Prof Swaminathan honoured with MVN National Award for his contribution to agriculture

New Delhi: Eminent Agricultural Scientist, Prof M S Swaminathan was recently chosen as the first recipient of ‘Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu National Award for Excellence’. Dr Swaminathan was awarded for his distinguished contributions to the field of agriculture. A plant geneticist by training, Professor Swaminathan’s contributions to the agricultural renaissance of India have led to his being widely referred to as the scientific leader of the green revolution movement.

The National Award for Excellence was instituted by the Muppavarapu Foundation, while the one for Social Service was launched by the Swarna Bharat Trust, in Hyderabad recently. Each award carries a cash prize of Rupees Five Lakh and citation.

Commenting on the Awards, the Vice President of India, Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu said that respecting and recognizing talent and knowledge was inherent to Indian culture. He said awards were meant to inspire others to emulate the awardees.

At the same time, a well-known social worker, Dr Gutta Muniratnam was felicitated with ‘Muppavarapu National Award for Social Service.” Dr Muniratnam is Founder Secretary of Tirupati -based Rashtriya Seva Samiti and has dedicated his life to the cause of transforming rural India by empowering people.

Dr Swaminathan could not attend the function, while Dr Muniratnam was present and received the award from the Vice President, Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu. The Spouse of the Vice President, Mrs Ushamma, the Managing Trustee, Muppavarapu Foundation, Mr Harshavardhan, and the Managing Trustee, Swarna Bharat Trust, Ms Deepa Venkat were also present.