New Delhi: In the backdrop of growing importance of sustainable development, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) today set up an honorary Chair for Sustainable Development to augment awareness among different sections of society.

Eminent scientist M S Swaminathan, who will hold the Chair, inaugurated the office here. "The Chair will initiate action oriented education programmes in major ecosystems with focus on a pro-nature, pro-women and pro-employment development," Swaminathan, architect of Green Revolution in India, said.

The members will create awareness among the people about importance of sustainable development. "The urgency of shifting to a sustainable pattern of economic development has become obvious in the context of global warming and climate change," Vice Chancellor of IGNOU V N Rajasekharan Pillai said. "The body will also provide inputs for national policies on sustainable development to various governments, decision making bodies and agencies," he added.

Initially a small set-up consisting of senior research fellows is to start the programme. Regional workshops on various issues including water, energy, health, agriculture and biodiversity will be organised, said the release. The Chair will carry out research at grassroot level of communities in seven ecosystem areas all over the country. The works will be based on actual case studies and field experiences. An e-library will also come up within one year to improve public awareness, said the release.

Source : PTI