LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

M. S. Swaminathan: a journey from the frontiers of life sciences to the state of a ‘Zero Hunger’ world

P. C. Kesavan and R. D. Iyer

Professor Monkombu Sambasivan Swa- The work resulted in varieties like don (FRS) and Fellowships of almost all minathan (‘MS’ to his numerous friends ADT27, RASI, cultivated in Tamil Nadu. leading National Academies in the world, and colleagues throughout the world) After six months of his stay at CRRI, MS including those of USA, UK, USSR, started his epoch-making research career was selected by the Union Public Service Sweden, Japan, Italy, Germany, the Phil- with cytogenetic studies in potato in Commission and joined as Assistant Cy- ippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan and China. 1949 at the Agricultural University, togeneticist in the then Botany Division While his intellectual curiosity was Wageningen, the Netherlands, and later of the Indian Agricultural Research Insti- driving him towards excellence in basic at Cambridge University, England where tute (IARI), New Delhi in October 1954. research, his sense of social responsibil- he obtained his Ph D in Genetics in 1952. Nearly a decade later, when MS became ity of science and technology tilted his He did his post-doctoral research in Wis- the Head of the Botany Division, he ap- focus on applied research to achieve consin, USA. All these were from late propriately changed its name as Genetics greater food and nutrition security as 1940s until mid-1950s. In a span of 6 to Division. It is here that his most out- well as freedom from dependence on 7 years, he obtained the Ph D degree of standing basic research ranging from the food imports from other countries. Most Cambridge University and published sig- elucidation of the structure of the chro- people of India above 60 years of age nificant original research papers in jour- matid, mitosis in yeast, mechanisms of would still remember that the poignant nals such as Genetics, Nature, Journal of ionizing radiation and chemical backdrop to India’s independence in Heredity, Genetica, Euphytica, Biblio- mutagenesis, radio-sensitivity as a func- August 1947 was the Bengal Famine of graphica Genetica, American Journal of tion of ploidy level, actions of low and 1942–43. This famine just half-a-decade Botany, American Potato Journal, etc., high LET ionizing radiations on diploid before India’s independence portended wherein he elucidated the mechanisms and polyploid wheats, overcoming ‘dip- an ominous future for independent India. of speciation in the genus Solanum, sec- lontic selection’ in vegetatively propa- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime tion Tuberarium. Understanding the geno- gated material exposed to ionizing Minister of independent India hence de- mic affinity of the cultivated tetraploid radiation using the strategy of chronic clared that ‘Everything else can wait, but potato 2n = 4x = 48 (Solanum tubero- irradiation (for which he had set up a not agriculture’. This came as a clarion sum), with wild diploid (2n = 2x = 24) ‘Gamma-Garden’ with 200 Curie cobalt call to MS who in his days as a young enabled inter-specific hybridization and 60 source at IARI) to Drosophila genet- boy had witnessed Mahatma Gandhi vis- transfer of genes to confer resistance ics and human cytogenetics by culturing iting Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu and against abiotic and biotic stresses to human peripheral blood leucocytes for staying at his residence on two occa- potato. When he was a young research chromosome karyotyping of congenital sions. So, it was quite agonizing for MS scholar in the Wisconsin University abnormalities in syndromes gained un- that post-independent India’s food secu- (USA), he developed a potato hybrid paralleled momentum. The original and rity was appalling with a ‘ship to mouth’ carrying the frost-resistance gene from a path-breaking basic researches emerging existence and India’s image was that of a tetraploid wild relative S. acaule from his laboratories in the IARI Genetics ‘begging bowl’. (2n = 48). Later, this hybrid potato mate- Division substantially added new knowl- rial was used to develop a frost-resistant edge, refined a few earlier concepts and potato variety called ‘Alaska Frostless’. above all opened up new avenues for Although he was offered an attractive re- more vigorous pursuits in basic and search-cum-teaching position in Wiscon- applied research in the areas of cytoge- sin, MS chose to return to his motherland netics of wheat, monosomic–nullisomic where he had no job then. analysis in hexaploid wheat, radiation Impressed with his brilliance and and chemical mutagenesis, ‘Oxygen ef- highly noteworthy contributions to the fect’ in low and high LET radiobiology. cytogenetics and breeding of potato, MS Research papers on the above-said topics was appointed in the Central Rice Re- were published in Nature, Current Sci- search Institute (CRRI; Cuttack) and ence, Science, Genetics, Radiation Re- assigned to work in the indica–japonica search, Radiation Botany, Environmental rice hybridization programme. The idea and Experimental Botany, Experientia, was to develop fertilizer-responsive Die Naturwissenschaften, Experimental varieties of rice suitable for the rice- Cell Research, etc. In recognition of his growing tracts in India. In later years, he leadership in a wide range of basic re- would reminisce that these indica– search areas he was awarded the Bhatna- japonica hybridization programme at gar Memorial Award, Fellowship of CRRI was indeed the early harbinger of Indian National Science Academy (FNA), Swaminathan examining chromosomes of the Green Revolution movement in India. Fellowship of the Royal Society of Lon- irradiated cells under microscope.

2036 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

Box 1. Early life and family

Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan was born on 7 August 1925 in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. His illustrious father, M. K. Sambasivan hailed from a well-known agricultural family of ‘Kottarathu Madom’ of Kuttanad in Alleppey District of Kerala. Sambasivan was a well-known surgeon in Kumbakonam. He also served the commu- nity as an elected Chairman of the town’s municipal corporation. Most importantly, he was held in great affection and esteem for a successful campaign toward the eradication of diseases caused by mosquitoes, notably malaria, filariasis or elephantiasis. His mother Parvathy Thangammal was a simple and spiritual person who enabled her three sons and a daughter develop their full mental and spiritual potential; Sambasivan died young at the age of thirty-six when Swaminathan was only eleven years old. In the joint-family system, his uncle, Nara- yanaswami as the head of family took care of his brother’s family. Swaminathan got married on 11 April 1955 to Mina Boothalingam, whom he had met in 1951 at Cambridge University (UK) from where she obtained M A de- gree in Economics. Mina is an eminent authority in the field of education with particular reference to pre-school education. She played a key role in the development of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) as well as Mobile Creches catering to the needs of migrant labour children. She is currently Distinguished Chair on Gender and Development at MSSRF. Her father, S. Boothalingam was a distinguished ICS, and served the country in highly responsible positions such as Secretary of Ministry of Steel as well as Ministry of Finance. Her mother, Mrs Mathuram Boothalingam, was a well-known writer of novels on contemporary themes, Hindu religion and philosophy, as well as children’s books both in Tamil and English, under the pen-name Krithika. The Swaminathans are blessed with three highly talented daughters: Soumya the eldest trained as a paediatri- cian and currently the Director, National Institute of Tuberculosis, Chennai; Madhura the second, was a Rhodes scholar, obtained D Phil degree from Oxford University (UK), now Professor of Economics at the Indian Statistical Institute, Bengaluru (is also currently the Chairperson of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation), and Nitya is Professor of Gender and Development at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.

The question was how to increase Norman Borlaug won the Nobel Prize for precipitous fall in water table, depletion agricultural productivity and production Peace, and he subsequently acknowl- of agro-biodiversity and increase in the especially of our staple foodgrains edged in a letter that ‘to you Dr Swami- incidence of cancer among members of (wheat and rice). MS who recently wrote nathan, a great deal of the credit must go farming families due to excessive contact that the seeds of Green Revolution were for first recognizing the potential value with chemical pesticides. The great bene- first sown in the fields of CRRI through of the Mexican wheat dwarfs. Had this fits of Green Revolution were unfortu- the indica–japonica rice crosses, decided not occurred, it is quite possible that nately marred by disconcerting negative that the plant type should be tailored to there would not have been a Green Revo- effects. His earlier apprehension that be functionally responsive to external lution in Asia’. There is no doubt that the Green Revolution could degenerate into application of fertilizers. The height of quantum jump in wheat yields changed a Greed Revolution, and therefore, it plants should be reduced without reduc- India’s image from a ‘begging bowl’ to a should be used only as ‘breathing space’ ing the length of grain-bearing panicle. ‘bread basket’. Yet, when India was to and not as sustainable agriculture was This is what he strived to achieve by pur- commemorate ‘Wheat Revolution’ by re- totally justified. suing interspecific hybridization, induced leasing a special postal stamp by Prime One of the superb virtues of MS is not radiation and chemical mutagenesis and Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1968, MS to be deterred by negative consequences use of plant growth regulators. While all was greatly concerned that excessive use which may sometimes result in a major these substantially added to our basic of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, endeavour and development, but to knowledge of biological processes/ flooding the soil in the name of irrigation become more involved in finding out a responses induced by physical and with groundwater and monocropping better and long-lasting solution. His chemical agents, the goal of obtaining with a single cultivar over large contigu- blueprint for an ‘Evergreen Revolution’ dwarf/semi-dwarf wheat plants with ous areas could result in an agricultural is exactly that. Green Revolution was a normal spikes was, however, not real- doom rather than agricultural prosperity commodity centred intensive chemical ized. Fortunately, the trait in him to keep in the long run. He foresaw that ‘Green inputs-based agriculture. Its major draw- himself abreast of major innovations and Revolution’ (the term coined by William back is the lack of adequate care without development anywhere in the world, Gaud of USDA much later) could degen- concurrent attention to ecological foun- helped him to trace the Norin-10 dwarf- erate into a Greed Revolution and there- dations (soil health, fresh and good qual- ing genes from Japan in wheat and Dee- fore, it should be taken as providing only ity irrigation water, biodiversity and jee-woo-jen dwarfing genes from China a breathing space. As forewarned by him, renewable energy) of agriculture. Hence, in rice. His initial contact with Orville in his Presidential Address delivered in Swaminathan’s ‘Evergreen Revolution’ Vogel of the Washington State Univer- January 1968 at the Agricultural Section was based on a ‘Systems Approach’ with sity (Pullman) led him to Norman E. of the 55th Indian Science Congress at concurrent attention to each and every Borlaug, Director of CIMMYT, Mexico. Varanasi, the Green Revolution practised component of ecological foundation. In The Swaminathan–Borlaug partnership in an unscientific manner has caused in addition, ‘Evergreen Revolution’ which led to India’s Green Revolution in 1968. about two decades salinization of soil, is most suitable for hundreds of millions

