90+ and still going strong

by Shobha Menon

A three-fold commitment

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

Accclaimed by Time magazine as one of the twenty most influential Asians of the 20th Century and by the United Nations as “a living legend who will go into the annals of history as a world scientist of rare distinction,” Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan is the Founder and Chairman of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Taramani.

“In my nineties, I’m even more concerned with the unfinished challenges facing the country in the areas of food production, distribution and malnutrition. I feel satisfied about what has been done but also recognise what has not been done. Does the inevitable loss of memory that accompanies old age help sweep under the carpet what you don’t want to accept?” he smiles disarmingly. “This is in fact a time when my considerable experience in life helps me judge people better,” he smiles mischievously. He has often been ‘accused’ of being too trusting!

“I wake up by 6 am, each day, whatever time I go to bed. Morning routines included a brisk 45 minute walk, till last year. Currently, I’m only able to do some physical exercises, because I have a problem with my knee and therefore am unsteady without my walking stick. By 8.30 am, I am at the Foundation office! But over the last year, it has been delayed by half hour. It’s 9 am now,” he sighs rather wistfully.

“Coming early to work means I can go around the rooms and catch up with the early bird students and staff and check on the cleanliness of the toilets too. 9 am to 1 pm is work at office and student meetings. The latter are always challenging and interesting!” He goes on, “These days I leave for home in the afternoon so I can lunch with my wife, who is currently challenged by a medical issue. And I have gotten into the ‘bad’ habit of resting between 2 and 3 pm… not at all good!”

3.30 pm to 5.30 pm is when he writes his papers or works on books and also reads up on new developments in the field of Genetics. “As much as I can, I continue to seek ways to contribute towards awareness on scientific issues and concerns. To keep abreast with social media, I have a Twitter account and my students tell me that 2 lakh people access it! Good ways of communication, scientific modes of communication, sharing the correct information at the correct time… all these are important. ‘Share whatever I know, in the best possible wa’, is my rule.”

Keeping in touch with students, the new generation of leaders, is an important part of Dr. MSS’s life. “My last Ph.D. student submitted her thesis only a few weeks ago, and I have guided over 100 till date! I very much enjoy guiding students on scientific thought processes. Never about right or wrong, but just sharing what my experiences have been. Being able to look at the wrongs and finding how best to make them right is an amazing skill to develop! Non-verbal communication can be an important aspect!”

Leisure time has always included Carnatic music and classical dance performances. “I have always been a fan of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and now T.M. Krishna, also dancer Alarmel Valli. Television time is rare, generally only programmes on the Discovery Channel or news channels. These days, not much in the news anyway,” he adds wryly. For about half hour or so before going to bed, he reads books by Ramana Maharishi or Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Dr. MSS still continues to travel extensively, in spite of the need to use a walking stick, or a wheelchair to board aircraft! In June, he travels to the McGill University in Canada for his next honorary doctorate, another of the many that line his office. On February 18, 2016, he received the first Bharat Krushi Ratna Man Patra, the highest award in the field of agriculture from the farmers of India. On December 14, 2013, he received the Greatest Global Living Legend award. It was from President Pranab Mukherjee and NDTV… The awards are innumerable!

“The older you get the more you are able to perceive the misconceptions you harbour – about people or technologies. Issues of concern must be dealt with in a holistic manner, not by compartmentalising, because most problems are multidimensional – social, economic and environmental. My projects focus on being ‘Pro Poor, Pro Nature, Pro Women.’ His next award is to be given for Outstanding Leadership by the Women’s Economic Forum.

“My continued interests in the fields of overcoming malnutrition in the country, and the technological empowerment of women, keep me motivated and active, and passing on ideas to policy makers. Getting older garners more admirers but also more ‘adversaries’. I try to take note of objective criticism to learn, other criticism I have learnt to ignore.

“Each day I thank God for giving me the opportunity to give back and for helping me make the best use of myself threefold – what can I do for humanity to overcome malnutrition and hunger, what can I do for my family members, and what can I do for my larger extended family of over 300-strong scholars and scientists! Whatever I have been able to achieve, I owe it to my wife and companion, Mina. Married 65 years now, we have three wonderful daughters. I am blessed to have such a supportive family.”

Exceptional about this legend is his childlike enthusiasm. And yes, I got his personal ‘Thank You’ mail even before I reached home!

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