherish the moments I spent with him. My thoughts are with his family and the global science community during this difficult time,” he said.

Listing his achievements, Mr. Stalin recalled how he gave constructive ideas as a member of the State Planning Commission between the years 1989-91 and 1996-2000. The late scientist shared a good friendship with him and late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Mr. Stalin said. He said it was in the land allotted by Karunanidhi in 1989 that the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation has been functioning for more than three decades.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said she was shocked to hear the demise of the father of India’s ‘Green Revolution’, which she said saved millions of famine deaths globally. She said he was active in research and social service till his last breath and he will remain a role model for future generations to in reaching Prime Minister Modi’s goal of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.