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 2037 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE of resource-poor small and medium beings—from microbes to humans—form A non-governmental research foundation farmers, necessarily has social and gen- an inter-dependent ‘web of life’. The US needs to maintain itself financially sus- der dimensions. The M.S. Swaminathan President Barak Obama had received a tainable as well. Yet, in several cases Research Foundation (MSSRF) which he copy of Swaminathan’s book ‘From which could accelerate poverty allevia- set up in 1988 as a Registered Society Green to Evergreen Revolution’ (Aca- tion and enhance the food and nutrition in Chennai for harnessing science and demic Foundation, New Delhi, 2010, pp. security at individual household levels of technology has become an ‘epicentre of 410) that was released on 28 September rural women and men, field-based action sustainable agriculture’ including fisher- 2010 at the residence of the then Prime is his dictum. Alongside a combination ies and ‘sustainable rural development’. Minister Manmohan Singh. President of basic and applied research to find so- Knowledge and rural technology-based Obama, who after going through the lution to an imminent problem (he refers skill empowerment of the largely illiter- book, made a mention of the need for to these as anticipatory research), he also ate and unskilled rural women and men ‘Evergreen Revolution’ in his address to fosters ‘participatory breeding’ in which towards sustainable management of natu- the Indian Parliament on 8 November farmers are assisted to develop new lo- ral resources, on-farm and non-farm live- 2010. He said: ‘Together, we can streng- cally adapted varieties. Way back in lihoods are components of the Evergreen then agriculture. Cooperation between 1988 at a Climate Conference in Tokyo, Revolution. In an era of climate change Indian and American researchers and he observed that global warming and and rising cost of chemical fertilizers and scientists sparked the Green Revolution. melting of polar ice and glaciers would energy requirements for the various farm Today, India is a leader in using technol- cause sea level rise and that would result operations, the Evergreen Revolution is ogy to empower farmers, like those I met in salinization of coastal soil and aqui- the best available option for hundreds of yesterday who get free updates on market fers, and therefore, the coastal agricul- millions of resource-poor small and mar- and weather conditions on their cell tural crops should be genetically shielded ginal farmers. E. O. Wilson, a Harvard phones. And the United States is a leader against salinity and drought. Under his University biologist of rare distinction in agricultural productivity and research. guidance, the scientists of MSSRF led by referred to Swaminathan and his Ever- Now, as farmers and rural areas face the Ajay Parida have genetically engineered green Revolution in his epoch-making effects of climate change and drought, the salinity-tolerance genes of a man- book – The Future of Life (Vintage, we will work together to spark a second, grove species (Avicennia marina) into London, 2002). He noted that Evergreen more sustainable Evergreen Revolution.’ the cultivated rice plant. Whereas some Revolution is the best option available to (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press- aspects of the work are filed for patent- feed the burgeoning human population offfice/2020/11/08/remarks-president-joint- ing, the transfer of the ‘transgene’ from and at the same time to save the remain- session-indian-parliament-new-delhi-india) engineered rice variety to numerous ing biodiversity as well. Wilson wrote: Swaminathan also got several e-mails locally adapted rice cultivars will be ‘The problem before us is how to feed from American scientists and friends in through the mode of ‘participatory breed- billions of new mouths over the next US that they were very happy that he had ing’. Of course, MS insists that at first several decades and save the rest of life adopted the innovative approach of an the environmental and health safety at the same time, without being trapped Evergreen Revolution. Nevertheless, in aspects of the transgenic rice should be in a Faustian bargain that threatens free- India little has been done so far to make rigorously evaluated using the best food dom and security. No one knows the ex- this a reality. India probably would take safety evaluation methods and practices. act solution to this dilemma. Most this up after the USA. He is also quite emphatic that safety of scientists and economists who have stud- In an article in Yojana of 14 February human health and environment should be ied both sides of it agree that the benefits 1965, MS wrote that science and tech- the bottomline. Any transgenic crop not outweigh the risks. The benefits must nology are the prime movers of change. known to be absolutely safe to biological come from Evergreen Revolution.’ He added that farmers are not aware that systems should not be introduced into the The eco-agricultural approach of Eve- crop yields can be trebled with appropri- environment. rgreen Revolution takes into account the ate scientific approaches. Within a few Swaminathan is widely respected for ancient Hindu view of ‘Vasudeiva years thereafter, he doubled the yields of his unparalleled contributions to food kutumbakam’. That is all forms of living first wheat and then rice. and nutrition security of not only India A distinction between many working but several other developing countries. in the frontier areas of life sciences and Since food is the most basic human need, Swaminathan is what is done with the nations without adequate food security fruits of their research endeavours. Some cannot remain in peace. No wonder, the are content with publication of their TIME magazine of USA of August 1999 papers in journals of high Impact index, cited Swaminathan as one of the three a few others go for patenting, but MS’s most influential Indians (Mahatma Gan- goals are to take these to the fields of dhi and Rabindranath Tagore being the millions of resource—poor, small and other two) among a galaxy of 20 most marginal farmers. It is not that MSSRF distinguished Asians of the 20th century. shuns patenting; in fact several new in- Yet, MS is such an unassuming pleasant novations resulting from recombinant person, that meeting him for the first

DNA-based genetic engineering of rice time, one would never guess the out- Swaminathan playing with a rural household for abiotic stresses caused by salinity and standing achievements behind this mild- child in Puducherry biovillage of MSSRF. drought have been filed for patent. mannered genius. Along with food

2038 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE security, he also brought about the politi- genes for resistance against late blight of mono- and poly-functional chemical cal sovereignty of India. With this prel- potato. His elegant method combined mutagens. Under Swaminathan’s leader- ude, we now would like to bring out the microsurgery of the style of S. pin- ship, the Genetics Division of IARI be- major milestones in his 65 years of jour- natisectum and placing agar–sucrose at came globally known for its pioneering ney in science towards the destination of a the site where the top section of style had research on the mode of action of physi- ‘Zero Hunger’ India, and ‘Zero Hunger’ been cut off to facilitate pollen tube cal and chemical mutagens on chromo- world. growth of S. bulbocastanum. somes. Directing research in mammalian The idea of genetic manipulation of radiobiology at the Strahlenzentrum of cereal crops for fertilizer response was the University of Leiden (the Netherlands), Basic research contributions intellectually stimulating, yet a challeng- Natarajan became a global authority on ing task. We should go back to late biological dosimetry for radiation expo- The global basic research endeavours 1940s and 1950s when people’s memory sures. Several other students of MS had since the 16th century across the world was fresh about the Bengal famine of distinguished themselves in several fac- could be roughly divided into three cate- 1943 in which tens of thousands of peo- ets of life sciences. Some of them even gories: (i) research for adventure of ple perished of hunger. So, when MS became Secretaries to Government of In- ideas, and satisfying curiosity, which of moved from CRRI to IARI, his focus dia in scientific departments like DBT, course, might be found in later years to shifted from rice to the development of DST, DARE-ICAR, etc. have applied value; (ii) research for solv- high dose fertilizer-responsive wheat Swaminathan is gifted with an innate ing problems of humanity and environ- varieties. All the locally adapted and ability to combine excellence in research ment of our planet; and (iii) research for greatly preferred wheat varieties were and teaching with relevance to solving increasing profit margins of corporate tall, and these ‘lodged’ (i.e. fell flat on complex problems particularly in the enterprises in a globalized world. the ground) when their earheads were domain of food and nutrition security. Swaminathan’s basic research in life full of well-filled heavy grains produced For example, his setting up laboratories sciences of which genetics is the vital in response to the application of about 80 for research in radiation and chemical core, during the first three of his six and- to 100 kg of nitrogenous fertilizer per mutagenesis led to achieving his twin a-half decades of scientific career, has hectare. None of the varieties of the primary goals: (i) elucidation of cellular been with the purpose of ‘knowing the hexaploid cultivated wheat (Triticum mechanisms of physical and chemical unknown’ to solve specific problems of aestivum, 2n = 6x = 42) had the ‘genes’ mutagenesis/clastogenesis and how to management of stresses in crop plants for dwarfing the height of the plants enhance their efficiency and effective- and optimizing their productivity. His without also reducing the length of the ness, and (ii) achieving control over the basic research on ‘Species differentiation grains-bearing spike (earhead). However, induced frequency and spectrum of mu- and the nature of polyploidy in certain a closely related hexaploid species tations in crop plants so that the desired species of the genus Solanum, section T. sphaerococcum was comparatively mutants for crop improvement could be Tuberarium’ formed the basis of his shorter, but unfortunately possessed obtained. The Genetics Division pro- Ph D thesis submitted to Cambridge short and compact earhead. The decades duced many useful mutant varieties of University (England) in 1952. His pub- of 1950s and 1960s were also the peak crop plants, and in mutation breeding it lished papers on cytogenetics and speci- period of interest in artificial transmuta- had gained the recognition at par with ation in potato during 1950–55 in leading tion of genes (alleles) using high and low the best institutions in Sweden, USA, scientific journals, reveal an extremely LET ionizing radiations as well as a UK, Japan and a few other countries. In high quality and originality of his stu- variety of chemical mutagens variously short, the ‘Swaminathan School of Cyto- dies. What, however, has made his basic acting on the DNA. MS used fast neu- genetics’ at IARI was receiving global research in Solanum species relevant to trons as the high LET (i.e. linear energy attention because of its excellence in humanity is that it helped in developing transfer expressed in terms of keV/) and basic researches in cytogenetics and several new potato varieties possessing gamma rays from Cobalt-60 and Cesium- radiation biology. resistance to diseases and tolerance to 137 gamma cell as the low LET ionizing Although MS had been focusing on frost for cultivation in the northernmost radiation of high dose-rate acute expo- radiation and chemical mutagenesis, USA. By transferring the gene for frost sures of plant seeds and fruitfly Droso- cytogenetics and crop improvement, he resistance from Solanum acaule growing phila melanogaster. He had close was also keeping himself abreast of de- at 4000 m high in the Andean ranges of association with Homi J. Bhabha, Vik- velopments in a wide range of genetics Peru in South America, a commercial po- ram Sarabhai and several senior nuclear and plant breeding researches. He was tato variety named ‘Alaska Frostless’ scientists of that time like Raja Ramana, also quick to grasp major developments was bred and released for cultivation in M. R. Srinivasan, A. R. Gopal-Ayengar in other disciplines like biotechnology, Alaska. His paper in Nature (5 November and others. Therefore, access to neutron biochemistry, biophysics, atmospheric 1955) on overcoming the cross- irradiation facilities at Trombay was sciences, remote-sensing, etc. He also incompatibility among some diploid spe- readily available to researchers of the wanted his students to get interested in cies of Solanum reveals his simple yet Division of Genetics of IARI of which various domains of science and integrate most ingenious way of overcoming MS was the then Head. His first Ph D the principles, tools and techniques of cross-incompatibility. This is particularly student A. T. Natarajan initiated work on physics and chemistry in their own stud- important in the crosses between S. pin- the clastogenic (i.e. chromosome lesions) ies in biology. This can be illustrated natisectum and S. bulbocastanum, the and mutagenic (i.e. point mutations) with an experience of one of us (PCK) only species then known to possess actions of ionizing radiation and several then working as a Ph D scholar under his

