Mystery over death of Subbanna Ayyappan, who spearheaded India's Blue Revolution
Padma Shri awardee and fisheries scientist Subbanna Ayyappan, who had been missing for a few days, was found dead on May 10. This was in Srirangapatna taluk of Karnataka's Mandya district. Preliminary reports suggest that Ayyappan might have jumped into the Cauvery river and killed himself and police officials have stated that the exact cause of death remains unclear and will be confirmed only after a full investigation, reports ANI. The mystery surrounding the 69-year-old's death continues.advertisementAyyappan is widely credited for having spearheaded India's Blue Revolution, aimed at revolutionising aquaculture in India.He was the key figure behind India's Blue Revolution, which dramatically increased fish production in the country. He focused on scientific aquaculture. Ayyappan was the first fisheries scientist to become the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This was historic because ICAR had traditionally been headed by crop scientists.
A resident of Visvesvaraya Nagar in Mysuru, Ayyappan had been missing since May 7. His family lodged a missing person complaint at the Vidyaranyapuram Police Station.He had last been seen leaving his flat on Akkamahadevi Road in Mysuru on a two-wheeler on May 7. When he didn't return, his family lodged a missing person's complaint.The police said they were informed by a resident who found a body floating near the Cauvery River at Cauvery at Srirangapatna. When the police arrived at the spot, they identified Ayyappan.advertisement"The body was in a decomposed state when it was retrieved from the water. It did not bear any injuries. He had left the mobile phone at home. Suicide cannot be ruled out," a police official told The Hindu.Following a post-mortem at KR Hospital, his body was handed over to his family. The final rites were conducted with state honours at the foot of Chamundi Hills. Ayyappan is survived by his wife and two daughters.TRIBUTE TO AQUACULTURE EXPERT AYYAPPAN POURS INAyyappan had Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fisheries and held several top positions nationally.A pioneering figure in Indian aquaculture, Ayyappan was widely credited with spearheading the country's Blue Revolution. His innovative work in fish farming not only transformed India's approach to aquaculture but also improved food security and rural livelihoods across both coastal and inland regions.He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022 in recognition of his significant contributions.Throughout his decades-long career, Ayyappan held several prominent positions, including director of CIFA in Bhubaneswar and CIFE in Mumbai, founding CEO of the NFDB in Hyderabad, and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education. He also served as Vice-Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, and at the time of his passing, chaired the NABL.advertisementTributes poured in from across the scientific community.The Indian Council of Agricultural Research paid a tribute to Ayyappan."With deep sorrow, the ICAR family mourns the sad demise of Dr. S. Ayyappan, former Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR. May his soul rest in eternal peace!," ICAR wrote on X.Even the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) paid tribute to Ayyappan."Deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Shri Dr S Ayyappan, former Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR. A true visionary in Indian fisheries and agricultural research, his pioneering work revolutionized the sector, uplifting countless farmers and fisherfolk," posted CMFRI on X.The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL_QCI) also paid tribute to Ayyappan."We are deeply saddened to note the sudden demise of Padma Shri Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, Former Chairman of NABL-QCI. His contributions to the field of quality assurance and accreditation have left a lasting impact. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time," NABL wrote on X.
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