The appreciation programme on sustainable science, open to graduates from any discipline has been designed in collaboration with the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation and was launched in presence of Prof. Swaminathan himself at the function.

The objective of the programme, said Swaminathan, is to build the capacity of the policy makers and other stake holders about the principle of sustainable development and help those in agriculture to launch an era of ever-green revolution to enhance productivity without inflicting ecological harm.

"It is primarily an action education programme where students as per the course curriculum have to prepare an agenda 21 for their locality based on sustainable development," he said.

On the occasion, IGNOU Vice Chancellor Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai also kicked-off the on-line admission service.

The system covers programmes where examination is required.

At the function, noted economist Abid Hussain said education should be such that it is able to foster a liberal and sympathetic human heart and develop a society of culture, beauty and aesthetics.

A booklet prepared by IGNOU was released on the occasion.