SHILLONG: NERIE, NCERT, Umiam, observed World Population Day by organizing a poster competition and an open discussion on the theme, Our Population, Our Future, on July 11, at MeECL Secondary School, Umiam.
The programme coordinator, Md. Mamur Ali, assistant professor NERIE, Shillong, addressed the students by briefly discussing some of the issues related to the theme, with the objective of allowing the students to understand and reflect upon the various aspects of the phenomenon of population explosion.
NCERT’s philosophy of constructing knowledge was adopted by providing scaffolding to the students in the form basic background information preliminary to the open discussion.
Professor MK Mishra, NERIE, facilitated the open discussion on the day’s theme by motivating the students to express their views.
The students came forward with novel ideas and insights about the consequences of over-population and spoke at length about issues ranging from food, water and space scarcity to the depletion of the ozone layer, deforestation, poverty, poor schooling facilities, environmental degradation in the form of depleting forest cover, using up of agricultural land for settlement and even harm to the ecology by encroaching upon the wildlife inhabitations.
One student also brought up the case of Dubai trying to cover up the sea surface to expand the city’s limits. The students showed remarkable insight about how over-population could have detrimental effects on the environment. Dr. Sharad K Pandey engaged with the students to further their knowledge about the reasons for celebrating World Population Day.
The open discussion and poster competition were organized under two group categories – elementary and secondary. The students came up with excellent posters and slogans on the theme for the day.
In the elementary level Nikjrang R Marak; Shanlang Miki Lamare and Shemphang Bamon were presented the first, second and third prize, respectively. While Lemi R Marak, Ambika Borathoki and Raksang R Marak were adjudged the first, second and third prize winners, respectively, in the secondary category.
The prize distribution ceremony was followed by the concluding vote of thanks by Dr Sharad K Pandey.
Meanwhile, the NSS Seng Khasi College also observed World Population Day by organizing essay, slogan, and poster competitions in the college on July 11. Numerous students of the college participated in the competition.
BSF organises health awareness camp
The World Population Day was organized at FTR HQ BSF Shillong on July 11 where approximately 150 personnel including Officers, Subordinate Officers, troops and their families were present. A lecture on ‘Adolescence & its problem’ was delivered by Dr Mrinal Hazarika, CMO (SG) of CHBSF Shillong.
In an another programme regarding technical know-how about HIV/AIDS by means of audio-visual AIDS & lectures were also conducted at Ftr Hqr BSF Shillong on July 9 and at SHQBSF Tura on July 11 by AIDS Control foundation, New Delhi. The lecture was delivered by Dr R K Verma, founder of the organization. The queries and doubts raised by audience were answered upto satisfaction of the audience. During the camp a large gathering of BSF personnel including Officers, Subordinate Officers, troops and their families were present at both