CHANDIGARH- March 31, 2011: The department of Life Long Learning and Extension (DLLLE),
Panjab University organized two-day Training Programme on population related issues – “A
Commitment towards the Social Cause” at Brahmrishi Yoga Training College, Sector-19,
Chandigarh.  Seventy students and teachers attended the programme.

    Dr Savita Kansal, Principal of the College expressed her deep concern over the concept
of low female ratio in India and said that there is a need to check female foeticide at
grassroots level.  
    
    While highlighting the objective of the programme, Mrs Renu Gandhi, Programme Incharge
expressed that today there is a need to discuss the population related issues with the
community so that the people should appreciate the small family norms, increase female
ratio, female literacy, infant morality rate among female which is high as compared to
males.  Reproductive rights of women and HIV/AIDS are the areas where proper education
should be provided to women so that they take healthy decision to choose the right
family size.  

    Dr Shiva Malik, Assistant Professor from Dev Samaj College for Women explained the
issues of population and development.  She expressed that unchecked population growth
rate, if not dealt with qualitative measures; the development of the society would not
be sustainable for a longer time.  No doubt, because of over population India is going
to be number one in the near future with regard to economic development.

    Dr Avinish Jolly, Physician discussed the causes related to HIV/AIDS and how youth of
today could take preventions with regard to HIV/AIDS.  Youth of today have to generate
life skills among themselves like self awareness, problem solving, creative thinking and
management of stress and emotional stability for getting of the culture of
trivialization.  Participatory dialogue and discussion would help in changing the
mindsets of adolescents which resulting into their healthy life-style.  The students of
the college were receptive and give all the right vibes to the resource persons.  

    Dr Sarwan Singh, Assistant Director, Population Research Centre explained the different
phases of population, namely family planning measures, population education, population
and development and population for sustainable development.  

    Dr Jyotsana from Brahmrishi Yoga Training College emphasised that there is a need to
have programmes at grassroots level so that the people become aware of the population
related problems and find solution among them, Prof Ajaib Singh, Director, DLLLE, PU
informed.  
    
                                       PRESS RELEASE-2