Published Aug 25, 2026 | 7:17 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 25, 2026 | 7:17 PM
Dr YSR & Dr KVP Foundation was established to honour and carry forward the ideals, vision of the late CM of undivided AP Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
Synopsis: The 2026 award recognises an institution that carries forward the remarkable legacy of the late Dr MS Swaminathan, a Bharat Ratna recipient, whose scientific leadership played a historic role in India’s Green Revolution and the country’s journey from food scarcity to food self-reliance.
The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) will receive the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Award – 2026 at an event at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on 2 September.
The Dr YSR & Dr KVP Foundation said in a statement that the award recognises MSSRF’s pioneering and enduring contribution to Indian agriculture, food security, sustainable development, and rural livelihoods.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF, will receive the award, which carries a purse of ₹25 lakh.
The 2026 award recognises an institution that carries forward the remarkable legacy of the late Dr MS Swaminathan, a Bharat Ratna recipient, whose scientific leadership played a historic role in India’s Green Revolution and the country’s journey from food scarcity to food self-reliance.
This transformation took place under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, whose political resolve and strong support for agricultural science, together with Dr Swaminathan’s scientific vision and the efforts of India’s farmers, helped lay the foundations of the nation’s food security.
Through its work in sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition security, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods, MSSRF carries this legacy forward by bringing the benefits of science to farmers and rural communities.
Also Read: The verdant life and times of the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’
The Dr YSR & Dr KVP Foundation was established to honour and carry forward the ideals and people-centred vision of the late Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy, whose public life was marked by a deep and consistent concern for farmers, the poor and the welfare of ordinary people.
The Foundation’s work is centred around recognising eminent individuals and institutions for their outstanding and lasting contributions in areas including agriculture, irrigation, health and education; supporting meritorious students, particularly in agriculture and other fields that contribute to society and national development; and recognising and supporting individuals who have dedicated their lives to social service and public welfare, especially those in need of assistance.
All awards, scholarships and welfare initiatives of the Foundation are dedicated to the loving memory of Dr Rajasekhara Reddy and seek to uphold the values of compassion, public service and inclusive development that defined his life and leadership.
In 2026, the Foundation established a scholarship corpus of ₹21 lakh with Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University to support and recognise the university’s best-performing student every year.
The Foundation has supported many individuals and social causes, reflecting its ongoing commitment to those dedicated to public welfare and in need of assistance.
