WORLD POPULATION DAY(JULY-11)

World Population Day

(July 11)

      Malappuram is the most populated district in the Kerala state. Kottarakara based Kurakar study club observed World Population day on Monday,11th July,2011 at Comrade Info Systems Seminar Hall. Prof. John Kurakar inaugurated the event. He warning the people against the problem posed by increasing population. The event was jointly organised by the Kurakar Study Club and Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy. Mr Sam Kurakar, Director, Comrade Info systems presided. Prof. Varghese John, Prof. P.K Varghese, Dr Varghse. D, Mr Bobby Kurakar, Dr, Balachandran Nair, Dr Gangadharan were spoke on the occasion.

     World Population Day is an annual event, observed on July 11, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, approximately the date on which the world's population reached five billion people. The world populations on the 20th anniversary of Five Billion Day, July 11, 2007, was estimated

    The tremendous interest generated by the Day of 5 Billion on 11 July 1987 led to the establishment of World Population Day as an annual event. For more than 20 years, 11 July has been an occasion to mark the significance of population trends and related issues.This year,(2011) as the world population is expected to surpass 7 billion, UNFPA and partners are launching a campaign called 7 Billion Actions. It aims to engage people, spur commitment and spark actions related to the opportunities and challenges presented by a world of 7 billion people. In many ways a world of 7 billion is an achievement: Globally, people are living longer and healthier lives, and couples are choosing to have fewer children. However, because so many couples are in, or will soon be entering, their reproductive years, the world population is projected to increase for decades to come. Meeting the needs of current and future generations presents daunting challenges. Whether we can live together equitably on a healthy planet will depend on the choices and decisions we make now. In a world of 7 billion people, and counting, we need to count each other.

   People around the world observe World Population Day in different ways. Many UNFPA Country Offices and other institutions mark the day with celebrations, poster or essay contests, sports events concerts or other activities to bring attention to population issues.   UNFPA) began observing this day in 1989 as a means to create awareness on the importance of family planning, maternal health, gender equality, poverty, and human rights. It is the right of every human being to decide the number and timing of their children, and this is the pervading sentiment of World World Population Day, 11 July, is the start of a worldwide advocacy effort that will continue through 31 October, when the United Nations projects world population will surpass 7 billion, and beyond. The 7 Billion Actions campaign will promote dialogue on what it means to live in a world with so many people and encourage action on issues that affect us all.

    UNFPA offices and their partners throughout the world will organize a variety of related activities. Globally, population has doubled since 1968 and grown by almost 40 per cent since reaching 5 billion in 1987, an event that led to the first World Population Day. Growth will continue at least until mid-century despite dramatic declines in the average number of children per woman, according to the UN Population Division. Nearly all of this population growth–97 of every 100 people–is occurring in less developed countries, some of which already struggle to meet their citizens’ needs. Gaps between rich and poor are growing. Urbanization and migration continue. Climate change is of increasing concern and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity, water shortages and weather-related disasters. Meanwhile, many rich and middle-income countries are concerned about low fertility and ageing.

“Whether we can live together on a healthy planet will depend on the decisions we make now. The date we reach the next billion–and the ones after that–depends on policy and funding decisions made now about maternal and child health care, access to voluntary family planning, girls’ education, and expanded opportunities for women and young people Individual decisions determine global population growth. However, some 215 million women in developing countries lack access to effective family planning. Working to ensure that every child is wanted and every child birth is safe will lead to smaller and stronger families and more opportunities for women. People under 25 make up 43 per cent of the world’s population, but the percentage reaches 60 per cent in the least developed countries. When young people can claim their right to health, education and decent working conditions, they become a powerful force for economic development and positive change. “We have an opportunity and responsibility to invest in adolescents and youth. “With the right policies, investments and social support, young people can enjoy healthier lives free of poverty and enhance prospects for peace and stability.”
This year’s World Population Day falls during a milestone year, when we anticipate the birth of the earth’s seven billionth inhabitant. This is an opportunity to celebrate our common humanity and our diversity. It is also a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for each other and our planet. Reaching a global population of seven billion is a numerical landmark, but our focus should always be on people. That is why I am pleased that the United Nations Population Fund is giving meaning to the number by launching its campaign for “7 Billion Actions” to contribute to a better world.  More than ever, individuals can make a difference by uniting together through social networks and working for change. We have seen many examples this year of the immense power of people to embrace hope over despair, to seek fair treatment where they are suffering discrimination, and to demand justice over tyranny.
   They are aspiring to attain universal rights that the United Nations proudly upholds and relentlessly works to realize. When we act on our shared values, we contribute to our common future. Ending poverty and inequality unleashes vast human potential. Promoting the Millennium Development Goals fosters prosperity and peace. And protecting our planet safeguards the natural resources that sustain us all. Later this year, a seven billionth baby will be born into our world of complexity and contradiction. We have enough food for everyone, yet nearly a billion go hungry. We have the means to eradicate many diseases, yet they continue to spread. We have the gift of a rich natural environment, yet it remains subjected to daily assault and exploitation. All people of conscience dream of peace, yet too much of the world is in conflict and steeped in armaments. Overcoming challenges of this magnitude will demand the best in each of us. Let us use this World Population Day to take determined actions to create a better future for our world’s seven billionth inhabitants and for generations to come.
                                                         Prof John Kurakar