Can’t think of any Indian more decorated internationally than Swaminathan in modern times, says N. Ram

M.S. Swaminathan, an agricultural scientist, was highly decorated internationally and made a great contribution to India's national life. He worked with eminent agronomist Norman Borlaug and political leaders like C. Subramaniam. He set up the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Tamil Nadu, and donated the money he received from awards to the foundation. He was a task master yet gentle, and anticipated climate change in his papers. A true people's person, he was a pioneer in many ways.

N. Ram, director, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, on September 28 said he cannot think of any Indian who was more decorated internationally in modern times than the agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, who passed away in Chennai earlier in the day.

Addressing media after paying his respects to the mortal remains of Swaminathan, Mr. Ram also said he did not know of any Indian who had made a greater contribution to the national life, primarily because of the increase in food production he brought about, which he added was a real revolution.