Solan: Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, renowned as the Father of the Green Revolution, was remembered at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, as part of his centenary birth year celebrations.
To commemorate the occasion, the university organized a special lecture by Dr. P.L. Gautam, Chancellor of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa. Dr. Gautam, a distinguished scientist and academic leader, has previously served as Vice Chancellor of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, and as Deputy Director General (ICAR), among several other key administrative positions in various national institutes.
The event commenced with the floral tributes to Dr. Swaminathan. In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel highlighted Dr. Swaminathan’s extraordinary contributions that transformed Indian agriculture and made the country self-reliant in food production.
Addressing an audience comprising newly admitted undergraduate students and faculty, Dr. Gautam shared insightful anecdotes from his own academic and professional journey with Dr. Swaminathan. He fondly recalled his MSc days, where he witnessed the brilliance of Dr. Swaminathan’s teaching firsthand. Referring to him as a ‘Teacher of Teachers’, Dr. Gautam lauded Dr. Swaminathan not just as a great scientist, but also as a visionary thinker with exceptional foresight.
Dr. Gautam recounted his multiple professional interactions with Dr. Swaminathan, describing him as an institution builder who understood agriculture’s vital role as a provider of livelihoods. He acknowledged Dr. Swaminathan’s early work on themes that have become highly relevant in present times, including his advocacy for region-specific agricultural policies—especially for the Himalayan region.
Urging students to take inspiration from Dr. Swaminathan’s life and legacy, Dr. Gautam encouraged them to innovate, join professional societies and cultivate a research-oriented mindset to address emerging challenges in agriculture. He also shared fond memories from his time as a BSc student at the former College of Agriculture, Solan and later as Dean of the College of Forestry, reflecting on the university’s remarkable journey over the years.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. C.L. Thakur, Dean, College of Forestry. The function was attended by all statutory officers, heads of departments, faculty members and first-year students.
