VIRAM: AGENDA SUSTAINABILITY | GRAND LAUNCH: 23RD NOV 2022

Mobius Foundation, in partnership with India Today Group, launched a one-year-long social cause initiative called ‘VIRAM: AGENDA SUSTAINABILITY’ on 23rd November 2022. The campaign was an on-ground two-hour-long Thought Leadership Conclave that featured policy experts, demographic researchers, and academicians interacting under two robust sessions and a fireside chat with Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman Mobius Foundation.

Understanding the causes and effects of overpopulation, its impact on human resources, possible long and short-term remedial measures, etc.

• • Shri C K Mishra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India
  • Shri Praveen Garg, Advisor, Mobius Foundation and Former Special Secretary & Financial Adviser, MoEFCC, Government of India
  • Mr. Anand Sinha, Country Advisor, David & Lucile Packard Foundation
  • Mr. Srinivas Goli, Professor, International Institute of Population Studies

Understanding the impact of overpopulation on human  resources, environment, and economic progress of the nation.

• • Dr. Ram Boojh, CEO, Mobius Foundation
  • Mr. Amitabh Kundu, Member, National Commission on Population
  • Ms. Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India
  • Swami Prem Parivartan (Peepal Baba), Environmentalist, Give Me Trees Trust

Mr. Pradip Burman

Host: Ms. Akshita Nandagopal

Panel 1

Guest of Honour : Mr. Zakhir Khan

Host: Mr. Sayeed Ansari

Panel 2

Episode 1| Launch | Viram: Agenda Sustainability | 23rd November 2022

Episode 1| Launch | विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी | 23rd November 2022

A special episode on climate change showcases the connection between population being the critical factor for driving climate change and environmental degradation.

OVERVIEW: With 2 billion people to be added to our human ranks by 2050 and an additional 1 billion more by 2100, demographic trends and variables play an essential role in understanding and confronting the world’s climate crisis. Population growth and increasing consumption tend to increase emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases. Rapid population growth worsens the impacts of climate change by straining resources and exposing more people to climate-related risks-especially in low-resource regions.

Episode 2 | Climate Change Vs Population | 25th February 2023

Episode 2 | जलवायु परिवर्तन और जनसंख्या | 26th February 2023

A special episode on air pollution showcases the connection between population and the key factor of increased air pollution in urban areas.

OVERVIEW: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, around 7 million people die yearly from indoor and outdoor air pollution. About 92% of the World’s Population breathes air with high levels of pollutants exceeding WHO guidelines. The effects of air pollution on human health are severe. Rapid population growth worsens the impacts of air pollution and exposes more people to health-related risks, especially in urban regions.

Episode 3 | Air Pollution Vs Population | 25th March 2023

Episode 3 | वायु प्रदूषण और जनसंख्या | 26th March 2023

A special episode on water pollution showcases the connection between population being the key factor of increased water pollution and groundwater depletion.

OVERVIEW: Population growth doesn’t just mean more water consumption but also more water needed for food production. To meet the food production demands from rapid population growth, we must pump groundwater faster than it can be replenished. And all that consumption contributes to ecological degradation, increased conflicts, and a higher risk of large-scale disasters like pandemics.

Episode 4 | Water Pollution Vs Population | 29th April 2023

Episode 4 | जल प्रदूषण और जनसंख्या | 30th April 2023

A special episode on World Biodiversity Day showcases the importance of biodiversity and what we can do to protect it.

Overview: Biodiversity is crucial for the well-being of the human species. By gaining a deeper understanding of how biodiversity functions and recognizing its influence on us, we can take steps to mitigate the negative consequences of biodiversity loss. Comprehending the intricate web of life and the services diverse ecosystems provide is essential. By doing so, we can work towards preserving and restoring biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future for nature and ourselves.

Episode 5 | Biodiversity | 20th May 2023

Episode 5 | जैव विविधता | 21st May 2023

The mounting pollution issue poses an urgent environmental challenge, largely driven by excessive consumption practices. Recognizing this as a collective responsibility, we must unite to preserve our planet. Through this Episode, “VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability,” Mobius Foundation is dedicated to fostering awareness of the significant environmental threats from human behaviors and offering guidance on collaborative strategies to mitigate their adverse impacts.

Episode 6 | Population Vs Over Consumption And Waste | Part 1

Episode 6 | जनसँख्या बनाम अत्यधिक खपत और कूड़ा | भाग-1

Shri Ashwani Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, addressed the concern on the ill effects of population growth through the campaign VIRAM – Agenda Sustainability and said that “Increasing population in India is a matter of concern and also a big challenge.” While explaining the measures to deal with this severe problem, he also mentioned that we have to strike a balance between progress and the environment to deal with these concerns. ‘VIRAM – Agenda Sustainability’ of ‘Möbius Foundation’ aims to maintain environmental sustainability and save our earth by controlling the human population.

