Context:
There is much discussion and debate surrounding India’s immense population. Many are expressing concerns that this growing population could become a significant challenge for the nation’s future. As of January 2024, India’s population stood at 1.44 billion and has likely increased slightly since then. Over the past decade, the population has been expanding at a rate of nearly 1% per year. Some argue that unless this growth is controlled, India cannot achieve economic progress or become a developed nation, as a large population is often seen as a major obstacle to national growth and development.
Relevance:
- GS1- Population and Associated Issues
- GS3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Mains Question:
As the world population nears 8 billion, it becomes imperative to reassess the impact of population dynamics on sustainability and progress. Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words).
The Implications of Population Growth:
- To truly understand the implications of population growth, we must examine the issue from a broader, global standpoint.
- The world’s population is now close to 8 billion, having tripled over the last century.
- The real debate about whether a population is an asset or a burden revolves around how we currently utilize global resources and the vast inequalities in resource ownership.
- Unlike manufacturing goods in a factory, humans cannot simply produce offspring at will.
- Humans, much like animals, engage in reproduction naturally, which is evidenced by declining fertility rates in many regions despite advancements in modern medical science.
- Scientists and medical experts can assist with the fertilization of reproductive cells but cannot guarantee conception at will.
Increase in Life Expectancy:
- Today, the average global life expectancy is nearly double what it was 200 years ago. However, this progress has come at the expense of the environment.
- We have heavily relied on chemical fertilizers for crops, which have degraded soil quality and fertility.
- The widespread use of chemically formulated drugs and vaccines has also revealed serious, insidious side effects over time. But we cannot continue indefinitely without seriously compromising sustainability.
- Currently, humans are exploiting and depleting global resources more than ever before, prioritizing human comforts at the environment’s expense.
- While life expectancy is increasing, it often comes at the expense of life quality.
- We fight infectious diseases with potent chemical drugs, which in turn can lead to chronic illnesses and new ailments previously unknown.
Way Forward:
- Unknowingly, humans are moving toward an unsustainable way of living. It’s important to return to the fundamental metaphysical truths of existence.
- The key is to know how to use this human resource productively and effectively. By following agricultural practices outlined in Vedic sciences and using technologies based on these teachings, we can maintain soil quality and fertility, ensuring abundant harvests season after season.
- Through strictly organic farming, we can protect our environment and ecosystem.
- By adhering to Ayurvedic principles, we can achieve good health and long life without relying on synthetic chemical drugs.
- We must change our systems and ways of living to address the severe wealth disparity, where 20% of the global population controls 80% of global resources.
Conclusion:
Our drive for self-interest, fueled by capitalism and greed, has led to the current situation. Population should be seen as an asset, and it will be if we shift our lifestyles to align with nature and adopt eco-friendly technologies as outlined in ancient Vedic scriptures.