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 2039 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE guidance. In the doctoral programme of again at the same coffee room sometime ment (ed. Asit K. Biswas; Tycooly Pub- the post-graduate school of IARI, it is in September 1963, that he handed out a lishing Co. Dublin, pp. 65–95), radiation obligatory that students must take a cer- piece of handwritten sheet of paper with biology (since he realized long before the tain number of credits in the course work the title ‘Indirect effects of radiation’. It declaration by the Royal Society of Lon- and pass the comprehensive examination had several sub-titles and one of these don that nuclear fuels, unlike fossil fuels, before embarking on full-time research. was ‘Oxygen effect’. At that time, PCK do not cause emission of greenhouse MS assigned cytogenetics as the major had not yet credited Swaminathan’s gases but the biological mechanisms of core course with physics and human ge- course on ‘Radiation genetics’ in which health and environmental risks, if any, netics as the two subsidiary subjects for he dealt with this topic in detail. So, PCK should be thoroughly elucidated), plant PCK’s credit programme. No student of went to the well-equipped IARI library molecular biology, neurobiology, mem- the Genetics Division at that time had and picked up a couple of books on the brane biophysics, etc. His contributions ever entered the Physics Division (then Actions of Ionizing Radiation on Cells. to the establishment of the Academic and called Agricultural Physics), leave alone The one by Douglas Lea (Cambridge Research foundations of Life Sciences at taking courses for credit purposes. So, University, 1950) was supposedly the JNU have been the keystone for its truly when PCK met the Head of the Division best and in that book of about 400 pages, interdisciplinary character even today—45 (Dakshinamurthy), he was kind but firm the word ‘oxygen’ had been mentioned years after its establishment. A grateful in testing PCK’s knowledge on the struc- just a couple of times, but nothing really JNU felicitated Swaminathan and other ture of the atoms, nuclear binding energy, appreciable on what it exactly does in an living members of his Working Group on etc. He did not have to tell the obvious irradiated cell and how it does. Later in Life Sciences in February 2014. that the student’s performance was dis- the radiation genetics class, MS taught His major involvement during the last mal. That alone was not upsetting, but how oxygen enhances the radiobiological three decades in promoting sustainable his suggestion that PCK should take a damage, and how this was indeed a prob- agriculture and rural development using remedial course in relevant mathematics lem in cancer radiotherapy of tumours innovative paradigms such as ecotech- was. So, PCK decided to meet MS to ex- consisting of hypoxic fraction of cells nology-based biovillages and modern plain the predicament and request him that are relatively radio-resistant. He also information and communication-based for a change from physics to any other explained how oxygen effect is rather Village Knowledge Centres (VKCs) have course as subsidiary. The coffee time in significant in the case of exposures in- obscured his absolutely outstanding con- Lab No. 4 at about 11 AM frequently volving low LET (linear energy transfer) tributions to life sciences in general, and provided opportunity for free and lei- radiation (e.g. gamma rays) than high cytogenetics and radiation and chemical surely discussion with him. So, PCK LET radiation (e.g. thermal neutrons). mutagenesis in particular. His election as broached the topic. He patiently listened The foundation he had laid was so strong Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in and advised that the Head, Physics Divi- that it was so easy for PCK in later years 1973 was in recognition of his original sion was very pleased to have PCK as his to make noteworthy contributions to the and most innovative theoretical and student, and that he would help him to elucidation of mechanisms of oxygen ef- experimental basic research in cytogene- grasp the fundamentals of atomic and fect in radiobiology. Within the few tics, radiation and chemical mutagens- nuclear physics. He also emphasized that years of PCK’s research career, he was induced clastogenesis and mutagenesis. the idea was to enable PCK to get an idea invited to be a Member of the Editorial These also formed the basis for his win- of the structure of an atom and nuclear Board of International Journal of Radia- ning the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award interactions with matter. He also advised tion Biology in which capacity he still in 1961, and several other honours. Dur- that it would help PCK in his doctoral continues. The major purpose of this nar- ing the last three or more decades, his thesis on the ‘Indirect effects of ionizing ration is to emphasize the ease and ele- deep involvement in harnessing science radiation’ – a relatively unexplored area gance with which MS mastered entirely and technology to fight the famines of in radiation research at that time. The different facets of life sciences. This is food availability and access to food for teachers in the Physics Division were also illustrated by the fact that the Foun- over 1 billion people of the world has exceedingly helpful and the learning was der Vice-Chancellor of the Jawaharlal notably obscured his earlier outstanding quite exciting. Later in PCK’s profes- Nehru University (JNU), (late) G. Par- research contributions to basic sciences. sional career as a radiation biologist thasarathi sought Swaminathan’s exper- We would like to highlight some of these there were many occasions to gratefully tise and advice in setting up the School with brevity and clarity in Table 1. acknowledge how his teacher, Swamina- of Life Sciences at JNU in the late than had foreseen his student’s future 1960s. MS was the Chairman of the requirements and equipped him accord- Working Group to develop the blueprint Swaminathan as a teacher ingly. He similarly guided several of of the programmes of research and teach- his students who in their later profes- ing in the frontier areas of life sciences. Swaminathan taught cytogenetics-I and sional career had to work on entirely dif- Some of the areas suggested by MS for radiation genetics at the Post-Graduate ferent aspects of life sciences and crop intensive research and teaching are: pho- School of IARI during late 1950s improvement programmes across the tosynthesis (photobiology) to enhance through 1960s. Without exception, every world. No wonder, his students did plant productivity in an era of environ- student looked forward with great inter- exceptionally well. mental degradation and climate change est and enthusiasm to listen to his lec- There is also something unforgettable (note his research publication on ‘Cli- tures. Whether rain, heat or biting cold in about the way he introduced PCK to the mate change and agriculture’ was as Delhi, he would ride on his bicycle to the doctoral research programme. It was early as 1984, in Climate and Develop- class room in the Botany Division from

2040 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

Table 1. Basic research Goal/impact

1a. Cytogenetics—speciation–species interrelationships-induced To transfer genes for biotic and abiotic stress resistance from wild polyploids in Solanum species in 1950s. species to the cultivated potato, Solanum tuberosum.

Journals in which papers are published: This is to prevent recurrence of a famine as serious as that of the American Potato Journal; Euphytica; Genetics; Genetica; Irish Potato Famine of 1845. Nature; American Journal of Botany; Journal of Heredity; Genetica Agraria; Bibliographica Genetica, etc. His work led to the development of ‘Alaska Frostless Potato’. Genes for frost resistance were transferred from S. acaule to the 1b. In late 1950s and 1960s in cytogenetics of wheat and cultivated potato. related hexaploid species. 2. Radiation and chemical mutagenesis – To alter the plant type in such a way that it is highly fertilizer- Mechanisms of action of the physical and chemical mutagens responsive, but does not lodge. to achieve control over the frequency and spectrum of induced mutations in crop plants. To elucidate the mechanisms of ac- Studies revealed a pleiotropic gene action of the dwarfing genes tion of alkylating agents on the cells in different phases of the on the length of the spike. The work done by MS and his students cell cycle (G1, S, G2, M). firmly established the usefulness of induced mutations in crop improvement. Today, there are over 4000 mutant crops through- Journals in which papers are published: out the world and about 400 mutants in India alone. This number Nature; Current Science; Indian J. Genetics; Die Naturwissen- includes field crops and horticultural species. schaften; Experientia; Vererbungslehre; Science; Evolution; Proc. Natl. Inst. Sci (India); Proc. International Atomic Energy Agency, Symposium on ‘Effects of Ionizing Radiations on Seeds, and their significance for Crop Improvement’, Karlsruhe, pp. 279–288; Advances in Genetics; Radiation Botany; Caryologia; Radiation Research; Z. Pflanzenzuchtg; Journal of Indian Botanical Society; Hereditas; Science; Drosophila Information Service; Journal of Science & Industrial Research; Indian Farming; Mutation Research; Mutations in Plant Breed- ing II, IAEA, Vienna; and several Symposia held under the aus- pices of the joint IAEA/FAO, etc. 3. Cobalt-60 Gamma Garden – for chronic irradiation of crops Acute exposures of vegetatively propagated plants (e.g. potato, particularly vegetatively propagated plants. Basic studies banana, etc.) induce mutations in just few cells of a cluster of a brought out the fact that radiation energy deposited in the cells propagule, say a bud or stolon. Not all the cells are affected by an of the tissues following a Poissonian distribution would be acute dose. The problem is that numerous normal cells (i.e. non- greater in the case of chronic exposures. It is a matter of dose- mutagenized) outcompete the fewer mutant cells in multiplication rate to deliver an intended dose. When several cells are and forming a new plantlet. This process known as ‘diplontic se- mutagenized in a vegetative clone, the elimination of mutated lection’ eliminates the mutant cells from gaining survival and ex- cells by ‘diplontic selection’ is greatly diminished. pression. However, with chronic exposures over protracted periods, many more cells are mutagenized and the proportion between normal and the mutant cells is better balanced for the mutant cells also to develop and gain expression. 4. Establishing laboratories for basic research in cytogenet- Swaminathan pointed out that after the initial work with garden ics/genetics – using Drosophila melanogaster and human pe- pea (Pisum sativum) by Mendel led to the laws of inheritance in ripheral leucocytes in vitro. The question posed to him by his 1865, subsequent advances in genetics, including the chromoso- senior officials of IARI was why should all these be set up in mal theory of inheritance and mutagenic activity of X-rays, fine ‘Botany Division’ (Swaminathan got it changed to Genetics structure analysis of the gene by Seymour Benzer came from Division, after he became Director of IARI in 1966) when H. K. researches with the fruit-fly, Drosohila melanogaster. Hence, he Jain became the first Head of the newly christened Division of pointed out that there would be no effective teaching and research Genetics. without reference to and studies involving the D. melanogaster. Until 1960, the chromosome number of the human was vari- ously reported ranging from 2n = 44, 46 and 48. Only in 1960, Moorhead et al. reported a simple method of human chromosome preparation for obtaining a precise counting of the diploid number. This involved inducing the ‘GO’-phase of the nucleus in the pe- ripheral blood leucocytes in vitro to initiate cell division. The cells arrested at metaphase provided a sharp view of the well spread- out somatic chromosomes. Swaminathan was among the first and foremost to use this method to study the indirect effects of radia- tion on the human chromosomes. His student PCK at that time (1963–65) was excited for working in a frontier area of human cytogenetics. (Contd)

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Table 1. (Contd) Basic research Goal/impact

5. Indirect effects of ionizing radiation on cells and organ- These studies were among the earliest to correct the fallacy that isms – mechanisms ionizing radiations act like ‘bullets’ hitting vital targets (‘target the- ory’) in the cells and inactivate them. The findings that unirradi- Journals: ated organisms cultured on or fed irradiated media/food show Nature; Radiation Botany; Indian Journal of Genetics; Current increased incidence of chromosomal aberrations and mutations Science (sex-linked recessive lethal) in Drosophila melanogaster revealed a radiation-induced chemical dimension in the biological effects of ionizing radiations. The formation of radiolytic substances in the irradiated medium accounted for the observed radiomimetic effects. His early work forms at least in part the foundation of today’s ‘Redox Biology’. 6. Monosomic–nullisomic analysis in the hexaploid (2n = 6x = The monosomic analysis is useful to identify the chromosomes 42) bread wheat. Deletion of one (monosomic 2n = 6x = 41) or carrying desirable genes for biotic and abiotic stresses. Chromo- a pair of homologues (2n = 6x = 40) without causing inviability some substitution in a polyploid wheat was yet another dimension is possible in polyploids. Monosomics for all the 21 pairs of of crop improvement. chromosomes of the bread wheat had been produced.

