WPD observance seeks to empower youth
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 12 2025: Manipur University department of Economics observed World Population Day 2025 on Friday under the theme "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world" .

The programme was held at Lecture Hall-1 of the department.

School of Social Science dean Prof Memcha Loitongbam, head of the department of Economics Prof M Hemanta Meitei, and Directorate of Census Operations, Manipur (MHA), joint director Dr Ningombam Roshini Kumar attended the event as chief guest, president and guest of honour.

In his keynote address, school of social science former dean, Prof E Bijoykumar highlighted the genesis and relevance of World Population Day, which was first observed in 1990 to commemorate the world population reaching the five billion mark on July 11, 1987 .

He reflected on how the themes of the observance have evolved over the years to reflect shifting societal needs.

Emphasising the cross-cutting nature of population issues across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said that both developed and developing nations face unique demographic challenges.

While developed countries have a median age of 42 years, in many developing nations it remains below 20, leading to significant policy gaps and challenges.

He stressed the importance of closely monitoring the ongoing decline in fertility rates, especially in the context of achieving the second wave of demographic dividend.

Highlighting ageing as a natural outcome of declining fertility and rising longevity, he said that an ageing population requires enhanced social support systems, including income security and better access to health care.

Instead of viewing older populations as burden, they should be seen as resources, he added.

Prof Bijoykumar also cautioned against the use of vague or fear-based language around population issues, stating that terms like "population control" or references to "too many" or "too few" people often carry harmful implications, particularly for women, migrants and marginalised communities.

"A billion people mean a billion minds and opportunities amidst the challenges," he said.

Dr Roshini Kumar delved into the historical importance of census operations and informed that the next round of census is scheduled for 2027.He said that the upcoming exercise will involve certain departures from past methods, including the use of mobile applications to streamline data collection.

Prof Memcha Loitongbam underscored the need to shift the focus from population size to ensuring dignity and quality of life.

She expressed concern over rising population figures but asserted that attention must be given to concepts like active ageing.

She called for a holistic approach addressing gender, health, family support, caregiving and social security to ensure the well-being of the aged population.

Prof M Hemanta observed that fertility rates in Manipur have declined at varying rates across different sections of society.

Referring to the theme, he stated that many women in Manipur remain single into their early 30s, and some choose not to have more children despite having only one or two.

He encouraged students and research scholars to explore the various aspects of population highlighted during the ob servance as potential research areas.

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