Cachar observes “World Population Day” with focus on empowering youth

way2barak, July 11: — The District Health Society, Cachar, under the banner of the National Health Mission (NHM), marked World Population Day on Friday with a vibrant programme at Silchar Urban PHC, where officials, doctors, and community leaders gathered to spotlight the challenges and aspirations surrounding population growth and sustainable development.

The event was presided over by Shri Mridul Yadav, IAS, District Commissioner of Cachar and Chairman of the District Health Society, who delivered an emphatic address as chief guest. “Our youth hold the key to a healthier and more equitable future,” he remarked. “It is imperative to empower young people with information and access to healthcare so they can make responsible and informed choices about their families. This is not only a personal right but also a social responsibility and one which shapes the development of our district and the nation at large.”

Reflecting the global theme “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world” the day underscored how informed choices and access to healthcare can foster both individual well-being and collective progress.

Joint Director of Health Services, Dr. Shibananda Roy, in address, highlighted the remarkable progress Cachar has made in maternal and child health, yet acknowledged that much remains to be done. “Population-related challenges are intertwined with gender equity, education, and economic opportunity,” he said. “We must continue strengthening our family planning programmes and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Former Joint Director Dr. Ashutosh Barman, who also led the Laparoscopy & NSV camp on the occasion, spoke passionately about the need for continued outreach. “Even as medical technology advances, awareness at the grassroots remains critical,” he added. “Our efforts should aim not just at numbers but at improving the quality of lives, particularly among the marginalised sections.”

Organised jointly by NHM and the District Health Society in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Greater Silchar (RCGS), the event drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Dr. Rajat Deb, President of RCGS; Rahul Ghosh, DPM of NHM; Dharmananda Deb, Legal Advisor to DLSA, Cachar; and Dr. Juri Sarma, Community Director alongside senior health officials, ASHA workers, and members of the public.

 A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the District Commissioner and the Rotary Club, under which the club adopted Kumbha Tea Estate for a year to deliver enhanced healthcare services to its workers and families a move hailed as an example of public-private partnership in action.

Adding a human touch to the proceedings, an ASHA worker and an LS beneficiary were honoured for their outstanding contributions. On the medical front, the Laparoscopy and NSV camp, led by Dr Asutosh Barman with support from PHC staff and ASHA workers, provided immediate, tangible health services to the community.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.