Journals:

Indian Journal of Genetics; Euphytica 7. Elucidation of mitotic division in yeast Until his paper with his student A. T. Ganesan was published (Nature, 1958, 168, 610–611) there were doubts about the nature Journals: of mitosis in yeast nucleus. Their work showed that the only dif- Stain Technology; Nature; Memoirs of Indian Botanical Society ference in the case of yeast is that the nuclear membrane does not disappear, but persists during prophase to telephase. 8. Polyploidy and radiosensitivity Bread wheat has three sets of chromosomes (2n = 6x = 42). The homologous chromosomes have identical or similar genes present Journals: in six doses as compared to just two in the diploids and four in the Nature (1957); Experientia (1957); Proc II U.N. Int. Conf. on tetraploid wheats (durum used for making porridge, ‘Uppuma’, Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, Geneva (1958); Genetica etc.). So, the question was about possible buffering effects of (1960); Evolution (1960); Radiation Botany (1961); Genetica normal alleles against a mutated allele. The related question was (1961a and 1961b); Die Naturwissenschaften (1961); Exptl. about chromosomal aberrations induced in the diploids, Cell Research (1961); Radiation Botany (1962); Hereditas tetraploids and hexaploids exposed to low and high LET (i.e. (Suppl. 1963); Current Science (1963); Radiation Botany linear energy transfer) radiations. His work also elucidated the dif- (Suppl. 1965) ferential radiosensitivity among the probable genome donors of bread wheat.  His inference based on his work on polyploidy and radiosensi- tivity indirectly explained the advantage of the use of neutrons (high LET) over gamma-rays (low LET) in cancer radiotherapy. Research carried out by MS and his students in the late 1950s and 1960s revealed that: (i) Neutrons with higher LET have greater relative biologi- cal effectiveness, than gamma rays. (ii) Polyploids have lower ‘oxygen effect’ when exposed to low LET gamma rays. 9. DNA content and organization of eukaryotic chromosomes  Stage of DNA synthesis during mitosis and meiosis. This work in 1959, just six years after the publication of the structure of Journals: DNA by Watson and Crick (Nature, 1953) was pioneering. Current Science (1959, 1964); Experimental Cell Research  They also determined the metaphase chromosome length and (1960, 1967). DNA content in relation to polyploidy in Triticum species.  Elucidation of the number of DNA double helix copies in a single chromatid. His work with his student Deepak Bastia re- vealed that chromatid is uninemic (i.e. only one DNA double helix per chromatid). 10. ‘Diploidization of polyploids in Triticum’ Elucidation of the genetic mechanism of diploidization in poly- ploids with homeologous chromosomes. Despite homology among Journals: all the six sets (2n = 6x = 42) of chromosomes, there are no hexava- Indian Journal of Genetics; Genetics lents, and only 21 bivalents are regularly formed in diakinesis and metaphase I of meiosis. So, the question was ‘what is the genetic mechanism for the “diploidized” behaviour in the hexaploid wheat’. His work with his student M. D. Upadhaya elucidated the genetic basis of diploidization. They showed that a genetic locus controls the chromosome pairing as biovalents in meiosis.

2042 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE his Bungalow No. 12 via the wheat and Yet, based on the post-Second World Village of Longyearbyen on Svalbard mustard fields. His punctuality was such War research publications in Nature and island, a 120 metre tunnel was chiselled that students could reset their wrist Int. J. Radiation Biol., he elaborated the out of solid stone in the middle of an ice watches at 8.15 AM. In Cytogenetics-I, advancing knowledge on the mechanisms mountain. This resulted in the establish- his lectures on the differences in the of oxygen effect. It was those inspiring ment of three giant vaults, capable of mode of formation of ‘asynapsis’ and lectures which made PCK choose re- storing 4.5 million distinct varieties of ‘desynapsis’, or how the ‘pericentric’ search programmes in radiobiology. crops. The vaults are located under per- and ‘paracentric’ inversions act as cross- mafrost conditions where the natural over suppressors (i.e. inhibitors of genetic temperature is about –4C year round. recombination) or the evolutionary blind Swaminathan: crusader of With a little bit of additional energy, the alley of Rhoeo discolor (2n = 12 forming conservation and sustainable use temperature is lowered to about –18C, a ring of 12 chromosomes in meiosis) as of biodiversity the optimal temperature for maintaining also Oenothera lamarkiana (2n = 14) and long-term seed viability. On the occasion O. muricata (2n = 14), the evolution of Just a few geneticists involved in crop of the commemoration of the first anni- hexaploid bread wheat, tetraploid New improvement are known to have also versary of the Svalbard Gene Bank, the World Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum become deeply involved in conservation Norwegian Government organized in 2n = 52) were absolutely inspiring and of biodiversity, particularly agro-bio- February 2009, a seminar on ‘Frozen imprinted on the minds of students. He diversity. It is not that they do not realize seeds in a frozen mountain: feeding a would provide references of text books the essential requirement of several warming world’. Knowing full well that and original papers. After reading these, desirable genes to shield the vulnerable MS has been the source of inspiration, one would invariably arrive at the con- crops against a variety of biotic and the Norwegian Government invited him clusion that MS had elegantly simplified, abiotic stresses, but they probably to deliver a lecture on that occasion. The for the benefit of students, the complex believe that conservation is the job of title of his lecture was ‘Freezing seeds: a structural and functional aspects without others, say conservation ecologists. humanitarian issue’ that provided a so- losing the essence of the science invol- Against this compartmentalized notion of cial dimension to the Svalbard Gene ved. In a nutshell, he was a ‘born plant breeding and conservation of bio- Bank. Thanks to his Presidential Address teacher’ who made the students grasp the diversity, MS stands out as a towering in December 1983 at the XV Interna- fundamentals with amazing clarity of crusader against loss of biodiversity due tional Congress of Genetics, the Svalbard expression. to anthropogenic causes related to cli- ex situ preservation of millions of culti- In the Radiation Genetics Course, he mate change. vars is indeed a Noah’s ark serving as a would inspire students with elaborate of He gave forceful expression to his safety net for food security in an era of construction of the ‘CLB’ – Drosophila conviction of biodiversity being the feed- global warming and climate change. melanogaster with which Hermann J. stock of genetic improvement of crop Cryogenic preservation is just a ‘safety Muller unequivocally demonstrated that plants (and farm animals) at the XV net’. What is ideally required is ‘in-situ X-rays induce sex-linked recessive lethal International Congress of Genetics held onfarm’ conservation and maintenance of mutations. For this work published in at New Delhi in December 1983. In his ecological integrity in primary, secon- Science in 1927, Muller won the Nobel Presidential Address titled, ‘Genetic con- dary and tertiary centres of origin and Prize in 1946. And when Swaminathan servation: microbes to man’, he pleaded divergence of crop plants. Towards this set up the Drosophila Genetics labora- for international efforts involving the important objective, MS established field tory in the Botany Division of IARI, he ex situ preservation of germplasm by stations of MSSRF at Kolli Hills (Tamil introduced a strain called Muller-5 cryogenic gene banks and in situ on-farm Nadu), Koraput (Odisha) and in Puthoor- instead of Muller’s original CLB. When conservation. Preservation of seeds and vayal near Kalpetta in Wayanad (Kerala). asked, he elegantly explained that CLB propagules in cryogenic gene banks These centres not only revitalize the (‘C’ an inversion to inhibit recombina- maintained at between –10C and –20C conservation traditions of tribal women, tion, ‘L’ for lethality (a small deletion) prolongs/extends their viability, but new in particular, but also provide recognition and ‘B’ (bar eye with reduced number of variation through mutations and recom- and economic benefits. The elegant idea eyelets ‘ommatida’ in the compound binations cannot occur. Furthermore, the of conservation, cultivation, consumption eyes of Diptera)) had only one ‘C’ energy requirement and prohibitively and commercialization (‘4Cs’) proposed (cross-over suppressor, which could expensive cost in storing the seeds at by him is an outstanding example of rec- sometimes fail), but the Muller-5 had –10C and –20C are often beyond the onciling conservation and development two such cross-over suppressors to rein- economic means of developing countries in the sphere of farming activities. force the inhibition of crossing-over. In which are rich in agro-biodiversity. It is well known that Swaminathan fact, it also revealed his innate passion However, in regions of the Earth which played a pivotal role in developing the and capacity to be the front-runner of have sub-zero temperatures throughout ‘Protection of Plant Varieties and Farm- any branch of science. In his own words, the year, the precious germplasm could ers’ Right Act 2001’ (PPVFRA 2001) as ‘Teachers must be passionate’. be preserved under permafrost condi- India’s response to its obligation to pro- In the 1960s, nothing much was tions. His inspiration was the driving vide sui generis protection to plant varie- known about the ‘Oxygen effect in radia- force for the Norwegian Government to ties under TRIPS. This Act is unique in tion biology’. Just a couple of text books create a Noah’s ark in the form of the that it recognizes the important role had been written and these had just a ref- Svalbard Global Seed Vault. At 78 played by farmers not just as cultivators, erence in passing on the oxygen effect. Northern latitude, the Norwegian but also the role of tribal and rural

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Box 2. Excerpts from what the most eminent citizens of the world have said about Swaminathan.

Norman E. Borlaug, Nobel Laureate of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Mexico, 10 November 1970: ‘The Green Revolution has been a team effort and much of the credit for its spectacular development must go to Indian officials, organizations, scientists and farmers. However, to you, Dr Swaminathan, a great deal of the credit must go for first recognizing the potential value of the Mexican dwarfs. Had this not occurred it is quite pos- sible that there would not have a Green Revolution in Asia…’

Ronald Reagan, President, USA, 11 September 1987: ‘It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on being chosen as the First World Prize Laureate. This award recognizes what many in the global food and agricultural community have known for a long time that your efforts have made a dramatic and lasting impact on improving world food supply.’

