Initiative raises awareness, promotes smaller families for a sustainable future
The Mobius Foundation launched a year-long social cause initiative called ‘VIRAM- Agenda Sustainability’ to raise awareness about the impact of overpopulation on critical environmental issues. The project focused on how population growth exacerbates climate change, pollution, human health problems, habitat loss, and the overuse of finite natural resources like fresh water, arable land, and fossil fuels.
The initiative also highlighted the impact of overpopulation on social issues like housing, poverty, employment, and education. VIRAM aimed to create a sense of urgency for action to conserve and protect the environment for the survival of humanity and other life forms.
Educational Outreach and Public Events
The year-long project featured twelve educational episodes addressing various environmental problems caused by excessive population growth. These episodes are available for viewing on the YouTube channels of Lallantop, UP Tak, Bihar Tak, and the Mobius Foundation itself.
The campaign culminated in a two-hour Thought Leadership Conclave featuring policy experts, demographic researchers, and academicians. The event included discussions on “Balancing the Global Equation: The Imperative of Overpopulation Stabilization” and the need for population stabilization to ensure environmental resource management.
Focus on Sustainable Future
Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, the chief guest at the conclave, emphasized the importance of traditional knowledge in managing population and the environment. Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman of the Mobius Foundation, envisioned a future where humans coexist harmoniously with nature on a healthy planet. He stressed that achieving this vision requires population stabilization or decline.
Other prominent figures participated in the conclave, including G. V. L. Narasimha Rao, Member of the Rajya Sabha; Kiran Karnik, Padma Shri Awardee and former president of NASSCOM; Siddharth Kak, a renowned Indian documentary filmmaker; Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India; Akash Ranison, Co-founder & Director of the Greener Earth Foundation; and Arun Krishnamurthy, an environmentalist.
Policy and Education as Solutions
The Mobius Foundation presented its vision for population stabilization, emphasizing that smaller families can significantly reduce pressure on the natural world and resource consumption.
G. V. L. Narasimha Rao announced the formation of a high-power committee by the Indian government to address the challenges arising from rapid population growth and demographic changes. The committee will recommend solutions to overcome these challenges.
Kiran Karnik highlighted the importance of women’s education as a tool to fight population growth. Statistics show that women with higher education levels tend to have fewer children.
Siddharth Kak discussed the media’s crucial role in educating the public about sustainable development, responsible consumption patterns, family planning, and taking action for a more sustainable future.
Poonam Muttreja stressed the need for context-specific policies and programs due to India’s vast population and diverse demographics. Akash Ranison and Arun Krishnamurthy, representing young environmental activists, shared real-life challenges and strategies to overcome misconceptions surrounding family planning.
The Mobius Foundation’s VIRAM- Agenda Sustainability initiative serves as a valuable educational and advocacy tool, promoting public awareness about the environmental and social consequences of overpopulation and advocating for solutions to achieve a sustainable future.