Padma Shri Awardee, Ex-ICAR Chief Ayyappan Found Dead in Mysuru River

Rapid summary

• Subbanna Ayyappan, former ICAR chief and Padma Shri awardee, was found dead in the Cauvery river near Srirangapatna, Mandya district, about 20 km from Mysuru.
• The body was retrieved by police at around 11:30 AM on Saturday after being spotted floating by locals.
• Police have ruled out foul play; his two-wheeler was found parked near the river.
• A missing person’s report for Ayyappan had been filed on May 8 at Vidyaranyapuram police station in Mysuru after he went missing on May 7.
• Police traced his location to Srirangapatna using CCTV footage and conducted a search in meditation centers due to his interest in meditation.
• He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and sons-in-law. An investigation is ongoing to uncover the circumstances of his death.

!Subbanna Ayyappan (File photo)

Indian Opinion Analysis

The passing of Subbanna Ayyappan marks a important loss for india’s agricultural research community. As the first non-crop scientist to led ICAR-a prestigious institution pivotal to advancing agricultural innovation-his contributions are held in high regard. while police have ruled out foul play and investigations continue into potential reasons behind his death, the circumstances highlight broader concerns relating to mental health and personal well-being among highly accomplished individuals. His connection with meditation suggests a contemplative mindset but does not offer direct answers.

India’s scientific landscape has witnessed notable contributions from leaders like him who expanded agricultural focus areas beyond crop science. Moving forward, this event may prompt introspection about leadership stress or isolation that can affect even exemplary figures within academia or public service roles.

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