Joshua Lederberg, 1958 Nobel Laureate in Medicine and Physiology, 25 September 1987: ‘I was so pleased to hear the news of your award. There could not have been a more appropriate choice. I can think of no one who has combined the insights of the cutting edges of biological science with attention to the most urgent needs with the competence, devotion and energy that you have given. The world is and will be a better place on account of your contributions to its welfare…’

Javier Perez de Cueller, Secretary General, United Nations, October 1987: ‘Dr. Swaminathan is a living legend. His contributions to agricultural science have made an indelible mark on food production in India and elsewhere in the developing world. By any standards, he will go into the annals of history as a world scientist of rare distinction…’

R. Venkataraman, former President of India on the occasion of Swaminathan’s 70th birthday, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi, August 1995: ‘Pleasant, soft spoken, dignified but unassuming, Dr. Swaminathan has a demeanor which conceals his brilliant intellect, unparalled achievements in science and research, and countless awards, prizes, fellowships and hon- ours showered on him by national and international institutions. The Green Revolution which transformed our chronic food-deficit country with three hundred sixty million people into a food self-sufficient one with nine hun- dred million has earned for him an indelible place in our national history…’

Sartaj Aziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad, 13 September 1999: I was delighted to see your name in the list of ‘100 Most Influential Asians of the 20th Century’ in Time Magazine of 23–30 August 1999: ‘To be bracketed with political giants like Mao Zedong Ho Chi Minh, Sukarno, Mahatma Gandhi and M.A. Jinnah is a great achievement in itself, but for me the more gratifying aspect is the recognition of the role of scientists in changing the course of history. Having watched and admired your outstanding contributions to the Green Revolu- tion in Asia at first hand, I can say without hesitation that this recognition is well deserved.’

Ismail Serageldin, Chairman, CGIAR, 27 January 2000: Dr. Swaminathan is a great humanitarian, an International scientist, and a bold and imaginative visionary. The re- sults of his efforts have had a multiplier effect, helping small farmers to produce more food, increase incomes and protect the environment. This has resulted in the elimination of major sources of discord and conflict. Dr. Swami- nathan’s contribution to the development of sustainable agriculture is unassailable, and is universally acknowl- edged…. He has broadened the concept of agricultural sustainability to include not only consideration of ecology and economics but also of ethics, social and gender equity and employment generation…’

A. B. Joshi, former Director, IARI, 14 August 1995: ‘Dr. Swaminathan has been the most eminent research scientist which India has ever produced – none like him in the past, and there shall be none in the far distant future. But for Dr. Swaminathan, the Green Revolution in India would never have taken place! But for his contributions, India today would have been a decimated, depopulated country as prophesied by the American doom-sayer Paddock Brothers! Dr. Swaminathan alone has been the Saviour of India!’

2044 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE farming women and men as conservers and in fact the entire biosphere. In Science (310, 643, doi:10.1126/science. and enhancers of agro-biodiversity. The February 1990, Shridath Ramphal, Com- 1118387) revealed how the thick man- Act legally provides for their recognition monwelath Secretary-General invited MS grove vegetation greatly reduced the ve- and monetary reward. to help convert about one million acres locity of tsunami waves. It must also be Swaminathan’s science-based appro- of rainforest into an implementable pointed out that Swaminathan’s article ach to conserve what he prefers to call, international project under the Com- ‘Beyond tsunami: an agenda for action’ the nutritious millets (once referred to as monwealth auspices, to demonstrate the in The Hindu, 17 January 2005 is even coarse minor millets) which had been concept of sustainable management and now widely referred to for its crisp rec- neglected for over several decades in the conservation of tropical rainforests. MS ommendations to minimize the loss of Kolli Hills (Tamil Nadu) is doing im- who headed a Commonwealth Team to lives and livelihoods in case of any such mense good to the health of urban con- Guyana prepared a project proposal that disaster occurring in the future and also sumers and to the resource-poor marginal resulted in the formation of the ‘Iwok- to enhance the coping capacity. His and small farmers from the point of view rama International Centre for Rainforest major suggestions are: of income generation, poverty reduction Conservation and Sustainable Manage- and enhancing food security. The fact ment’. He also served as the Chairman of Immediate action: Trauma relief, psy- that minor millets belonging to the Board of Trustees of this Centre from chological support and support for life genera Panicum, Paspalum, Setaria, 1992 to 2000 with the support of several and livelihood Eleucine and other under-utilized millets agencies such as Global Environment are highly nutritious and could also be Facility, European Union, Common- Medium and long-term rehabilitation: ideal dietary items for those suffering wealth Secretariat, UK Government and from diabetes type-2 was utilized to link several others.  Strengthening the ecological founda- their conservation and cultivation with Back home in India, MS saved the tions of sustainable human security. consumption and commerce. Ecology, evergreen rainforest, called the ‘Silent  Rehabilitating livelihoods and foster- nutrition and economics are integrated in Valley’ (so named due to the absence of ing sustainable livelihood security. a mutually reinforcing manner. chirping cicadas), where it was proposed  Agronomic rehabilitation. Swaminathan’s interventions to to set up the Silent Valley Hydroelectric  Putting in place a network of Village strengthen the conservation ethos of the Project. The ‘Swaminathan Report’ rec- Knowledge Centres. tribal women in Koraput (mainly land- ommended the development of Silent  Strengthening the capacity of Pancha- races of rice) led to the tribal women Valley into a ‘National Rainforest Bio- yati Raj Institutions in disaster man- winning the prestigious Equator Initia- sphere Reserve’. It also suggested alter- agement and mitigation. tive Award at the UN Conference on Sus- nate avenues to generate energy. tainable Development at Johannesburg Swaminathan was the President of the MS played a significant role in the global (South Africa) in 2002 and the Genome International Union for Conservation of recognition of the ‘Gulf of Mannar Ma- Saviour Award of the Protection of Plant Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) rine Biosphere (Go MMB)’ and Kerala’s Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority during 1984–1990. One of the several Kuttanad known for ‘traditional cultiva- of India in 2007. In an era of climate things he did was to establish a Global tion of paddy below sea-level’ as a change with increasing biotic and abiotic Network of Mangrove Genetic Resources globally important agricultural heritage stresses, the future of food security Conservation Centre (MGRCC) to arrest site. largely rests on the availability of genes degradation of mangrove forest ecosys- As the President of Pugwash Confer- to shield the crops against floods and tem and to restore it. During the signing ences on Science and World Affairs submergence, drought and heat, salinity of the Global Biodiversity Protocol at the (2002–2007), MS enlarged the concept and degraded soils, and a host of fungal, UN Conference on Environment and of ‘human security’ by adding hunger viral and bacterial diseases as well as in- Development in June 1992 at Rio-de- and pandemics like HIV/AIDS as threats sect pests. After all, the present and Janeiro, the International Society of equal as nuclear war. He recommended future generations would be ill-advised Mangrove Ecosystem (ISME) was estab- that technology push should be matched to forget the Irish potato famine of 1845 lished in Okinawa (Japan) with MS as the by an ethical pull. He said that ‘spiritual and the Bengal famine of 1943. The Founder-President, who prepared and globalization’ to accord ‘human dignity humankind got over these by introducing presented the charter for mangroves and gender equity’ was needed more than genes for resistance for these two biotic conservation and their sustainable use. ‘economic globalization’. When MS was stresses respectively. The question is as Under his supervision, MSSRF undertook elected President of Pugwash Confer- to the future when the much-required a massive programme of restoring the ences on Science and World Affairs, a genes might have been lost due to loss of degraded mangrove forests along the east basic change had been introduced, viz. biodiversity. For these reasons, present coast of India comprising West Bengal, he was the first biologist to hold that efforts of MS for the future food security Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. position, all the earlier Presidents being and human well-being would hardly have The 26 December 2004 tsunami was physicists. any parallel. Yet, his contribution to sus- quite devastating to the coastal regions of tainable management and conservation of Tamil Nadu. Yet, the magnitude of loss about one million acres of undisturbed of lives and livelihood resources was Institution builder Amazonian prime rainforest of Iwokrama substantially reduced wherever man- in Central Guyana brings out the fact that grove restoration by MSSRF had taken R. D. Iyer in his book M.S. Swamina- his endeavours encompassed the forests, place. A paper subsequently published in than, Scientist and Humanist (Bharatiya

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Vidya Bhawan, Mumbai, 2002, p. 245) countries of Asia and Africa. Some of steps to build a strong and dynamic Rice devoted a chapter of 23 pages to elabo- these are as follows. Research Institute at Yezin. He also rate the various institutions that MS built arranged training of army officers in col- in India and other countries in the world.  He helped to build a ‘China Natio- lecting and conserving wild rices and He built every institution with a goal or nal Rice Research Institute’ at Hang- other important plant genetic resources purpose to innovate and take science to zhow. Although China is the largest in areas affected by insurgency. As a re- farmers. With inimitable thoroughness, producer of rice in the world, there was sult, the Burmese Government provided he ensured that these institutions fulfil no adequate scientific support to back funds for establishing a ‘Burma Room’ the environmental, social and economic production efforts. Hence, an intensive at IRRI’s Swaminathan Hall. More re- goals of sustainability. At IARI, human and institutional resources devel- cently, he led an expert team to Myanmar MS established the Nuclear Research opment programme was carried out from to prepare a Master Plan to establish a Laboratory (NRL) designed in the modu- 1982 to 1988. He also helped to develop National Agricultural Research Institute lar fashion similar to the Bhabha Atomic a ‘National Genetic Resources Centre’ on the IARI model at Yezin, near their Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay. It (Beijing), a ‘Hybrid Rice Research Insti- new Capital of Nay Pe Daw. was equipped with state of the art in- tute’ (Changsha in the Hunan province),  MS initiated two major steps to struments and gadgets of that time. and an ‘Azolla Research Institute’ strengthen Thailand’s rice and agricul- The change he brought about for the (Fuchow). In recognition of these contri- tural research. First, a Research Station annual Indian Science Congress is re- butions, the Academy of Sciences, China was established near Ayuthaya for deve- markable in linking science with social and the Chinese Agricultural Science loping high yielding, deep water and needs. For the first time in the 63-year Academy elected him as Honorary Profes- floating rices. Second, in a project initi- history of the Indian Science Congress, sor, and the Chinese Government gave him ated under the inspiration of the King MS introduced the focal theme concept a scroll of honour. He has been a member (known as the King’s Project), MS which was implemented in the 1976 Sci- of the China Council for Sustainable De- arranged for promotion of alternative ence Congress held in Waltair, under his velopment since its inception in 1990. cropping systems in place of poppy and Presidentship. The theme chosen by him  He was deputed to Vietnam in other drug producing plants. for that Congress was ‘Science and Inte- 1975 along with a team of experts, soon  He helps the Government of Sri grated Rural Development’. after its unification, to help develop two Lanka in promoting sustainable rice His global outreach through UN Com- research institutes – one for rice in the farming systems in the Mahavalli Com- mittees is almost without parallel. As Mekong Delta (considered the ‘rice mand Area, the largest irrigation project Vice-Chairman of the Technical Advi- bowl’ of Vietnam), and another for buf- in the country. He was able to introduce sory Committee (TAC) to the Consulta- falo, so that Vietnam can increase its rice modern rice farming practices, including tive Group on International Agricultural and milk production. As a result, Viet- efficient water management, in this area. Research (CGIAR) of FAO, Rome, he nam today is not only self-sufficient in Later, he also served as the Chairman, played a key role in the establishment of rice, but has become the second largest Board of Trustees of the International the International Crop Research Institute exporter of rice in the world. His former Irrigation Management Institute (now for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) at IARI Ph D Vietnamese student, Bui Bong, known as International Water Manage- Patancheru, near Hyderabad. rose in ranks and became the Vice Minis- ment Institute) in Colombo. In this He was the moving spirit behind start- ter for Agriculture in Vietnam. capacity, he could offer Sri Lanka con- ing the International Board for Plant  During the Civil War and the geno- siderable help in producing more crop Genetic Resources (IBPGR) in Rome, cidal Pol Pot regime, research institutes per drop of water. The Sri Lankan renamed the International Plant Genetic in Kampuchea were practically destro- Government established a ‘Sri Lanka Resources Institute (IPGRI) now again yed. Rice, being the staple food of the Room’ in IRRI’s Swaminathan Hall. renamed as ‘Biodiversity International’. people, in 1985 MS started a programme  Swaminathan helped Pakistan in Similarly, he helped in the establishment for rebuilding the country’s rice research strengthening rice research both in West of the International Council for Research infrastructure, with financial support Punjab (Kala Shah Shaku Research on Agro-Forestry (ICRAF) in Nairobi from the Government of Australia. Ini- Station) and in Sind. He undertook a (Kenya) and served as Chairman of tially, he arranged to train 20 young large capacity building programme, with its Board of Trustees from 1977 to 1982. Kampuchean scientists in different areas emphasis on the breeding of salt-tolerant As Chairman of the UN Advisory of rice research at IRRI. Then, at the re- and high quality rice. Later, he was Committee for Science and Technology, quest of Prime Minister Hun Sen, he invited by the President of Pakistan MS played an important role in setting rebuilt the Research Station near Pnom to deliver the keynote address at the up the International Centre for Genetic Penh with their help to serve both inauguration of the Pakistan National Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) national and international sectors. As a Agricultural Research Institute at in New Delhi. He also played a key result, Kampuchea has been transformed Islamabad. role in promoting a Global Institute for from a food-deficit to a food exporting  Following the political transition in Co-operation in Water Management at country. Iran, rice production suffered. MS took Valencia (Spain) when he served as  Burma (Myanmar), a major rice steps to strengthen rice research capac- Chairman of the International Committee producer prior to the World War II, ity-building activities, by training a large on Water Management (1996–1998). started losing this position in the 1960s. number of Iranian rice scientists at IRRI. Besides his accomplishments in India, Because of poor post-harvest technology, As a result, Iran improved its rice pro- his work has had great impact in other milling recovery was low. MS undertook duction considerably.

