Shillong, October 15 : In the preparation phase to the fifth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival 2025, which will be held from November 20–22 at Ward’s Lake, bringing together writers, poets, and thought leaders from across India, Meghalaya Tourism organized a program at IIM Shillong, where Priyambada Jayakumar launched her book “Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India.” The event was graced by Prof. Nalini Prava Tripathy, Director-in-Charge of IIM Shillong, and Dr. Teidorlang Lyngdoh.
Speaking at the event, Priayambada Jayakumar reflected on the importance of telling the story of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, especially in today’s India, which, in some ways, resembles the India of the 1960s when he helped usher in the Green Revolution. While the current generation has not experienced the hunger and inequality of that era, it faces different challenges, such as international pressure and “bullying,” similar to what India endured in the 1960s as a struggling nation. She noted that very little is known about Dr. Swaminathan beyond the context of the Green Revolution.
Her motivation for writing the book was to reveal the human side of Swaminathan, his personal stories, emotions, and relationships. During her research, she discovered surprising details, such as his presence at Birla House when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, and his close friendship with Indira Gandhi.
She also shared personal anecdotes about Dr. Swaminathan’s work, including introducing “magic seeds” to farmers and his support for women’s empowerment in agriculture.
Her book aims to present Swaminathan not just as a scientist but as a human being shaped by history, one who used every opportunity to serve the country. His deepest love was for India, and everything he did was guided by that devotion.
The book aims to inspire future generations and highlight India’s transformation from a food-scarce nation to a self-sufficient one.
The program concluded with an interactive conversation between Priyambada Jayakumar and Dr. Teidorlang Lyngdoh, in which many students actively participated.
