4061) Did you Know Series: (111) 1) Chidambaram Subramanium, Architect of the Indian Green Revolution: 2) Centenary Celebration of Prof M.S. Swaminathan: Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a postage Stamp of 500p (or Rs.5/-) celebrating the Centenary Anniversary of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan: Date/Year of stamp issue: 07.08.2025:
Links:
1) Honouring Contributors to Society: C. Subramanium and the Indian Green Revolution: (30th January 1910 to 07th November 2000
Chidambaram Subramanium is known as the architect of India’s modern Agricultural Development policy, after the successes of his programme which led to record wheat production in 1972 – an achievement termed as the “Indian Green Revolution”.
As Minister of Food & Agriculture, he played a decisive role in introducing high yielding varieties of seeds and more intensive application of fertilizers which, in turn, brought about increased output of cereals in the late 60s and early 70s and led to attainment of self-sufficiency in food grains in the country.
The great famine of Bengal had left about 3 million dead in 1943-44. The World War II effort had led to seizure of farm produce by the British Government in India, who turned a blind eye to the plight of the Indian farmers. The British left India without finding a way-out from the depths that Indian Agriculture/farming was plunged into. Nevertheless many nations came out to help the distressed fledgling Indian Nation and India had to import several tonnes of Wheat/foodgrains in the mid-sixties.
The early coinage minted in Independent India, too, laid stress on “Growing more Food”. The one rupee coin carried this symbolic message till the mid-2000s when this message was replaced by other messages.
The USA helped out with its massive PL-480 programme. US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) had developed the legendary “Norin” variety of wheat (a dwarf variety with little foliage and a heavy head of grain) and later a new variety called the “Gaines” dwarf variety was developed. Dr. Norman Borlaug crossed the Gaines variety with Mexico’s best varieties and came up with interesting and high yielding variants.
Agricultural technology, including buying best variety seeds (Sonora 64 and Lerma Rojo 64 A) needed to be backed up with proper conducive delivery systems and marketing policies.
Subramaniam brought about the necessary reforms. He led a team comprising M.S. Swaminathan and B.Sivaraman (known as the three “S”s) in spearheading transformation of his vision of a “Green Revolution” into reality.
- Information and educational literature was disseminated through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (English Translation: Agriculture Science Centres), model farms and using the services of Block Development Officers (BDOs) in villages. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research was revamped. As the dwarf variety was chemical and fertilizer intensive, new industrial units were licensed.
- To facilitate, two crops a year (multi cropping) pattern, more irrigation canals and bore-wells were put in place. Policies had to be changed for assured marketing and pricing as well as creation of large storage facilities.
- The results through the integrated approach were outstanding. In the mid-seventies when economists had predicted that food grain stocks in India would be totally depleted, India achieved a near record production of food grains. Infrastructure improved, India’s International debt-repayments were on time and more employment opportunities were created.
- Nevertheless, the Green Revolution led to the use of pesticides for more output which led to depletion of the soil nutrients leading to crop failures and farmer suicides.
- One way out suggested was genetically modified (GM) crops as the next Green Revolution. However, introduction of these varieties has met with stiff opposition from the Indian farmers. Objective scientific assessment is yet to deliver a final verdict on GM crops.
Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to resort to eco-sensitive farming with minimum use of fertilizers/chemicals, so than soil nutrients do not get depleted. There is growing awareness among farmers to take up organic farming.
Agriculture produce pricing and marketing policies, also, need to be under constant review to help out farmers in their new endeavours/enterprises.
Be that as it may, in the decades of the sixties and seventies, the best technologies were not available to a young Indian nation.
Subramaniam’s “Green Revolution” spearheaded food grain production and put food on the table of many starving Indians. That was his greatest contribution along with his dedicated team comprising M.S. Swaminathan and B.Sivaraman (known as the three “S”s) in spearheading transformation of his vision of a “Green Revolution” into reality.
About the Centenary Celebration of Prof M.S. Swaminathan - one of the three "C"::
As we approach the birth centenary of Professor M.S.
Swaminathan on August 7, 2025, the M.S. Swaminathan Birth Centenary Celebration
will include a series of events to honour his extraordinary contributions to
sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development.
These
commemorations aim to reflect on his transformative impact and inspire future
generations to carry forward his vision of a hunger-free and sustainable world.
The centenary events will serve as both a tribute to Dr
M.S. Swaminathan’s unparalleled contributions and a call to action to advance
his vision of a hunger-free world.
These events will underscore the urgency of
collaborative research and policy initiatives to tackle the pressing food
security challenges of our time, particularly in the context of climate change.
In a historic tribute to the legacy of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the Father of India’s Green Revolution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a global award in his name — the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace — aimed at recognising pathbreaking contributions to food security and sustainable agriculture across the developing world.
The M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace will honour
Professor Swaminathan’s legacy by recognising individuals for their outstanding
contribution to enhancing food security and promoting peace.
This award aims to
inspire efforts towards a just and sustainable world.
The award carries a USD
25000 monetary award for the selected recipient and a medal, as well as their
participation in the award ceremony in India.