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His manifold contributions to the im- areas: Genetic conservation and organiz- and grain. As Chairman of the Advisory provement of rice productivity in par- ing an international training programme Committee to help war-torn Afghanistan ticular are so compelling as to present a on genetic resources conservation and to rebuild its agriculture, he evolved the brief note on his tenure at IRRI. These enhancement; upland rice training; irri- blueprint for action. are briefly as follows. gation water management; integrated pest management (IPM); cropping sys- tems training; agroeconomic research Promotion of science and Swaminathan’s role as the methodology; and agricultural engineer- technology-based application for Director General of the IRRI ing. During his tenure as Director Gen- food and nutrition security (1982–1988) eral, there have been several significant scientific outputs. Swaminathan’s basic and applied re- In March 1982, MS, as the Acting Dep- (a) Genetic enhancement resulted in search work and development of new uty Chairman of the Planning Commis- rice varieties having resistance to brown crop varieties, agronomic strategies, etc. sion of India, informed the then Prime plant hopper biotypes, having higher cannot be truly put into two watertight Minister Indira Gandhi that he would like yields and better cooking quality. Using compartments. Yet, it would also be to accept the Invitation of the Chairman, anther culture, a cross of cultivated rice logical as his much deeper involvement Board of Trustees, to join the position of with wild rice (Oryza officinalis) was since late 1960s in shaping India’s future the Director General of IRRI, Philippines successfully made. destiny of agriculture and rural develop- and that he would like to join on 1 April (b) Research on pest and increasing ment has made people of the older gen- 1982. She was initially reluctant to re- production efficiency and productivity eration forget his having achieved lieve him as he was indispensable, to focused on containing virus-mediated excellence in basic research in life sci- which he replied, ‘Madam, I sincerely rice plant diseases. ences; and the younger generation is feel that one must leave when one is (c) Under his supervision, women- mostly unaware of these. In fact, today most wanted and not otherwise’. She friendly farm machines and implements most people know him only for his thought for a moment and said ‘Yes in- were developed. With smaller threshers, endeavours of food security for all, and deed, you are right. One must leave when women’s participation in threshing rice not the path of the long journey of 65 most wanted. You have my best wishes’. harvests doubled from 18% to 36%. years he had taken. The Swaminathan Years (1982–88) as His most significant achievement is Among several compulsions, there the Director General of IRRI are epito- setting-up of a rice-based demonstration were atleast two for his more active mized as an era of growth and sustain- farm called ‘Prosperity through rice involvement in administration, policy ability. He injected vigour and dynamism (PTR)’. What it does elegantly and effec- planning, sustainable agriculture and to scientific research and development tively is to integrate the following: rural development. One is that he was while adhering to the ecological and low-cost, yield-increasing technologies, absolutely certain that Green Revolution social dimensions of sustainable deve- choice of rice varieties, nutrient man- was only to provide a breathing space lopment. agement, cropping patterns, integrated and that it should be transformed into an During his very first year as Director crop-livestock and fish, use of livestock ecofriendly, resource-poor small and General, he received The Third World and crop residues as organic fertilizers, marginal farmers-friendly sustainable Prize and the 1982 King Baudouin Inter- and use of rice straw as substrate for agriculture. The need was a ‘systems national Agricultural Research Award. mushroom culture. The basic concept approach’ to achieve ‘productivity in During his tenure of six years (1982– behind PTR is that every component of perpetuity without accompanying eco- 1988) MS initiated and implemented sev- rice plant is ingeniously used to fight logical and social harm’. He called this eral new programmes. Some of these are both food famine and improve liveli- system of agriculture as ‘Evergreen as follows: hoods of rural farming communities. He Revolution’. Although Green Revolution Development of a programme on further elaborated the concept in the ensured food security at the national women in rice farming: A ‘Women in MSSRF’s ‘Biovillage paradigm’ for con- level, it failed to ensure it at the individ- Rice Farming System (WIRFS) network’ servation and sustainable use of natural ual household levels of millions of re- was organized. He also expanded IRRI’s resources to enhance rural livelihoods for source-poor marginal farming, fishing collaboration with advanced research in- income-generation, poverty reduction and landless rural families. MS inte- stitutes in the world, notably Australia, and food nutrient security. grated ecoagriculture with ecotechno- France, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Swaminathan’s mission of helping logy-driven on-farm, non-farm and USA, etc. Scientists from these countries other developing countries with concepts marine-based (in the coastal areas) were deputed to work at IRRI on specific and techniques for sustainable agricul- ecoenterprises for rural livelihoods. His collaborative projects. While at IRRI, he ture and rural livelihoods remains un- analyses revealed that food security at helped to build National Rice Research abated. Recently, with the help of the the individual household level requires Institutes in Hangzhou (China) and the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, ‘access’ (i.e. purchasing power which is Philippines Rice Research Institute. He he set up a ‘Rice Biopark’ at the Yezin a function of livelihoods/jobs), especially also played a vital role in the establish- Agriculture University (Myanmar) to for millions of resource-poor small and ment of rice research centres in Vietnam, demonstrate the wide spectrum of oppor- marginal farming, fishing and landless Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Bhutan, tunities available for preparing value- labour families in rural areas. There are Madagascar and Egypt. He also started added products from every part of the about 700 million people living in about IRRI’s group training courses in several rice plant such as straw, bran, husk, roots 638,000 villages throughout India.

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Secondly, with his appointment as the during this period that he became the designed the programmes of MSSRF in Director-General, ICAR and Secretary to ‘First recipient of the World Food Prize’ such a manner that science and technol- the Government of India, Department of in USA. Pooling this prize money of ogy would appropriately empower rural Agricultural Research and Education about 2 million dollars along with vari- communities to reconcile conservation of (1972–1979), Principal Secretary to the ous prize monies won by him resulted in resources and development of on-farm, Government of India, Ministry of Agri- the ‘seed money’ to set up MSSRF in non-farm and marine-based livelihoods culture and Irrigation (1979–1980) and Chennai as a registered society in 1988. for income generation, poverty reduction Member (Agriculture, Rural Develop- The major goal of MSSRF has been to and food security enhancement. MSSRF ment, Science and Education) of Plan- harness science and technology for sus- has been successful in harnessing science ning Commission (1979–1980) with tainable rural development. Simply and technology for the skill and knowl- additional charge as Acting Deputy stated, MSSRF blends frontier science edge empowerment of the rural women Chairman (April to June 1980), his re- and technologies (e.g. space, nuclear, in- and men to ensure ‘availability’ of food sponsibilities as well as expectations of formation and communication and bio- and ‘access’ to food in perpetuity with- him in the national scenario became sub- technologies) with the traditional knowl- out causing ecological and social harm. stantially different. For him, it was an edge and ecological prudence of the rural MS identified the readily available tech- opportunity to take scientific know-how and tribal communities to provide a pro- nologies suitable for rural areas. These, to the farmer’s fields. Moreover, nearly nature, pro-poor, pro-women and pro- however, would ideally require to be two-thirds of India’s agricultural farms livelihood orientation to technology blended with traditional knowledge of are rain-fed. India’s agriculture is a development and dissemination in rural the local communities as well as their ‘gamble in monsoon’. Therefore, an en- areas. For a substantial period of post- ecological prudence to transform them tirely different blueprint for action was independence, high level science and into ecotechnologies with pro-nature, pro- necessary. It was during this period that technology had been limited/confined to poor and pro-women orientation. And, MS developed the much-needed blue- a few major Indian cities and neighbour- many more gap-filling research and in- print of an Evergreen Revolution to ing towns. But India’s roots are in the novative technologies would also need to equip hundreds of millions of resource- well spread-out 638,000 villages where be developed. poor rural and tribal families to fight nearly 700 out of 1250 million people MS pays much attention to the princi- both famine and rural livelihoods without live, the bulk of them illiterate and un- ples and practices for a new ‘Green accompanying ecological and social skilled living in abject poverty and Revolution’ that would have a ‘systems harm. He played a key role in shaping caught in debt trap. They also account approach’ and would not be readily sus- the Sixth Five Year Plan (1980–1985). for a large proportion of the hungry, un- ceptible to degenerate into a ‘greed revo- Where, for the first time in the history of der and malnourished children, women lution’. The Evergreen Revolution would planning, he introduced two new chap- and men. India’s dismal rank in the UN also be able to fight the famines of food ters, one on ‘Women and development’ Global Hunger Index (GHI) as well as and rural livelihoods in an ecofriendly and another on ‘Environment and devel- the UN Human Development Index manner. Degradation of the ecological opment’. He could not, however, imple- (HDI) is largely because of the unaccept- foundations of agriculture (i.e. soil ment these immediately mainly because able level of poverty and hunger situa- health, fresh water, biodiversity and at- of the slow and tedious government tion in rural areas. Degradation of natural mosphere) and disintegration of social machinery always opposed to new ideas. resources in rural areas further aggra- harmony because of inequities would Hence, he had decided to accept the posi- vated poverty, hunger and deprivation. need to be avoided. The system should tion offered to him as the Director- The rural women, in particular face the ensure productivity in perpetuity without General of IRRI (1982–1988). It was brunt of the miseries. Swaminathan accompanying environmental and social harm. It was known from the very begin- ning that the high level fertilizer respon- sive ‘Green Revolution’ would not be sustainable both environmentally and socially. Its immediate and limited goal was to put the cereal grain production rate ahead of the annual human popula- tion growth rate. It was successful until, as expected, the green revolution began to show signs of yield fatigue in the late 1980s. The Evergreen Revolution, on the other hand, is designed to give as much care to the ecological and social dimen- sions as to the economic one. A sustain- able development, in order that it does not become an ‘oxymoron’, has to pay equal attention to all the three dimen- sions (viz. social, environmental and economic) of sustainable development. Swaminathan with his wife, daughters and grand daughters. The Evergreen Revolution is particularly

