Shining World Leadership Award to Professor M S Swaminathan

Representative of Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association presenting the Award Plaque to Professor M S Swaminathan

On August 7, Golden Year 4 (2007), representatives of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association visited the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in Chennai, India. Our Association members participated in the MSSRF's Foundation Day program and presented Professor M S Swaminathan with the Shining World Leadership Award, in recognition of his outstanding scientific efforts and enlightened leadership in the "Evergreen Revolution." Through their dedication over the years, by using the "synergy among technology, public policy and social action," Professor Swaminathan and his fellow colleagues have made tremendous contributions towards improving crop yields, which constitutes a huge step towards eliminating famine from our world, thus creating a brighter future for all humanity.

Professor M S Swaminathan conveying his thanks to Master

During the award ceremony, a representative of Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association first read the letter of admiration, then presented the Shining World Leadership Award plaque to Professor Swaminathan on behalf of our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai. Among the distinguished guests and VIPs present on this occasion were Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Dr. Pedro Medrano, Regional Director (Latin America and Caribbean) of the World Food Program of the United Nations. The media were also there to cover the event. After receiving the plaque, Professor Swaminathan said, "Please convey my regards to Supreme Master Ching Hai. She is doing a great job… I'm so happy and privileged to receive the award from the Supreme Master, who has enlightened the world; She is a force for good in this world. In our troubled world, we need people like Supreme Master who can guide us."

Audience at the Foundation Day and Award Ceremony

Professor Swaminathan is also a highly respected and prolific scientist and writer. One of his books is entitled "I Predict: A Century of Hope towards an Era of Harmony with Nature and Freedom from Hunger," wherein he envisions the 21st Century as the "new century of hope where there will be harmony within humankind, and between humankind and nature."

We are thankful for the shining leadership of Professor M S Swaminathan in finding ways to provide the world's people with sustaining nourishment. May his devoted actions inspire many more to contribute their talents to making our Earth a better place for all.