“Dr. M.S. Swaminathan introduced the idea of bio-happiness, which links human welfare with ecological harmony.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, a new international honor celebrating the legacy of Professor M.S. Swaminathan — the Father of India’s Green Revolution. The award will recognize leaders worldwide who make lasting contributions to food security and sustainable farming.
The announcement took place at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, where PM Modi also unveiled a centenary memorial stamp. Nigerian scientist Dr. Arenare became the first recipient, honoring the award’s global scope from its very inception.
🏆 Launch of the Global Award
The award is designed as a yearly global honor. It will recognize scientists, innovators, or policymakers whose work reduces hunger and strengthens sustainable food systems, especially in developing regions.
By linking food with peace, the award reflects Swaminathan’s belief that hunger and conflict are tied. Addressing one reduces the other. This philosophy positions the award as more than scientific recognition — it becomes a statement about global security and human welfare.
Think of this award as India’s way of saying: “Fighting hunger is fighting for peace.” Just as the Nobel Peace Prize honors peacemakers, this award honors those who secure peace through food security. When people have enough to eat, societies become more stable.
🇳🇬 First Recipient: Nigerian Scientist Dr. Arenare
The first recipient is Dr. Arenare, a Nigerian scientist recognized for his work in fighting hunger and improving nutrition. His efforts include developing local crop varieties and shaping policies to help vulnerable groups access affordable food.
By starting with an international recipient, India has made clear that the award is global in scope, reflecting Swaminathan’s lifelong mission to fight hunger beyond borders. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, faces significant food security challenges, making this choice particularly symbolic.
Why did India choose a Nigerian scientist as the first recipient? This signals that India sees itself as a leader in South-South cooperation on food security — sharing lessons from its own Green Revolution with developing nations facing similar challenges today.
👤 Honoring Swaminathan’s Legacy
At the launch, PM Modi praised Swaminathan as a scientist who looked beyond productivity. He stated that Swaminathan is admired globally for his vision in agriculture and for introducing the idea of bio-happiness, which links human welfare with ecological harmony.
Modi added that the award should inspire future generations to see farming not just as an economic field but as a foundation for development and stability. This perspective elevates agriculture from a technical profession to a pillar of civilization.
🌾 From the Green Revolution to “Bio-Happiness”
Swaminathan played a central role in the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. By promoting high-yield seeds, modern irrigation, and scientific methods, he helped India move from food shortage to self-reliance. India transformed from a nation dependent on food imports to one that could feed its population.
Later, he expanded his vision to the ever-green revolution, focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and balanced farming. His idea of bio-happiness placed human and ecological well-being at the heart of agriculture — recognizing that productivity alone is not enough if it depletes natural resources.
Don’t confuse: “Green Revolution” with “Ever-Green Revolution.” The Green Revolution (1960s-70s) focused on high yields through technology. The Ever-Green Revolution (Swaminathan’s later concept) emphasized sustainability and ecological balance. Exams often test this distinction.
| Concept | Green Revolution | Ever-Green Revolution |
|---|---|---|
| Era | 1960s-1970s | Post-1990s onwards |
| Primary Goal | Maximum food production | Sustainable food production |
| Approach | High-yield varieties, fertilizers, irrigation | Biodiversity, soil health, ecological balance |
| Environmental Focus | Limited consideration | Central to the approach |
| Key Term | Productivity | Bio-happiness |
🇮🇳 India’s Tribute: Bharat Ratna and Beyond
Swaminathan passed away on September 23, 2023, at the age of 98. In 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor — a recognition of his transformative impact on the nation’s food security.
The creation of an international award extends this recognition globally, allowing his ideas on science-led farming and ecological balance to influence policies worldwide. India now positions itself as a champion of Swaminathan’s vision on the world stage.
Key Fact: M.S. Swaminathan was the first recipient of the World Food Prize (1987) and received Bharat Ratna posthumously (2024). He is called the “Father of India’s Green Revolution.”
⚖️ The Role of Agriculture in Global Peace
The name “Food and Peace” carries a direct message. Swaminathan often argued that hunger weakens peace. Communities without food are more vulnerable to unrest, migration, and conflict. Stable food systems, by contrast, support peace and security.
This message is timely, as conflicts and climate change now threaten food supplies worldwide. The UN estimates more than 700 million people worldwide face chronic hunger — a number that has been rising in recent years.
The food-peace nexus is a powerful essay topic. Consider: How do food crises fuel migration and conflict? Examples include the Arab Spring (triggered partly by food price spikes) and climate-driven displacement in the Sahel region. This award institutionalizes that connection.
🌍 PM Modi’s Call for Climate-Resilient Farming
PM Modi stressed that agriculture faces a major challenge from climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water shortages affect production across continents. He urged scientists to focus on:
- Seeds that can survive drought, heat, and floods
- Water-efficient technologies
- Sustainable methods that balance yield with ecology
He said the award should promote innovation in these areas to secure food for the future. This positions the Swaminathan Award as forward-looking, addressing tomorrow’s challenges rather than just honoring past achievements.
Click to flip • Master key facts
For GDPI, Essay Writing & Critical Analysis
5 questions • Instant feedback
The award was launched at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi.
Dr. Arenare, a Nigerian scientist, was the first recipient — signaling the award’s global scope.
Bio-happiness is the concept that links human welfare with ecological harmony in agriculture.
M.S. Swaminathan passed away on September 23, 2023, at the age of 98.
M.S. Swaminathan was the first recipient of the World Food Prize in 1987.
