In a move to celebrate India’s journey of self-reliance, the Indian government is set to issue two new commemorative coins — one to honor Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the Father of India’s Green Revolution, and the other to mark 10 years of the Make in India initiative.
Key Highlights:
- The coins recognize two transformative pillars of India’s growth: agricultural self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing.
- Swaminathan’s contributions in the 1960s-70s significantly increased wheat and rice productivity, helping India achieve food security.
- He championed the concept of an “Evergreen Revolution” for sustainable agricultural practices and founded the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988.
Coin Features:
- Size & Composition: Circular coins (44mm, 200 serrations) made from a quaternary alloy: silver (50%), copper (40%), nickel (5%), zinc (5%).
- Obverse: Both coins feature the Lion Capital of Ashoka, Rupee symbol (₹), and denomination (₹100 or ₹75), with ‘Bharat’ in Devanagari and ‘India’ in English.
- Reverse (MS Swaminathan Coin): Displays Prof. Swaminathan’s image.
- Reverse (Make in India Coin): Features a lion surrounded by icons representing science, technology, and agriculture, inscribed with “10 Years of Make in India.”
About Prof. M.S. Swaminathan:
- A renowned geneticist and plant breeder (1925–2023), he transformed India into a food-surplus nation.
- Held key roles: Director-General of ICAR & IRRI, chaired National Commission on Farmers (2004–2006).
- He received numerous awards: Bharat Ratna (2024), World Food Prize (1987), Ramon Magsaysay (1971), and all three Padma awards.
These coins are legal tender (not for general circulation) and highlight India’s gratitude for pioneers in national development. Swaminathan’s work in agriculture and the Make in India initiative in manufacturing both represent pillars of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
