2025 - Dr. M. S. Swaminathan | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹100 will be issued on the occasion of the 'Birth Centenary of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan'. The official gazette notification from the Ministry of Finance is still awaited.

Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, widely revered as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India”, was a visionary agricultural scientist whose work reshaped the country's food security landscape. Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Swaminathan dedicated his life to harnessing the power of science for the service of humanity, particularly in the realm of sustainable agriculture and rural development.

During the 1960s, when India grappled with severe food shortages and an over-reliance on grain imports, Dr. Swaminathan led the scientific movement that introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. Collaborating closely with international scientists like Dr. Norman Borlaug, he played a pivotal role in adapting these varieties to Indian conditions, enabling self-sufficiency in food production. This transformation, known as the Green Revolution, not only averted widespread famine but also elevated millions out of poverty.

Beyond increasing crop yields, Dr. Swaminathan advocated for equitable growth, environmental sustainability, and gender empowerment in rural farming communities. His emphasis on the “evergreen revolution”, a model of agricultural development that balances productivity with ecological preservation, continues to influence policy and practice worldwide.

He held numerous influential roles, including Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Chairman of the National Commission on Farmers. His establishment of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) further reflects his lifelong commitment to using science and technology for rural upliftment.

Dr. Swaminathan’s contributions earned him global recognition, including the first World Food Prize in 1987, the Padma Vibhushan, and countless other honors. In 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his transformative impact on the nation’s agricultural landscape. His legacy lives on not only in India's food security framework but also in the aspirations of farmers and researchers working toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

As India moves to commemorate his life and work through a dedicated coin, it serves as both a tribute and a timely reminder to carry forward his mission, a hunger-free, environmentally resilient, and farmer-centric nation.

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