2048 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 107, NO. 12, 25 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE favourable to the resource-poor small monocropping system adopted by corpo- numbering about 600 to 700 million in family farms. And it is also the pathway rate farms cannot provide agricultural India. Despite an enviable economic to ‘green economy’. remedies to maladies caused by nutri- growth particularly during the first dec- In his book Century of Hope: Towards tional deficiencies. On the other hand, ade of this millennium, India ranks high an Era of Harmony with Nature and once the nature of nutritional deficien- in GHI. Levels of child underweight in Freedom from Hunger (Chennai, Eastwest cies are identified, appropriate vegetable, India at 43% are twice the average level Book, 1999, p. 155), Swaminathan wrote fruit or any other edible plant species can of 21% reported in sub-Saharan Africa. with deep conviction: ‘what nations with be included in the cropping system of the The FSN in concept and practice needs to small farms and resource-poor farmers family farms, so that agricultural reme- be integrated within the evergreen revolu- need is the enhancement of productivity in dies can be provided for nutritional tion managed by hundreds of millions of perpetuity without associated ecological or maladies. He suggests that along with resource-poor farmers throughout India. social harm. The Green Revolution should cereals, oilseeds and pulses, several natu- become an evergreen revolution rooted in rally biofortified horticultural plants such the principles of ecology, economics and as drum stick (‘Moringa’), sweet potato, Epilogue gender and social equity.’ bread-fruit, various berries, citrus species The UN declared 2014 as the Interna- which are rich in micronutrients and vi- Among a galaxy of living legends in tional Year of Family Farming (2014 tamins could be cultivated in family Indian science, Swaminathan may be IYFF). The family farms could be very farms. This approach of MS to provide a considered as one of the most influential big (about 100 to 250 hectares) as in the simple practical method of alleviation of Asian scientists of the 20th century. He USA or very small (1.0 hectare or less) nutritional deficiencies of about 600 to has contributed to substantial change in as in India. Swaminathan’s concern for 700 million Indians will also provide agricultural practice and towards better resource-poor small and marginal farm- economic benefit to hundreds of millions image and destiny of India. He has made ers in the abovesaid book refers to ‘so- of resource-poor small family farmers. India proud with dedicated work in his cial harm as well as gender inequity’. Every moment of his being in the of- chosen field of agricultural sciences. The One of the social harms is the loss of fice, home or flight signifies creative gratitude of the people towards him, is livelihoods especially for farming and thinking, writing and productive action. far more deep and emotionally binding. landless families in rural areas. The 7 August 2014 marked his 89th Birthday. He is truly a transformational agent cause of hunger and malnourishment of Two days earlier, in Agric. Res. (doi who brought dignity and admiration for hundreds of millions of people is the lack 10.1007/s40003-014-0119-5), he pub- Indians and India. of livelihoods for income generation. lished his concept of a farming system Data from the USA show that ‘corporate model to leverage agriculture for nutri- Honorary Doctorates farming’ (i.e. ‘industrial farming’) only tional outcomes. His proposal of a creates 9.44 jobs displacing 27.97 ‘Farming system for nutrition (FSN)’ is The Sardar Patel University, Vallabh (http://familyfarmingahap.weebly.com/ amenable for implementation in the re- Vidyanagar (1970); The Andhra Pradesh family-vs-corporatefarming.html). Corpo- source-poor small and marginal farm not Agricultural University, Hyderabad rate farming is largely fossil fuel-derived only to enhance food security to alleviate (1971); The Andhra University, Waltair energy-based (e.g. tractors, trucks, har- hunger, but also to eliminate ‘hidden (1972); The Haryana Agricultural Uni- vesters, tube well motor pumps, chemical hunger’, caused by micronutrient defi- versity, Hissar (1973); G.B. Pant Univer- fertilizers, etc.) which means emission of ciencies. In fact, he had been writing and sity of Agriculture and Technology, significant levels of greenhouse gases. lecturing vigorously on three kinds of Pantnagar (1974); Jodhpur University, Small family farms use draught power of hunger prevalent in India and a few other Jodhpur (1976); Marathwada Krishi bullocks for energy. And more impor- developing countries. These are: (i) Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (1975); Kumaon tantly, MS made an important suggestion under-nutrition (due to deficiency in University, Nainital (1975); Burdwan regarding the role of small family farms calorie); (ii) protein deficiency (due to University, Burdwan (1976); Agra Uni- for providing agricultural remedies for inadequate consumption of milk, pulses versity, Agra (1978); Kerala Agricultural maladies caused by nutritional deficien- or eggs, meat, etc.); (iii) ‘hidden hunger’ University, Trichur (1978); Sri cies. Writing the editorial on ‘Zero Hun- (due to deficiency of micronutrients like Venkateshwara University, Tirupati ger’ in Science (1 August 2014, 345, iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin (1979); University of Agricultural Sci- 491), MS noted that with the declaration B12, etc. in the diet). While ‘under nutri- ences, Bangalore (1980); Banaras Hindu of 2014 as the International Year of Fam- tion’ and ‘protein deficiency’ can be University, Varanasi (1981); Technical ily Farming by UN, a good opportunity overcome by making available cereal University of Berlin, Berlin (West) exists to make a shift in tackling global grains and pulses respectively, ‘hidden (1981); Mahatma Phule Agricultural hunger from ‘food security’ focus to an hunger’ requires a conscious focus on University, Rahuri (1982); Chandrasek- agenda that promotes ‘nutrition security’ nutrition-sensitive agriculture in the re- hara Azad Agricultural University, Kan- instead. The ‘zero hunger’ as viewed by source-poor small and marginal farms. pur (1983); University of Wisconsin, him refers to the elimination of both Integrating food and nutrition security Madison, Wisconsin, USA (1983); Delhi poverty-driven hunger (under-nutrition) at individual households of hundreds of University, Delhi (1984); University of as well as the ‘hidden hunger’ caused by millions of resource-poor small and mar- the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, lack of balanced diet containing micro- ginal farming, fishing and landless labour Philippines (1984); Asian Institute of nutrients, vitamins, etc. In the abovesaid rural families would significantly reduce Technology, Bangkok, Thailand (1985). editorial, MS points out that the the number of malnourished people now Doctorate of Technology; University of

