Declamation competition, expert panel discussion held on declining birth rate in Kashmir

Sopore, May 8:A thought-provoking inter-college declamation competition followed by an expert panel discussion on the theme ‘Declining Birth Rate in Kashmir: Causes, Consequences and Way Forward’ was organised by Haneefa Nursing College in collaboration with Hakim Sonuallah Specialist Hospital and Cancer Centre.

The academic event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing 18 nursing colleges from across Kashmir, making it one of the significant educational and awareness programmes held in the region on the issue of demographic change and public health.

Students from different institutions delivered well-researched and impactful speeches highlighting the various social, economic, medical and cultural factors contributing to the declining birth rate in Kashmir. Participants spoke extensively about changing lifestyle patterns, rising career priorities among youth, delayed marriages, increasing stress levels, infertility-related issues, migration trends and growing lack of awareness regarding reproductive health.

The speakers also shed light on the possible long-term consequences of declining population growth, including its impact on family structure, workforce availability, economic stability and the overall social fabric of society.

Several participants called for awareness programmes, counselling initiatives and policy-level interventions to tackle the emerging demographic challenges in the Valley.

Following the declamation competition, an expert panel discussion was held in which healthcare experts, academicians, professionals and renowned specialist doctors from across the Valley participated.

During the interactive session, the panelists discussed the medical, psychological and societal dimensions of declining birth rates in detail and stressed the importance of adopting a balanced and informed approach towards the issue.

The experts emphasised the need for improved healthcare facilities, timely medical consultation for fertility-related concerns, awareness regarding maternal and reproductive health and stronger community engagement to ensure a healthy and sustainable society.

They also highlighted the importance of youth participation in social discourse and policymaking.

The programme served as an important academic and intellectual platform for students to exchange ideas, improve their public speaking abilities and engage in meaningful dialogue on one of the pressing social concerns facing Kashmir today.

The organisers appreciated the active participation and dedication shown by the students and faculty members throughout the event.

At the conclusion of the programme, a felicitation and award ceremony was held in which the top three participants were honoured for their outstanding speeches and presentations on the topic.

Certificates and awards were distributed among the winners amid applause from the audience.

Later, a formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr ShaadSaleem and the Principal of Haneefa Nursing College, who expressed gratitude to the guests, experts, participating students, faculty members and dignitaries for making the programme successful and meaningful.