Context

·       India’s aspiration to become a Viksit Bharat—a developed and self-reliant nation—hinges significantly on its scientific capabilities, especially in sectors like the digital economy that are rapidly evolving. However, this ambition is not without precedent. A similar transformative moment occurred in the 1960s, when India achieved food self-sufficiency through the Green Revolution. At the centre of that milestone was M.S. Swaminathan, a pioneering scientist whose vision and work altered the trajectory of the nation.

·       As explored in Priyambada Jayakumar’s biography, M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India, his life offers enduring insights that go far beyond the agricultural domain. These lessons are equally relevant for India’s future scientific and technological advancement.

Science as a Collaborative Endeavour: The Core of Swaminathan’s Legacy

·       Swaminathan’s story illustrates that science flourishes through collaboration, not isolation. The success of the Green Revolution did not stem solely from Indian research but from a willingness to engage in global scientific exchange. His collaboration with Norman Borlaug in Mexico, and his readiness to adapt foreign agricultural innovations to suit Indian conditions, proved critical in bringing high-yield seeds and new techniques to Indian farms.

·       Yet, Swaminathan also had to contend with obstructive bureaucracy. Delays in securing Borlaug’s visit to India nearly stalled the movement. If the collaboration had begun two years earlier, India might have avoided deeper food shortages. This experience underscores the urgent need to remove red tape that hampers international scientific cooperation. For India to succeed in its future ambitions, it must allow scientists to attend global conferences, build international networks, and collaborate freely.

Enabling Political Leadership: A Catalyst for Scientific Breakthroughs

The Green Revolution’s success was not due to science alone—it was made possible by political leadership that actively listened to and supported scientific counsel. Leaders like Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Agriculture Minister C. Subramaniam played pivotal roles. Subramaniam, with a background in science, appreciated the urgency of Swaminathan’s work and pushed through necessary support when bureaucratic inertia could have stifled progress.

This dynamic highlights a critical principle for contemporary governance: in fields driven by technical expertise, political leaders must consult scientists directly, not solely rely on administrative filters. Nations like China, where technically trained leaders often hold ministerial roles, exemplify the advantages of scientific literacy in politics. If Viksit Bharat is to become a reality, it will require a similar cultural shift—one that places science at the heart of policymaking, both at the central and state levels.

Innovation Amid Scepticism: Political Courage and Calculated Risk

·       The early phases of the Green Revolution required not just scientific innovation but political boldness. The massive import of 18,000 tonnes of high-yield seed faced opposition from the Finance Ministry, the Planning Commission, and ideological detractors wary of foreign influence. However, Prime Minister Shastri chose not to be paralysed by institutional disagreement. He took the time to personally review the scientific evidence and chose action over hesitation.

·       This readiness to embrace innovation despite risks—while ensuring systems of accountability—was instrumental in achieving food security. The eventual success of the Green Revolution serves as a reminder of what’s possible when visionary leadership aligns with scientific possibility. Today, similar courage is needed to back new and transformative ideas, even when consensus is elusive.

Sustainability and the Challenges of the Future

·       While the Green Revolution addressed India’s immediate food crisis, it also introduced new environmental challenges—such as overuse of water resources, excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers, and soil degradation. Swaminathan himself was among the earliest to warn against these side effects. He advocated for an “Evergreen Revolution” that would prioritise ecological sustainability while maintaining productivity.

·       Regrettably, many of his proposed reforms were not fully implemented. With climate change now threatening agricultural yields and food security, the urgency to act has only intensified. Once again, science will need to play a central role. However, India’s current standing in agricultural research is far from adequate. While China boasts eight institutions among the world’s top ten in the field, India has none in the top 200. Underfunding, restricted autonomy, and ineffective governance structures continue to hinder India’s research ecosystem.

·       Bridging these institutional and infrastructural gaps is crucial if India is to tackle the coming agricultural and environmental challenges. Without robust scientific institutions, the ambition of Viksit Bharat may falter before it reaches fruition.

Extending Swaminathan’s Legacy Beyond Agriculture

·       The life and legacy of M.S. Swaminathan extend well beyond the realm of agriculture. His career offers a blueprint for national transformation that applies across disciplines. Key takeaways include the need to dismantle bureaucratic constraints that isolate Indian scientists from global knowledge networks, the importance of having scientifically informed leadership that directly supports innovation, and the necessity of balancing bold experimentation with mechanisms for independent oversight.

·       Equally vital is the commitment to sustainability—not just as an environmental goal, but as a long-term strategy for resilience. Finally, Swaminathan’s life underscores the importance of investing in a strong research ecosystem, grounded in adequate funding, academic freedom, and merit-based recognition.

Conclusion

M.S. Swaminathan’s contributions to India’s scientific and agricultural history are monumental, but their relevance is far from historical. His life demonstrates how science, politics, and leadership must converge for a nation to undergo true transformation. Just as Swaminathan’s vision helped India achieve food security in a time of crisis, today’s vision of a Viksit Bharat will depend on cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. To honour Swaminathan’s legacy is not merely to look back at his achievements—it is to carry forward his principles. It means empowering scientists, trusting experts, and making bold but informed decisions that serve the long-term interests of the nation. In doing so, India can secure not only its future but also reaffirm its capacity to lead and inspire on the global stage.