Bharat Ratna apt tribute to Dr MS Swaminathan: Punjab Agricultural University VC

Ludhiana, February 9

Dr MS Swaminathan and the Punjab Agricultural University played a major role in Green Revolution and when Dr Swaminathan’s name was announced for Bharat Ratna, the PAU campus could only fill with pride and joy.

Legendary scientist

Padma Shri in 1967, Padma Bhushan in 1972, and Padma Vibhushan in 1989, World Food Prize in 1987, Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971, and the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986. PAU had awarded Doctor of Science (honouris causa) degree to him in 2010

The eminent agronomist and agricultural scientist, Dr MS Swaminathan, will be conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award for his unparalleled contributions to agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He passed away on September 28 last year at the age of 98.

His ground-breaking work towards Green Revolution helped the country’s food security and its status from a food deficient country to one of the world’s leading agricultural nations.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, said Dr Swaminathan’s efforts were instrumental in averting a mass famine. Collaborating with eminent scientists like Norman Borlaug, Dr Swaminathan led the charge in developing high-yield wheat and rice varieties, successfully steering India away from the looming threat of food shortages.

“Nothing could be more apt tribute to the Father of Green Revolution than conferring the Bharat Ratna award on him. We are delighted to know about this,” he said.