A Vision for Young People

Nursing Journal of India, Jul 2006 by Seda, Sheila

The world is going through a period of unprecedented demographic transformation. According to 2001 census, India's population is 1,049,549000; we are adding another 2,00,48,364 every year. The speed of population growth in our country has outpaced our ability to provide the required amenities and necessities for a good quality of life. Population growth is a burning issue at the national and international level. India has the second largest population in the world.

July 11 is observed as World Population Day when UNFPA raises awareness about important population and development issues. UNFPA has a vision of a world fit for young people. Half of the world population is under the age of 25, some 3 billion children and young people will soon be of reproductive age. UNFPA's vision is reflected in the Millennium Development Goals: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability and achieve a global partnership for development.

TNAI in its population position statement endorses small family norm and other population policies of the Government of India. TNAI urges every member to take up the task of population stabilization by contributing towards pooling the knowledge, disseminating the information to individual, family and community in taking care of the young population of our country.

It is time once again to prepare for the Biennial Conference. Students may go through the tentative programme in this issue and get ready to participate in scientific paper presentation and other activities. Wish you all a great success.

Sheila Seda