Manipur University, 11/07/2025: The Department of Economics, Manipur University, observed World Population Day 2025 on 11th July under the theme: "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world."
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries: Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Manipur University, as Chief Guest, Dr. Ningombam Roshini Kumar, Joint Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Manipur, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, as Guest of Honour, and Prof. M. Hemanta Meitei, Head, Department of Economics, as President of the function
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. E. Bijoykumar Singh, Former Dean, School of Social Sciences, Manipur University.
The programme commenced at 11:00 AM in Lecture Hall-1 of the Department of Economics.
In his keynote address, Prof. Bijoykumar Singh highlighted the genesis and significance of World Population Day, first observed in 1990 to commemorate the milestone when the world population reached 5 billion on 11 July 1987. He reflected on the evolving themes of the observance in line with changing societal needs. He underscored how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intersect with population-related issues and drew attention to demographic contrasts between developed and developing nations—where the median age is above 42 years in the former and below 20 years in the latter.
Prof. Singh emphasized the need to monitor declining fertility rates while striving to harness the benefits of the demographic dividend, especially the second wave. He explained that population ageing, a result of declining fertility and rising longevity, must be addressed through improved income security and access to healthcare. Elderly populations, he said, should be viewed not as burdens but as valuable resources whose contributions must be supported through robust social security systems.
He cautioned against using vague or dehumanizing language such as “population control” or “too many/too few,” which tends to stigmatize women, marginalized groups, and foreigners. Instead, he called for embracing the potential of a billion minds and opportunities.
Dr. N. Roshini Kumar, in her address, elaborated on the significance of Census operations, tracing its historical context and the planned innovations for the upcoming 2027 Census, including the use of mobile applications to modernize data collection.
Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, in her speech as Chief Guest, emphasized that the focus should shift from population size to dignity and quality of life. She highlighted the need for active ageing strategies involving gender-sensitive, health-centric, and socially supportive approaches.
In his presidential address, Prof. M. Hemanta Meitei discussed the varying fertility decline across different social groups in Manipur. Reflecting on the 2025 theme, he noted that many women in Manipur remain single into their early 30s and often prefer to have fewer or no children. He encouraged students and researchers to explore the issues raised during the observance as potential research areas.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Damodar Nepram.