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Mangalore, Mangalore (1986); Univer- versity of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Paki- International Awards sity of Hyderabad, Hyderabad (1987); stan (2014). Agriculture University, Wageningen, Mendel Memorial Medal, Czechoslovak The Netherlands (1988); Assam Agricul- National Awards Academy of Sciences (1965); Ramon tural University, Jorhat, Assam (1988); Magsaysay Award for Community Lead- Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1961); ership (1971); Bennett Commonwealth gon State, USA (1988); Tamilnadu Agri- Birbal Sahni Medal, Indian Botanical Prize of the Royal Society of Arts (1984); cultural University, Coimbatore (1989); Society (1966); Silver Jubilee Com- Bicentenary Medal, University of Georgia, Rajasthan Agricultural University, memoration Medal, Indian National Sci- USA (1985); Albert Einstein World Sci- Bikaner (1989); Indian Agricultural Re- ence Academy (1971); Barclay Medal, ence Award, World Cultural Council search Institute, New Delhi (1989); Asiatic Society (1978); Moudgil Prize (1986); Award for Serving the Cause of Pondicherry University, Pondicherry (1978); Borlaug Award (1979); Meghnad Women in Development (1985); First re- (1989); University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Saha Medal, Indian National Science cipient of the Award instituted by the As- Italy (1990); North Eastern Hill Univer- Academy (1981); Rathindranath Tagore sociation for Women in Development, sity, Shillong (1991); University of Prize, Visva Bharati University (1981); Washington, DC, United States; First Bologna, Italy (1992); Punjab Agricul- R.D. Misra Medal, Indian Environmental World Food Prize Smithsonian Institution tural University, Ludhiana (1994); Indian Society (1981); ‘Krishi Ratna’ Award, in Washington, DC, USA (1987); The Institute of Technology, Madras (1997); Bharat Krishak Samaj/World Agriculture Golden Heart Presidential Award of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Fair Memorial Trust Society (1986); Dr Philippines, 1987. University, Garhwal (1997); The Hebrew J.C. Bose Medal, Bose Institute (1989); In recognition of Swaminathan’s con- University of Jerusalem, Israel (1998); Lal Bahadur Shastri Deshgaurav Samman tributions to the research, training and University of Calcutta, Calcutta (1998); (1992); Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary technology transfer programmes of IRRI, Kakatiya University, Andhra Pradesh Award, Indian Science Congress Associa- the Board of Trustees named the Train- (2000); University of Massachusetts, tion (1992); Charles Darwin International ing and Technology Transfer Building of USA (2001); Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Science and Environment Medal (1993); the Institute as ‘M.S. Swaminathan Hall’. Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (2001); Guja- Dr B.P. Pal Medal, National Academy of The IRRI Trustees also established a rat Agricultural University, Ahmedabad Agricultural Sciences, India (1997); V. special fund for providing scholarships (2002); University of Bonn, Germany Gangadharan Award, National Develop- in his name for candidates who wish to (2002); Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa- ment (1997); B.P. Pal Memorial Award, do research by women in rice farming vidyalaya, West Bengal (2003); Soka Indian Science Congress Association systems. This is in recognition of his ser- University, Japan (2003); Ohio State (1998); Shatabdi Puraskar, Indian Sci- vices to the cause of women in agriculture. University, Columbus, USA (2004); ence Congress Association (1999); Prof. Commandeur of the Order of the Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University, P.N. Mehra Memorial Award (1999); Golden Ark of the Netherlands (1990); Srinagar (2005); Iowa State University, Legend in his Lifetime Award, World The Tyler Prize for Environmental USA (2005); Shanumgha Arts, Science, Wilderness Trust (1999); Asutosh Achievement (1991); Honda Prize, Technology & Research Academy Mookerjee Memorial Award for 1999– Honda Foundation, Tokyo, Japan (1991); (SASTRA) (2005); Sathyabama Deemed 2000, Indian Science Congress Associa- Asian Regional Award by the Asian Pro- University (2005); University of Kalyani tion; Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Dis- ductivity Organisation (1994); UNEP– (2006); N.D. University of Agriculture & armament and Development (2000); Sasakawa Environment Prize, 1994; Technology, Faizabad (2006); Indira Millennium Alumnus Award, Tamil World Academy of Art and Science, Gandhi National Open University Nadu Agricultural University (2000); Special Award (1994); Global Environ- (2007); University of Bari, Italy (2007); Millennium Scientist Award, Indian Sci- mental Leadership Award, Climate Insti- University of Mysore, Mysore; Aligarh ence Congress Association (2001); Lok- tute, Washington, DC, USA (1995); Muslim University (2009); Nethaji Sub- manya Tilak Award, Tilak Smarak Trust, Highest award for International Coopera- hash Open University, Kolkata (2008); Pune (2001); Indira Gandhi Gold Plaque tion on Environment and Development, Universidad de Talca, Chile (2009); (2002); BioSpectrum Life Time Achieve- China (1997); Ordre du Merite Agricole, University of Alberta, Canada (2010); ment Award (2003); Technology Achieve- France (1997); Henry Shaw Medal, Mis- Padmashree Dr D.Y. Patil University, ment Award (2005); Raja Rammohan souri Botanical Garden, USA (1998); Mumbai (2011); McMaster University, Roy Puraskar (2005); All India Manage- The VOLVO Environment Prize, Swe- Canada (2011); IIT, Kharagpur (2011); ment Association’s Life Time Achieve- den/USA (1999); UNESCO Gandhi Gold Punjab University (2011); University of ment Award (2007); Distinguished Medal, France (1999); Franklin D. Roo- East Anglia, UK (2012); Calicut Univer- Global Thinker Award, Institute for Inte- sevelt Four Freedoms Award, Franklin sity, Calicut (2012); Deshikottama (Hon- grated Learning in Management, New and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (2000); orary Doctorate), Viswa-Bharati, Delhi (2007); Lal Bahadur Shastri Na- Planet and Humanity Medal of the Inter- Santiniketan (2012); Azerbaijan State tional Award for Excellence in Public national Geographical Union (2000); The Agrarian University (2013); University Administration, Academics Management Economic Times Awards for Corporate of Nebraska (2013); North Maharashtra (2007); Fifth Panampilly Prathibha Excellence–Lifetime Achievement (2002); University, Jalgaon (2013); Dr D.Y. Patil Puraskar (2012); GITAM Foundation Toda Award for Peace Achievement, Vidyapeeth, Pune (2013); University of Annual Award, Visakhapatnam (2012); Japan; Outstanding Technology Leader- Minnesota (2014); Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi Award for National Inte- ship – included among the 50 world Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (2014); Uni- gration (2013). leaders by Scientific American (2004);

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Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Peace Award Remember Your Humanity: Pathway to Sustain- Swaminathan, M. S., Gender Dimensions in (2005); The Crop Science Society of able Food Security, New India Publishing Biodiversity Management, Konark Pub- America Presidential Award (2005); Agency, New Delhi, 2012, pp. 208. lishers, Delhi, 1998, pp. 229. Ordre Du Merite Agricole (Commander Swaminathan, M. S., Medrano, P. and Bha- of the Agricol Merit) (2006), France; vani, R. V., Towards a Hunger-free World: The Ethical Dimensions, East Sahametrei Medal of the Royal Govern- Books edited by Swaminathan West Books (Madras) Pvt Ltd, Chennai, ment of Cambodia (in the grade of 2004, pp. 141. Chevalier) (2006); Medalla Rectoral Swaminathan, M. S., Gupta, P. K. and Sinha, Swaminathan, M. S., Medrano, P., Gustafson, Universidad de Chile, Chile (2009); V., Cytogenetics of Crop Plants, MacMil- D. J. and Sharma, P., National Food Willa S. Cather Medal, Lincoln, Univer- lan India Ltd, 1983, pp. 591. Security Summit (Selected Papers). World sity of Nebraska (2011); Living Legend Von Weizacker, E. V., Swaminathan, M. S. Food Program, New Delhi, 2004, pp. 593. of International Union of Nutrition Sci- and Lemma, A., New Frontiers in Tech- Swaminathan, M. S. and Medrano, P., ences, Granada, Spain (2013). nology Application, Tycooly Interna- Towards Hunger Free India: From Vision tional, Dublin, 1983, pp. 271. to Action, East West Books (Madras) Pvt Swaminathan, M. S. and Sinha, S. K., Global Ltd, 2004, pp. 470. Books written by Swaminathan Aspects of Food Production, Tycooly In- Swaminathan, M. S. and Chadha, K. L., Envi- ternational, Dublin, 1985. ronment and Agriculture, Malhotra, Building a National Food Security System, In- Li, Z. and Swaminathan, M. S., Proceedings Delhi, 2006. dian Environmental Society, 1981, pp. 138. of the First International Symposium on Swaminathan, M. S., Agriculture Cannot Wait: Science and Integrated Rural Development, Chromosome Engineering in Plants. Aca- New Horizons in Indian Agriculture, Aca- Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, demia Sinica, Beijing, 1986. demic Foundation, New Delhi, 2007. 1982, pp. 354. Swaminathan, M. S. and Kochhar, S. L., Swaminathan, M. S., Ajay Parida and Shetty, Science and the Conquest of Hunger, Concept Plants and Society, Macmillan, London, P. K., Biosecurity, National Institute of Publishing Company, New Delhi, 1983, 1989, pp. 629. Advanced Studies, Bangalore, 2008. pp. 508. Swaminathan, M. S. and Vineeta Hoon, Bio- technology: Reaching the Unreached – An Sustainable Agriculture: Towards an Ever- Biographies on Swaminathan green Revolution, Konark Publishers Pvt Interdisciplinary Dialogue, Proceedings No. 3, Centre for Research on Sustainable Ltd, Delhi, 1996, pp. 232. 1. Ramanujam, S., Siddiq, E. A., Chopra, V. Agricultural and Rural Development, Sustainable Agriculture: Towards Food Secu- L. and Sinha, S. K., Science and Agricul- rity, Konark Publishers Pvt Ltd, Delhi, Madras, 1991. ture: M.S. Swaminathan and the Movement Getubig, I. P., Chopra, V. L. and Swamina- 1996, pp. 272. for Self-Reliance, IARI, New Delhi, 1980, than, M. S., Biotechnology for Asian Ag- I Predict: A Century of Hope. Towards an Era pp. 400. of Harmony with Nature and Freedom riculture: Public Policy Implications, 2. Erdelyi, A., The Man who Harvests Sun- Asian and Pacific Development Centre, from Hunger, East West Books (Madras) shine. The Modern Gandhi: M.S. Swamina- 1991. Pvt Ltd, 1999, pp. 155. than, Tertia kiadó, Budapest, 2002, pp. 167. From Rio de Janeiro to Johannesburg – Swaminathan, M. S., Biotechnology in Agri- 3. Iyer, R. D., Scientist and Humanist. M.S. culture: A Dialogue, Macmillan India Ltd, Action Today and not just Promises for Swaminathan, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Madras, 1991, pp. 371. Tomorrow, East West Books (Madras) Pvt 2002, pp. 245. Ltd, 2002, pp. 224. Swaminathan, M. S. and Jana, S., Biodiver- 4. Dil, A., Life and Work of M.S. Swamina- sity: Implications for Global Food Secu- Swaminathan, M. S. and Kochhar S. L., than. Toward a Hunger-free World, East rity, Macmillan India Ltd, Madras, 1992, Groves of Beauty and Plenty – An Atlas of West Books (Madras) Pvt Ltd, Chennai, Major Flowering Trees in India, Macmil- pp. 326. 2004, pp. 636. Swaminathan, M. S. and Ramesh, R., Sustain- lan India Ltd, Delhi, 2003, pp. 298. 5. Gopalakrishnan, G., M.S. Swaminathan. able Management of Coastal Ecosystems, Swaminathan, M. S. and Daisaku Ikeda, Revo- One Man’s Quest for a Hunger-free World, lution: To Green the Environment, to Chrom Grafix, Madras, 1993, pp. 215. Education Development Centre, Chennai, Swaminathan, M. S., Information Technology: Grow the Human Heart, East West Books, 2002, pp. 130. A Dialogue, Macmillan India Ltd, Ma- Chennai, 2005, pp. 138. 6. Parasuraman, N. (Tamil), M.S. Swaminathan Swaminathan, M. S. and Kochhar, S. L., dras, 1993, pp. 264. – Architect of Sustainable Agriculture, Mathi Swaminathan, M. S., Wheat Revolution: A Groves of Beauty and Plenty – An Atlas of Nilayam, Chennai, 2014, pp. 239. Dialogue, Macmillan India Ltd, Madras, Major Flowering Trees in India, Macmil- 7. Deolgavkar, A., Swaminathan – Bhukmuk- lan India Ltd, Delhi, 2007, 2nd edn, pp. 1993, pp. 164. ticha Dhyas (Liberator from hunger). Swaminathan, M. S., ICPF. Uncommon 324. Akshar Prakashan, Mumbai, 2000, pp. 162. Opportunities: an Agenda for Peace and Science and Sustainable Food Security – 8. Deolgavekar, A., Swaminathan – Bhuk- Selected Papers of M S Swaminathan, Equitable Development. Report of the mukticha Dhyas, Supriya Sharad Marathe, International Commission on Peace and World Scientific, Singapore, 2010, pp. 420. Mumbai, 2008, pp. 183. Food, Zed Books, London, 1994, pp. 210. From Green to Evergreen Revolution, Indian 1, Agriculture: Performance and Chal- Swaminathan, M. S., Ecotechnology and P. C. KESAVAN * Rural Employment: A Dialogue, Macmil- 2, lenges, Academic Foundation, New Delhi, R. D. 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