Online ‘World Population Day’ observations at AMU
Aligarh: Experts drew attention on the urgency and importance of population issues and urged learners to acquire knowledge, attitudes and values that will enable them to make informed decisions in the online ‘World Population Day’ observations of the Department of Education, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on the theme, ‘A World of 8 Billion: Towards A Resilient Future for All-Harnessing Opportunities and Ensuring Rights and Choices for All’.
“As the United Nations predict that the world is expected to have eight billion people living by November this year, we need to understand that the population story is far more nuanced than a single number can capture”, said the Guest Speaker, Prof Mehraj Uddin Mir (Former Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir).
He added: “The milestone of reaching an eight billion population will attract much attention and debate and it is now more important than ever to find solutions to the challenges of an ever-growing global society”.
Pressing for the need of population education, Prof Mehraj stressed that people need to understand the effects of population change on lives and decision-making.
“Through population education and awareness, people from all walks of life should be made aware about determinants of population growth, demography and consequences of over- population”, said the Guest Speaker.
He pointed out: We must consider all measures to control population explosion and stress should be given to the problems of people living below poverty line.
Prof Mujibul Hasan Siddiqui (Chairman, Department of Education) emphasised that the most important objective of this day is to raise awareness on all negative impacts of overpopulation.
“This day is also a perfect opportunity to discuss some of the challenges associated with an ever-growing global society,” he said, adding that one of the problems of an ever-growing population is the pressure this puts on the Earth’s resources.
Prof Siddiqui pointed out: “A resilient world of eight billion should be a world that upholds individual rights and choices and offers possibilities for people, societies and our shared planet to thrive and prosper”.
Prof Nasrin (Department of Education) called for including Population Education in school curriculums to develop an overall awareness on the challenges for future generations.
“Over population is a critical concern as the world’s resources are being used at an unsustainable rate. We need more and more awareness programmes to reflect on the current state of the population and the ways in which every life can be made better”, said Dr Zafar Ahmad Nadaf (Central University of Kashmir).
Dr Harris (Malappuram Centre, AMU) suggested the adaptation of an integrated approach for development and Mohammad Ashik raised the importance of imparting health education.
Prof Nasrin extended the vote of thanks.