India to Issue Commemorative Coins Honoring MS Swaminathan and 'Make in India

 India to Issue Commemorative Coins

Honoring MS Swaminathan and 'Make in India

The Indian government is set to release two new commemorative coins to celebrate the contributions of Prof. MS Swaminathan, known as the Father of the Green Revolution, and the "Make in India" initiative, both representing key aspects of the nation's self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta.

Key Highlights:

Two commemorative coins will be issued to honor Prof. MS Swaminathan and "Make in India."

Prof. MS Swaminathan is celebrated for his role as the Father of India's Green Revolution, which led to self-reliance in agriculture by significantly increasing the productivity of wheat and rice in the 1960s-70

He also proposed the concept of an "Evergreen Revolution" for sustainable agriculture to counter climate change impacts and ensure global food security.

Swaminathan founded the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in 1988, focusing on strategies for economic growth, especially for poor farmers and women in rural areas.

The "Make in India" initiative aims to achieve self-reliance in manufacturing.

These commemorative coins are considered legal tender but are not released for general circulation; they can be sourced from specified agencies

Coin Specifications:

Both coins will be circular with an outside diameter of 44 mm and 200 serrations.

Metal Composition:

A quaternary alloy of silver (50%), copper (40%), nickel (5%), and zinc (5%).

Obverse Face (Common to both):

Features the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in the center, with 'Satyamev Jayate' inscribed below.

'Bharat' in Devanagari script will be on the left periphery, and 'India' in English on the right.

It will also bear the Rupee symbol (*) and the denominational value ('100' or '75') below the lion capital.Reverse Face (MS Swaminathan Coin):* Will feature the image of Prof. MS Swaminathan at the center.

Reverse Face (Make in India Coin)Will feature an image of a 'lion' in relief at the center,

surrounded by eight-colored icons representing science, technology, agriculture, and computer technology. The inscription "10 YEARS OF MAKE IN INDIA" will be in Devanagari script on the upper periphery and in English on the lower periphery.

About Dr. M.S. Swaminathan:

Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (1925-2023) was a renowned Indian geneticist and plant breeder, administrator, and humanitarian.

He is widely known as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India" for his pivotal role in transforming India from a food-deficient nation to a food-surplus one

Key Contributions:

Collaborated with Norman Borlaug in the 1960s to introduce high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice seeds in India.

His efforts transformed India from a food-deficient nation to a food-surplus one, significantly boosting wheat production.

Beyond the Green Revolution:

Coined the term "Evergreen Revolution", advocating for sustainable agricultural practices.

Founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Chaired the National Commission on Farmers (2004-2006).

Held positions as Director-General of ICAR and IRRI.

Awards and Recognition:

Posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024.

First recipient of the World Food Prize in 1987.

Received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971.

Honored with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Named among Time magazine's 20 most influential Asian people of the 20th century in 1999.