Modi to release postage stamp to honour MS Swaminathan on Aug 7

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the MS Swaminathan International Conference on August 7 and will release a commemorative centenary coin and a postage stamp to honour the legacy of Prof. Swaminathan.

This two day conference will be held at the National Agricultural and Science Complex (NASC) to honour and celebrate the 100 birth anniversary of Prof. MS Swaminathan, Bharat Ratna awardee and father of India’s Green Revolution.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation said, “My father’s vision of biohappiness was deeply personal—he believed that true progress meant ensuring every farmer, every family, could live with dignity and hope. Today, as we face climate change and food insecurity, his holistic approach to agriculture offers the path forward. This conference is not just about honouring his memory but about translating his ideals into action for the next generation.”

The conference is themed “Evergreen Revolution: The Pathway to Biohappiness,” and is poised to be a landmark gathering of global scientists, policymakers, small and grassroots farmers, youth, and civil society leaders.

The conference will witness the presence of various dignitaries and ministers, including agriculture minister Shivraj Chouhan, minister of state for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog.

During the event, launch of the MSS100 Global Call to Action A visionary framework for biohappiness, climate-resilient agriculture, and equitable development will be announced on August 9.

Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said, “Prof. Swaminathan’s revolutionary work through ICAR and NARS institutions transformed Indian agriculture and inspired a generation of scientists. His emphasis on farmer centric research, climate-resilient practices and biodiversity conservation remains at the core of our mission. The MSS100 Conference represents our commitment to continuing his legacy of science-driven solutions that directly benefit farming communities across India.”

Biohappiness – Undercurrent Theme of the Conference Prof. Swaminathan’s term “biohappiness” describes agriculture that ensures both human wellbeing and ecological health.

It means farming systems that produce nutritious food, preserve biodiversity, maintain soil and water resources, and provide economic security for farmers.

Meanwhile, Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research) and Principal Scientist, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) said, “As we celebrate Prof. Swaminathan’s centenary at IARI—the institute where his pioneering research laid the foundation for India’s Green Revolution, transforming the country from a ‘begging bowl’ into a food-secure nation, one of the most significant achievements of the Nation. We are reminded that his most profound contribution was making science accessible to farmers. Today’s conference upholds that legacy by integrating cutting-edge research with farmer-centric and environmentally sustainable solutions.”