Father of Yellow Revolution, Know About His Life and Career

The Yellow Revolution in India is linked to the major increase in the production of oilseeds. It was an essential movement that helped India become self-sufficient in edible oil production. The credit for leading this revolution goes to Sam Pitroda, who is widely recognized as the Father of Yellow Revolution.

An Overview of Yellow Revolution

The Yellow Revolution, started in 1986, aimed to boost India’s production of edible oils like mustard and sesame, making the country self-reliant. It focused on nine key oilseeds: groundnut, mustard, soybean, safflower, sesame, sunflower, niger, linseed and castor, promoting sustainable agricultural growth in the oilseed sector.

Father of Yellow Revolution

Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda, widely known as father of Yellow Revolution, was a pioneering Indian telecommunication engineer and and entrepreneur. Born on November 16, 1942, in Titlagarh, Odisha, he belongs to a Gujarati Vishwakarma family. Renowned for his contributions to India’s telecom revolution, he served as an advisor to Indian Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh and also the United Nations.

Early Life and Educational Background

Birth date: 17^th November 1942

Birth place: Titlagarh, Orissa, British India

Sam Pitroda belonged to a Gujarati family deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. He completed his schooling in Gujarat and pursued a master’s degree in physics and electronics from Maharaj Sayajirao University in Vadodara. His thirst of knowledge took him to United States, where he obtained a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Role of Sam Pitroda in Yellow Revolution

Sam Pitroda’s involvement in the Yellow Revolution was instrumental, driven by his expertise in technology and his dedication to rural development. Pitroda collaborated with agricultural experts, policymakers and farmers, bringing his unique perspective to address challenges in oilseed cultivation. Under his leadership, C-DOT played a vital role in revolutionizing India’s oilseed production. He introduced advanced practices, hybrid varieties and innovative techniques to enhance crop yield and quality, effectively transforming the oilseed sector.

Policy Advocacy and Impact

Sam Pitroda’s influence extended to policy advocacy, leading to the establishment of favorable policies for the Yellow Revolution’s success. His dedication was integral to extending digital telecommunications to every corner of India, empowering remote villages with modern technology and enhancing livelihoods. Pitroda’s efforts not only reduced India’s dependence on oilseed imports but also increased food security and self-sufficiency.

Awards and Recognition to Sam Pitroda

Sam Pitroda’s groundbreaking work has earned him numerous accolades:

• Padma Bhushan (2009) for contributions to science and engineering.
• Dataquest Lifetime Achievement Award (2002) for his role in telecommunications.
• Honorary degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2010).
• Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin. (2016).

Legacy of Father of Yellow Revolution

Sam Pitroda’s indelible contributions to the Yellow Revolution left an enduring mark on Indian agriculture. His visionary leadership, innovative approach and unwavering commitment to rural development have transformed oilseed cultivation, benefiting farmers, the economy and the nation as a whole. As the “Father of Yellow Revolution”, Sam Pitroda’s legacy stands as a proof to the power of technological innovation and collaborative efforts in revolutionizing vital sectors for the betterment of the society.