Shailesh Nayak

Dr MS Swaminathan was a great visionary and an institution builder. His contributions in ushering the ‘Green Revolution’ were legendary and well-known. The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, a research institution he created, is in the forefront of wise management of natural resources, conservation of environment, preservation of biodiversity, coastal zone management and sustainable development.

I first met him in the early nineties in connection with the application of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data for studying coastal environment. He was a very humble, soft-spoken and listened patiently. He has a unique quality of putting people at ease immediately. That was the beginning of our interaction. He supported the use of satellite data in coastal studies, especially assessing conditions of mangroves and coral reefs. The Govt of India issued a notification for regulation of activities in the coastal zone (500 m from high tide line) in 1992. There were many representations to revise the same. The Govt of India appointed a committee under Dr Swaminathan to address these representations and to propose revision of the provisions of this notification, wherever necessary. I was fortunate to work under him for studying the notifications and propose changes wherever necessary. He ensured that the livelihood of fishers and protection of environment were addressed appropriately. Only such approach can lead to sustainability, which was very close to his heart. Today, India is one of the few countries having coastal zone management plans for the entire country’s coastline.

Dr Swaminathan was a great supporter of technology to improve the quality of life. He promoted satellite-based potential fishing zone and sea state advisories among fishers. He used to personally visit many fishing villages to talk to them and explain about the benefits of utilising this information. The use of these advisories not only ensured safety of the fishers but also improved their socio-economic conditions. 

He asked me to accompany him during one such visits on the Tamil Nadu coast, so that I could see for myself how judicious use of the technology could help to improve quality of life. The upliftment of the poor, and removal of inequalities were his priorities.

Dr Swaminathan served as the Chair, Council of Management of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru during 2001 to 2013. He inspired the faculty members to carry out research in multidisciplinary research in the field of wildlife conservation, energy and climate change, sustainable development, and strategic and security studies. The NIAS grew many folds during his tenure.

Dr Swaminathan was a scientist of rare distinction, an institution builder, an able administrator, a motivating educator, an alert parliamentarian, and a true world leader. The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation has been a pioneering leader in the field of agriculture, environment and biodiversity, natural resources, and science communication pursuing what he called, “a pro-poor, pro-women and pro-nature approach.”

India has lost one of its greatest sons, but he has left a legacy for us to follow the path of sustainability. We will cherish his memories forever. May he rest in eternal peace.