Latest news with #M.S.SwaminathanAwardforFoodandPeace
India.com
07-08-2025
- Politics
- India.com
PM Modi Hails Dr. Swaminathan's Legacy Of Bio-Happiness And Food Security
Dr M.S. Swaminathan introduced the idea of bio-happiness, and climate-resilient crop varieties that are necessary to fight the increasing global climate change and its effects on food and agriculture, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. August 7 is the birth anniversary of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the world-renowned agricultural scientist who was the pioneer of India's 'Green Revolution' in the 1960s. Addressing the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in the national Capital, PM Modi said that the Bharat Ratna recipient Dr Swaminathan was a visionary who led the movement to make India self-reliant in food production. "Today, there is global discourse around biodiversity, and governments across the world are taking various steps to preserve it. But Dr. Swaminathan went a step further and introduced the idea of bio-happiness. Today, we are here celebrating that very idea...," PM Modi said. "You are well aware of the challenges posed by climate change. We need to develop a greater number of climate-resilient crop varieties. The focus must be on drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and flood-adaptive crops,' he added, urging the need to undertake 'more research on crop rotation methods and identifying which crops are best suited to specific soil types." Lauding Dr. Swaminathan's effort in the field of agriculture, PM Modi stated that the eminent scientist taught us 'that agriculture is not just about crops, it's about people's lives. The dignity of every individual connected to farming, the prosperity of every community, and the protection of nature form the core strength of our government's agricultural policy." Furthering his idea, the Prime Minister emphasised the "need to intensify our efforts in the area of solar-powered micro-irrigation". 'Drip systems and precision irrigation must be made more widespread and effective. Can we integrate satellite data, AI, and Machine Learning? Can we build systems that forecast yields, monitor pests, and provide real-time guidance for cultivation? Can such real-time decision support systems be made available in every district? You must also continue to guide agri-tech startups," PM Modi said. Calling him a 'gem of Mother India,' the Prime Minister said that Dr. Swaminathan proved through his work that 'science is not just about discovery but delivery'. At the event, the PM also released a postage stamp and a coin commemorating the birth centenary of M.S. Swaminathan. The Prime Minister will also present the first World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
New Indian Express
07-08-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
PM launches Global award M S Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi instituted a global award in memory of the father of India's Green Revolution, Professor M S Swaminathan, to recognise the contributions of scientists from the developing world who have worked toward 'Food and Peace.' During the M S Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, Modi conferred the first M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace to Nigerian scientist for his efforts in combating hunger in Nigeria. Prof Swaminathan passed away on 23 September 2023, at the age of 98. He conferred the Bharat Ratna, country's highest civilian award, posthumously, in 2024. 'Dr M S Swaminathan is widely admired for his pioneering work in agricultural science,' Modi stated. He acknowledged Swaminathan's contributions to Indian agriculture and his role in addressing global hunger. 'Dr Swaminathan led the movement to make India self-reliant in food production. He went beyond biodiversity and introduced the visionary concept of 'bio-happiness,'' Modi added.
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Modi to inaugurate science conference to mark M.S. Swaminathan's birth centenary on August 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a three-day science conference organised by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) on August 7, 2025 to mark the birth centenary of M.S. Swaminathan. The event will take place at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in New Delhi. At a media briefing here on Thursday, Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the MSSRF, said the Prime Minister would release a reprint of In Search of Biohappiness, a book authored by the late M.S. Swaminathan in 2011. In addition to the book, he will unveil a special commemorative volume published by The Hindu, featuring articles written by MSS's colleagues and family, besides a stamp and commemorative ₹100 coin. 'Sustainable use of biodiversity' 'The concept of biohappiness, a term coined by Professor Swaminathan, focuses on how sustainable use of biodiversity can improve food security, incomes, and quality of life while also restoring lost biodiversity. This concept and its vision will be discussed at the upcoming conference, which will include 30 international speakers, 120 national experts, and 300 farmers,' said Dr. Soumya. She added that the goal is to integrate traditional agricultural knowledge with modern science, a belief long championed by Professor Swaminathan, who argued that technology and ecological wisdom should go hand-in-hand. The conference will also feature the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, a global recognition for scientists contributing to these fields. The first award, supported by the MSSRF and The World Academy of Sciences, will be presented by the Prime Minister on August 7 and has a prize amount of USD 25,000. There will also be private sector participation. The MSSRF and the Social Alpha are also launching the Agritech Grand Challenge, which will provide a grant of ₹1 crore to support early-stage ideas, pilot projects, and successful innovations that need scaling. The programme will help young entrepreneurs develop their ideas with guidance and opportunities to test them in real-world settings, Dr. Soumya said.
