Visionary YSR Remembered

A Doctor  who knew pulse of the people

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The Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Award-2026 was conferred on the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) at a function held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi today, coinciding with the death anniversary of the late former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR). 

The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, recognises MSSRF’s pioneering and enduring contributions to Indian agriculture, food security, sustainable development, and rural livelihoods. Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF, received the award on behalf of the foundation. 

The Dr YSR & Dr KVP Foundation organised the event to honour and carry forward the ideals and people-centred vision of YSR, whose public life was marked by deep concern for farmers, the poor, and ordinary citizens. The foundation’s trustees include former Rajya Sabha MP Dr KVP Ramachandra Rao, Telangana State Planning Board Vice-Chairman Dr G Chinna Reddy, and Congress Working Committee member N Raghuveera Reddy. 

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy participated in the ceremony. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other leaders were also expected to attend. Revanth Reddy, who was in the national capital, separately paid tributes to YSR by garlanding his portrait at his official residence in Delhi.

He described YSR as a great leader who left an indelible mark through development projects such as irrigation schemes and the Outer Ring Road, along with welfare programmes including loan waivers, fee reimbursement, and Arogyasri. 

Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka paid heartfelt tributes, calling YSR the champion of the poor and the architect of welfare schemes. He noted that YSR’s Padayatra, which addressed farmers’ distress, and his welfare-oriented governance continue to serve as a guiding light. Other leaders present at related tributes included Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy and MPs Dr Mallu Ravi, Suresh Shetkar, Porika Balram Naik, and M Anil Kumar Yadav. 

The 2026 award specifically highlights MSSRF’s role in carrying forward the legacy of its founder, the late Dr MS Swaminathan, a Bharat Ratna recipient. Swaminathan’s scientific leadership was instrumental in India’s Green Revolution, transforming the country from food scarcity to self-reliance through collaboration with political resolve under then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the efforts of farmers.

MSSRF continues this work by applying science to benefit farmers and rural communities in areas of sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition security, biodiversity, and livelihoods. 

This is the second edition of the award. The inaugural Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Award in 2025 was presented to Subhash Palekar Krushi for pioneering work in sustainable and natural farming.

 The foundation had also felicitated the Sree Padmavathi Venkateswara Foundation for its contributions to natural farming and research, with Dr Chadalavada Sudha and Dr Chadalavada Nageswara Rao receiving the recognition. 

In addition to the award, the Dr YSR & Dr KVP Foundation established a Rs 21 lakh scholarship corpus in 2026 with Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) in Hyderabad to support and recognise the university’s best-performing student each year. The foundation also supports meritorious students, individuals dedicated to social service, and various public welfare causes in memory of YSR’s values of compassion, public service, and inclusive development. 

Speakers at the function and related events underscored the alignment between YSR’s focus on farmer welfare and MSSRF’s scientific contributions to agriculture and rural development. The ceremony highlighted the continuing relevance of pro-poor policies and science-driven solutions for food security and sustainable livelihoods in India.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan had earlier expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that it motivates the foundation to continue its work. The event brought together political leaders, scientists, and foundation representatives in the national capital to commemorate YSR’s legacy while celebrating contributions to the sectors he prioritised. 

The function at the Constitution Club of India served as a platform to reaffirm commitments to farmer-centric development, agricultural innovation, and welfare measures that defined YSR’s tenure and continue to influence governance and research efforts today. Leaders reiterated the need to complete irrigation projects and uphold welfare schemes in the spirit of the late leader’s vision.

Overall, the Dr YSR Award-2026 presentation marked a significant observance on the former Chief Minister’s death anniversary, blending tribute with recognition of institutional excellence in agriculture and rural progress.