I met Dr MS Swaminathan in 1998 when the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) decided to start engaging with the media as part of its media outreach program.

I hail from a family of farmers. Having studied at the Gandhigram Rural University, agriculture, science in agriculture, sustainable agriculture, etc, was a part of my everyday life. My personal interest in these subjects grew over the years.

I vividly remember noticing the media invite on my News Editor’s table. Of course, I asked to be assigned to the MSSRF. I knew I stood a bleak chance for two reasons. One, I was a rookie and two, I worked for Surya TV—such prestigious events were attended by expert beat reporters from the parent channel, Sun TV.

But N. Sukumaran, my news editor, knew about my personal interest in the subject and understood my eagerness to meet the legend. Thankfully, he assigned me to the job.

I was mesmerized as I stepped into the MSSRF green campus. The meeting with Dr Swaminathan was like an icing on the cake. I was so overwhelmed. His humility and vast knowledge of the domain intrigued me.

The gentle, soft-spoken persona who met us after the formal press conference was in a different league altogether. He patiently heard all of us and cleared our doubts. He enthusiastically spoke about new developments in agriculture, emphasized the need for more R&D, and the significance of the media’s role in developing the correct narrative.

It’s been 25 years since we met. But his words of wisdom linger on. Being in sustainability, I am fairly aware of the developments in sustainable agriculture and the steps the UN, World Bank and other countries are taking to meet sustainable development goals through sustainable consumption goals.

Back then, Dr Swaminathan was far ahead of his time. He was so passionate, and his eyes gleamed when he spoke about farming in India, the need to be self-reliant in food production, and the need to protect agriculture and marginal farmers.

It was a fanboy moment for me. I have cherished the meeting and the subsequent interview with me as a part of key learning in my sustainability journey.

He leaves behind a huge vacuum.

A great man, a humble human being, and a gentle soul. RIP Sir.