World Population Day Observed at SDM College, Ujire
“India Surpassing China in Population Is a Serious Concern,” Says Health Officer
Ujire, July— Observing World Population Day, a special awareness program was held at SDM College (Autonomous), Ujire, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding population explosion in India. Speaking at the event, Dr. Deepak Rai, Puttur Taluk Health Officer, expressed concern over India overtaking China in population figures, calling it a matter that demands serious reflection.
The program was jointly organized by the Economics Department and the NSS units of SDM College, in collaboration with the Dakshina Kannada District Health and Family Welfare Department, Belthangady Taluk Health Officer’s Office, Taluk Panchayat Belthangady, Ujire Gram Panchayat, and the Taluk Government Hospital.
“China is two and a half times bigger than India geographically, yet we have surpassed it in terms of population. India now holds a population of 1.46 billion out of the global total of 8.2 billion. This is not something to celebrate but to address with urgency,” Dr. Rai stated.
Dr. Vishwanath P., Principal of SDM College, inaugurated the event and remarked, “The issue is not the rising population alone, but our inability to provide adequate systems and infrastructure for the growing numbers. Public awareness is the need of the hour.”
Dr. Gunaraj K., Head of the Economics Department, observed that a declining death rate coupled with a rising birth rate has led to the current population surge.
Belthangady Taluk Health Officer Dr. Sanjath R.B., who presided over the event, spoke about how nature is reacting to unsustainable human activity. He stressed the importance of maternal and child health and emphasized the need to strengthen family planning efforts.
On the occasion of World Population Day, prizes were awarded to winners of speech competitions held in various government pre-university colleges and to ASHA workers who excelled in street play contests. Primary Health Centre workers who effectively mobilized large numbers of beneficiaries to health centers were also felicitated.
The event saw participation from key health and education officials including Tarakesari, Belthangady Block Education Officer; Dr. Ramesh, Administrative Medical Officer, Taluk Hospital; Leelavathi, Supervisor, Taluk Health Office; Dr. Vinita, Medical Officer, Ujire PHC; and several other health staff from the Taluk.
Ajay, Taluk Program Manager, welcomed the gathering and compered the event. Dr. Mahesh Kumar Shetty H., NSS Program Officer, delivered the vote of thanks.