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India to Release ₹100 Commemorative Coin Honoring Dr. M. S. Swaminathan’s 100th Birthday
Who Was Dr. M. S. Swaminathan?
- A pioneering agricultural scientist who led India to self-sufficiency in food production during the 1960s.
- Instrumental in combating hunger and poverty by promoting high-yielding crop varieties.
- Posthumously honored with Bharat Ratna in 2024, India’s highest civilian award
Coin Design & Features
Metal Composition & Size
- Made of a quaternary alloy: 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel, 5% zinc.
- Weighs 35 grams with a 44 mm diameter and 200 serrations around the edge
Obverse (Front Side)
- Prominently features the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar with the inscription “सत्यमेव जयते”.
- The denomination “₹100”, and country name in Hindi (भारत) on the left and English (INDIA) on the right
Reverse (Back Side)
- Central portrait of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan.
- Years “1925” and “2025” inscribed on either side.
- Legend in Devanagari: “प्रोफेसर एम.एस. स्वामीनाथन की जन्म शताब्दी”, and in English: “Birth Centenary of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan”
Minting Details & Purpose
- Minted by the India Government Mint in Kolkata
- A commemorative tribute to his lifelong mission of creating a hunger-free, food-secure India
Why It Matters
- Honoring a national hero—Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy helped millions of farmers and dramatically improved India’s food security.
- Collectible milestone—Adds to India’s tradition of issuing commemorative coins for notable achievements and figures.
- Symbol of scientific progress—Highlights the importance of agricultural innovation and sustainability.
What’s Next?
- The commemorative coin will begin circulation post-minting. Public announcements will detail its availability.
- Coin collectors and numismatists are expected to show keen interest in this high-value, silver-rich piece.
Final Take
This ₹100 coin is more than currency—it’s a celebration of Dr. Swaminathan’s transformative contributions and a symbol of India’s enduring commitment to food security, scientific ingenuity, and honoring its pioneers.
