M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

The 20th century will soon end with remarkable achievements in every area of science and technology. In addition to impressive progress in physical and life sciences, we are ending this century with significant accomplishments in social evolution. Particular attention may be drawn to the following:
• End of colonialism and spread of democratic systems of governance
• Growth of free and independent media
• Emphasis on human rights including the rights of the generations yet to be born
• Eclipse of skin-colour based apartheid
• National and International movements
for gender equity and justice Thanks to the knowledge and information revolution, there are now uncommon opportunities for providing every child, woman and man with an opportunity for a productive and healthy life during the 21sl century. Accomplishing this task will not however be easy, since economic, social and gender inequity are not only widespread but also increasing. According to UNDP's Human Development Report (1999), the richest 200 people in the world have a net worth of $ 1032 billion, the equivalent of the wealth of 41% of the global population. A yearly contribution of 1 percent of their wealth by these
200 persons alone would be adequate to give every child in the the world free access to primary
education.