The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, in collaboration with the Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS) here organised a three-day seminar “Population and Health in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals” on January 11. It would end on January 13.
The inaugural ceremony and the first plenary session was held in the premises of the Institute of Physics. Professor Ashok Kumar Das, Vice Chancellor, Utkal University, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Professor Das emphasised on building cancer-treating isotope production unit in the State for more efficient treatment in the hospitals. Professor F Ram, Director IIPS, Mumbai, formally welcomed the participants and other dignitaries to the conference. He highlighted the challenges relating to child mortality, malnourishment, family planning and sex ratio in India in general and Odisha in particular. He pointed out that the infant mortality rate in the State should be reduced for generating sustained economic growth.
Professor Srijit Mishra, Director NCDS, also addressed the august gathering. Professor Mishra quoted Derek Parfit’s ad infinitum paradoxpopularly known as the repugnant conclusion which raises concern about rising population on the one hand and receding per capita income or subsistence living on the other. Professor Usha Ram gave the background of the seminar. The opening ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Manas Ranjan Pradhan.
The first plenary session on ‘Measurement of SDG Indicators’ was chaired by Professor PM Kulkarni while Professor H lhungdim was the rapporteur of the session. Professor Amaresh Dubey spoke on theme ‘Poverty, Food Security, Hunger and Nutrition.’ Professor Ravi Verma talked about Gender Issues and Women Empowerment. Prof F Ram spoke about the issues concerning ‘Water and Sanitation’. Prof PS Nair highlighted the ‘Impact of Migration in India.’ later in the day, six technical sessions and one poster session were held at NCDS.
The speakers in the second plenary session are: Professor Sulabha Parsuraman, Dr S Niranjan, Professor ll Singh, Dr Rasmi Avula and Dr Vikas Bhatia. This will be chaired by Professor Ram and the rapporteur will be Professor SK Mohanty.