Legacy of a visionary: Dr Swaminathan remembered at Nauni varsity

Dr MS Swaminathan, celebrated as the Father of the Green Revolution, was fondly remembered at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, as part of his centenary birth year celebrations.

To mark the occasion, the university hosted a special lecture delivered by Dr PL Gautam, Chancellor of Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa. The event began with floral tributes to Dr Swaminathan. In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel highlighted Dr Swaminathan’s groundbreaking contributions that revolutionised Indian agriculture and made the country self-sufficient in food production.

Speaking to an audience of newly admitted undergraduate students and faculty, Dr Gautam shared insightful anecdotes from his personal and professional association with Dr Swaminathan. Recalling his MSc days, he spoke warmly of experiencing Dr Swaminathan’s brilliance in the classroom. Describing him as a “Teacher of Teachers”, Dr Gautam praised not only his scientific acumen but also his visionary leadership and foresight.

He reflected on their many professional interactions, calling Dr Swaminathan an institution builder who deeply understood the role of agriculture in securing livelihoods. He also emphasised the relevance of Dr Swaminathan’s early work, particularly his push for region-specific agricultural policies — especially for ecologically sensitive zones like the Himalayas.

Encouraging students to draw inspiration from Dr Swaminathan’s life and work, Dr Gautam urged them to innovate, join professional bodies and develop a research-driven mindset to tackle future agricultural challenges. He also shared personal memories from his own time as a BSc student at the former College of Agriculture, Solan, and later as Dean of the College of Forestry, reflecting on the university’s remarkable evolution.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr CL Thakur, Dean, College of Forestry. The function was attended by statutory officers, department heads, faculty members, scientists and first-year students.