New Delhi, September 2: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge awarded the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy Award 2026 on Wednesday in New Delhi. This recognition celebrates the foundation’s contributions to farmers, agriculture, and rural prosperity. The award was presented during a special ceremony organized by the Dr. YSR and Dr. KVP Foundation, marking the 17th death anniversary of Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
The event was attended by several senior leaders, including Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, Congress General Secretary and Communications In-Charge Jairam Ramesh, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Telangana Congress President Mahesh Goud, and others.
In his address, Kharge emphasized that this award symbolizes the unwavering dedication of the late Chief Minister Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy to the poor and the humanitarian scientific vision of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. He noted that both leaders believed India’s progress is meaningful only when it benefits the most marginalized members of society.
Kharge paid tribute to Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy, recalling how he revitalized the Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh during challenging times. Before becoming Chief Minister in 2004, Reddy undertook a historic 1,400-kilometer padyatra, directly engaging with the public to understand their issues. Upon assuming office, he provided free health coverage through the Aarogyasri scheme, built permanent homes for the homeless under the Indiramma Indlu scheme, and offered free electricity to farmers.
Reflecting on Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, who was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, Kharge highlighted his significant role in the Green Revolution. He noted that during the 1960s, India faced severe famine and food shortages. The technical foundation for agricultural reforms was laid during the tenures of Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri, which former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi prioritized.
Kharge pointed out that the Green Revolution led to a dramatic increase in rice production from 34.6 million tons in 1960-61 to 53.6 million tons by 1980-81, while wheat production surged from 11 million tons to 36.3 million tons. He stated that Dr. Swaminathan believed rural development encompasses not just increased agricultural output but also the quality of life, social equity, and environmental conservation. His concept of the “Evergreen Revolution” focused on enhancing production through science while safeguarding land, water, livelihoods, and the dignity of rural communities.
Kharge mentioned that Dr. Swaminathan’s daughters, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Dr. Madhura Swaminathan, and Prof. Nitya Rao, are diligently advancing his scientific and social vision.
During the ceremony, Kharge expressed concern over the escalating impacts of climate change. He stated that unpredictable monsoons, floods, and droughts are no longer just environmental issues; they are pushing farmers into debt by jeopardizing their crops and livelihoods. He stressed the need for a development model that provides security to rural communities before crises arise, rather than only during elections or disasters.
He highlighted that from Indira Gandhi’s land reforms to Rajiv Gandhi’s technology mission, and the historic empowerment of Panchayati Raj under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership with the National Food Security Act and the “Grain for Work” program, the Congress Party has consistently prioritized the welfare of rural India. He asserted that Reddy’s welfare policies and the scientific work of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation exemplify this shared vision.
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