The period from 7 August 2024 to 7 August 2025 marks the
centenary of Prof. Swaminathan’s birth, making it an ideal occasion to announce
the award. Professor Swaminathan’s work emphasised the importance of
integrating scientific innovation and social justice to address global
challenges.
The announcement was made during the ongoing M.S.
Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, where PM Modi also
released a centenary memorial stamp to commemorate Swaminathan’s life and
contributions.
Honouring Global Champions of Food Security:
The first recipient of the newly instituted award is Dr.
Arenare, a Nigerian scientist honoured for his transformative work in reducing
hunger in Nigeria.
The award symbolises Swaminathan’s lifelong mission to
combat hunger through science and innovation, not just in India but globally.
“Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is admired globally for his
visionary work in agriculture,” Prime Minister Modi said. “He went beyond
biodiversity and introduced the revolutionary idea of bio-happiness, focusing
on human well-being rooted in ecological harmony.”
A Lasting Legacy in Science and Peace:
Swaminathan, who passed away on September 23, 2023, at
the age of 98, was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2024. His
contributions laid the foundation for India’s self-reliance in food production,
with monumental strides made during the Green Revolution of the 1960s and
1970s.
Call for Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
Urge scientists to tackle the growing impacts of climate
change on agriculture. The need to develop climate-resilient seeds,
water-efficient technologies, and sustainable farming practices to future-proof
food systems.
The award is expected to become a prestigious
international recognition, celebrating those who further the cause of “food and
peace” — a term Swaminathan himself used to frame the role of agriculture in
eliminating global hunger.
The Postage Stamp:
The Postage Stamp of 500p (Rs.5/-)
The First Day Cover (FDC)
International Philately Exhibitions:
5) Specialised World Stamp Championship Exhibition, Bangkok, Thailand: Organised from 27.11.2023 to 02.12.2023: Bhartiya Dak/India Post participated in the Philatelic Exhibition
6) World Philatelic Exhibition, PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY: India Post perticipated with Six Special Covers in the Exhibition held from 17th to 22nd Fenruary 2025
7) HAFNIA 24, Copenhagen, Denmark: Celebrating 400 Years of Danish Post: India Post participated in the Stamp Exhibition held from 17.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 with two Special Covers
8) Specialised World Stamp Exhibition - EFIRO - Romania 16-19 April 2024, Bharat/India: Four Special Covers presented in the Exhibition by Bhartiya Dak/India Post featuring - Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Taj Mahal and the Indian Peacock: Date of Special Covers issue: 2024
Greetings:
1) "Greetings", Bhartiya/India Postage Stamps, Bharat/India: Two sets of Stamps issued on "Greetings (4 Stamps - 2007) and "Season's Greetings" (2 Stamps - 2016)
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) POST CARDS:
1) HEADGEARS OF INDIA, Augmented Reality (AR) Postcards, Bharat/India: Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a set of 16 Post Cards which are AR enabled: Post Card set issued by the National Philatelic Museum, New Delhi: Year of Postcards issue: 2025
World Earth Day:
1) 50th Anniversary of World's Earth Day, Vatican City: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Roma" on behalf of Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Vaticano": Date of Coin issue: 16.10.2020
2) "One Earth, Republic of Fiji: A $1 (One Dollar) 1-oz Silver BU Coin depicts the concept: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022
3) World Earth Day - 22.04.2025, Bharat/India: Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a set of six post cards on World Earth Day to highlight that we have one Earth only and we need to protect all our resourcesz: Date/Year of Post Cards issued: 22.04.2025
4) "Earth Day - Crystal of the Mineral Zepter Quartz", HP Mostar (Mostar), Bosnia and Herzegovina: HP Mostar has issued a postage stamp of 1.20 BAM featuring the Crystal: Datew/Year of Stamp issue: 16.05.2025
5) World Earth Day - 22.04.2025, Bharat/India: Special Cancellation Postal Stationary issued by Bhartiya Dak/India Post - a Inland letter, a postcard and an envelope which depict three of India's towering personalities: Date/Year of issue: 22.04.2025
Posts on G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi on this Blog:
1) G20 Leader's Summit, New Delhi 2023, Bharat/India: India Post has issued a Souvenir Sheet (SS) of two stamps of 2000 Paise (or Rs.20/-) each commemorating the G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi: Date of Souvenir Sheet issue: 26.07.2023
2) G20 Leader's Summit, New Delhi 2023, Bharat/India: India Government Mint (IGM) Kolkata has released a combo of Rs.100/- and Rs.75/- Quaternary Silver Coin set commemorating the G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi: Date/Year of Coin set issue: 2023
Posts on "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on this Blog:
1) Did you Know Series (71): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" (Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence: A set of four coins in the denominations of Rs.2, 5, 10 and 20 issued by the India Government Mint, Mumbai
2) Did You Know Series (74): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" ("Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence"): A set of six coins in the denominations of Rs.5, 10 and 20 totalling Rs.75 issued by the India Government Mint, Hyderabad, together with a Special Cover issued by the Hyderabad Postal Circle of India Post
3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: A Presentation Pack of Indian Postage Stamps prepared by the National Philatelic Museum, New Delhi comprising of : i) A First Day Cover: ii) the two Stamps of 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) and iii) the Information Brochure (IB): Year of Presentation Pack issue: 2023
4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: "Special Edition - 2022-2023": India Government Mint (IGM) Hyderabad has issued two Presentation Packs in Coin Cards in the denominations of Rs.20/-, Rs.10/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.2/- and Re 1/- with the AKAM logo on the Reverse: Year of Presentation Packs issue: 2023
5) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Bharat/India celebrates 75th Year of Independence: A set of five Coins in the denominations of Re.1/-, Rs.2/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.10/- and Rs.20/- released by the India Government Mint, Mumbai in 2023
6) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Bharat/India celebrates 75th Year of Independence: A set of five Coins in the denominations of Re.1/-, Rs.2/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.10/- and Rs.20/- released by the India Government Mint, Mumbai in 2023
AMRITPEX 2023 (THE NATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION) held at New Delhi from 11-15.02.2023:
1) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
2) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "WOMEN's POWER: EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
3) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: 11) "WOMEN'S POWER: CONSERVING NATIONAL HERITAGE": A SPECIAL COVER RELEASED ON 12.02.2023
4) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: DEFENDING OUR NATION": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
5) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "DIVYANG: PRIDE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 13.03.2023
6) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "PUPPETRY: INDIA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
7) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "BIRSA MUNDA": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
8) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "GOVIND GURU": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
9) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS -2023 (FOXTAIL MILLETS, FINGER MILLETS, PEARL MILLETS, SORGHUM MILLETS, BARNYARD MILLETS, LITTLE MILLET"): A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
10) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "OUR FREEDOM STRUGGLE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
11) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition"), held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "NATURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
12) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "ACHIEVEMENTS AT 75 YEARS": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
13) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philatey Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "UTI ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED (UTI AMC)": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
14) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INDIA POSTS IN SERVICE OF THE NATION": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
15) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: India Post has issued a 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) postage stamp highlighting the initatives taken by the Government of India (GOA) under the programme: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 11.02.2023
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Five Special Covers released by Philately Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi:
1) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: i) "FREEDOM STRUGGLE"
2) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: ii) "IDEAS@75
3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's history: iii) "RESOLVE@75"
4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: Am initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: iv) "ACTIONS@75"
5) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An intiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: v) "ACHIEVEMENTS@75"
Links to Special Covers issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post:
i) "Bikaneri Bhujia", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
ii) "Makrana Marble", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
iii) "Blue Pottery of Jaipur", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
iv) "Thewa Art Work", Rajasthan, India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
v) "Kathputlis of Rajasthan", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers (SCs) on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
vi) "Molela Clay Work & Pokran Pottery", (Rajasthan) Postal Circle of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
vii) "Kota Doria", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
viii) "Sanganeri & Bagru Hand Block Print", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
Links to Special Covers issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle recently:
Links to Special Postal Covers/Booklet issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle (2021-2022):
Links to Special Covers issued by Uttarakhand Postal Circle recently:
Links to Special Covers issued by Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Odisha Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the North East Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the West Bengal Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Haryana Postal Circle:
Links to posts on Special Covers issued by Kerala Postal Circle:
IPKF Operations, Sri Lanka:
Links to posts on Army Post Office (APO) issues:
Other posts on the Indian Armed Forces on this Blog:
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
Special Stamp Packs/Books:
Links to Posts on Our Solar System:
1) Did You Know Series (34): World Stamp Show NY 2016, being held at Javits Centre, New York from 28.05.2016 to 04.06.2016
2) The Solar System: A set of eight Stamps of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) denomination each, depicting the eight planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune & Uranus, brought out by India Post on 20.03.2018
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
Some posts on Banks on this Blog:
Links to posts on stamps on six Hill Forts of Rajasthan (UNESCO World Heritage Sites):
Links to some posts on the Forts of Maharashtra:
Special Stamp Packs/Books:
India Post Stamps on Special Mugs:
Permanent Pictorial Cancellations:
Links to Posts on Indian Post-Cards:
Commemorative Stationeries:
Registered Post Envelopes:
Links to Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2025:
Links to Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2024:
Links to Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2023:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2022:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2021:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2020:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2019:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2018:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2017:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2016
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2011:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2010:
List of Commemorative stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2009:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2007:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2006:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2005:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2004:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1996:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1964:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1961:
Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:
Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:
Other Postage stamps from Thailand:
Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):
Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey:
Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:
Postage Stamps from Guernsey/Alderney Island:
Postage Stamps from Great Britain/UK:
Postage Stamps issued by Hongkong Post:
Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post:
Postage Stamps from Romania:
Postage Stamps from Kyrgyzstan:
Postage stamps from Tokelau:
Postage stamps from Israel:
Postage Stamps from Norway:
Postage Stamps from Correos (Spanish Post):
Postage Stamps from Armenia:
Links to posts on my Alma Mater - La Martiniere College, Lucknow:
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Thanks for sharing this interesting and informative post."
Thank you so much Khanna sahab.
DeleteRajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very informative post."
Thank you so much Trikha sahab.
Delete