Episode 6 | Population Vs Over Consumption And Waste | Part 2

Episode 6 | जनसँख्या बनाम अत्यधिक खपत और कूड़ा | भाग-2

Mobius Foundation organized the 5th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) in Delhi, the theme of which this time was ‘Education for Climate Action and Sustainability.’ The two-day-long event saw renowned speakers, including Mobius Foundation Chairman Mr. Pradip Burman, discuss issues ranging from population growth to climate sustainability to create awareness about climate change and save the earth.

Apart from this, what can be done to deal with severe problems like population growth, increasing pollution, and climate change was also discussed in this session of ‘VIRAM – Agenda Sustainability.’ Mobius Foundation’s ‘VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability’ aims to educate and sensitize people so that the human population can be controlled, thereby maintaining environmental sustainability and saving our planet.

Episode 7 | International Conference on Sustainability Education 2023 | 30th September 2023

Episode 7 | International Conference on Sustainability Education 2023 | 1st October 2023

Dr. Ram Boojh, Advisor, Mobius Foundation focused on the urgency to shift our lifestyles, emphasizing sustainability and ecological harmony in VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability. He also highlighted the pressing need for a paradigm shift in our agricultural and land-use patterns advocating for a balanced coexistence between humanity and nature.

It’s a call to break free from parasitic cycles fostering a world where humanity and the environment thrive hand in hand.

Episode 8 | Natural Resources | Part-1 | VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability | ITTV

Episode 8 | Natural Resources | Part-1 | विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी | Aaj Tak

The poet and socio-political activist Dr. Kumar Vishwas stressed in VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability on Natural Resources episode 8 that people should put aside their greed and cooperate with the natural world. We must learn to coexist and let go of our bestiality in taking advantage of nature.

Episode 8 | Natural Resources | Part- 2 | VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability | ITTV

Episode 8 | Natural Resources | Part- 2 | विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी | Aaj Tak

Stand up comedian Zakir Khan in VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability Episode 9 on Education focused that education plays a vital role in illuminating the path to change. By understanding the correlation between carbon emissions, population dynamics and core sustainability issues we empower individuals to make informed choices.

Mobius Foundation’s Project Aakar stands testament to the transformative power of awareness, counselling and contraceptive accessibility.

Episode 9 Education Part-1| VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability

Episode 9 शिक्षा Part-1| विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी

Actor Director-Writer Mr. Nitish Bharadwaj emphasized in VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability on Education Episode 9 that Illiteracy and lack of awareness are the adversaries we tackle head-on. Through Project Aakar we’re empowering couples to make informed choices advocating for education and encouraging a responsible approach to family planning. Two children, spaced strategically ensuring not just the health of the mother but also a well-supported thriving family.

Episode 9 Education Part-2 | VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability

Episode 9 शिक्षा Part-2 | विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी

Actor, Director and Writer Mr. Nitish Bharadwaj addressed in VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability Episode 9 on Education that population control involves multiple factors such as education and awareness. He suggested that an appeal should be made to both men and women to actively participate in population control for a sustainable future emphasizing the importance of these efforts for India’s growth as a potential superpower.

Initiatives like Mobius Foundation’s Project Aakar focus on educating newly wedded couples about the benefits of a woman’s education delaying childbirth and maintaining a smaller family size.

Episode 9 Education Part-3 | VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability

Episode 9 शिक्षा Part-3 | विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी

Dr. Ram Boojh, CEO, Mobius Foundation, addressed in “VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability” Episode 10 on Agriculture that population growth intensifies the strain on natural resources, leading to over-exploitation and land fragmentation. He also focused on the insightful perspective on these issues that can navigate through the need for sustainable technologies to mitigate environmental damage.

Mobius Foundation, in collaboration with India Today Group, presents the “VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability” campaign, which tackles these challenges effectively and efficiently. Let’s embark on a journey towards a balanced human population and a sustainable future together.

Episode 10 | Agriculture Part- 1 | VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability

Episode 10 | कृषि Part- 1 | विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी

In episode 10 of VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability, Mr. Nekram Sharma, Padmashree Awardee & Farmer, talks about the severe effects of overpopulation on agriculture. He discusses how cultivable land is being destroyed in the name of development and suggests that strong laws are needed to control the population.

He further talks about innovative approaches to agriculture, like embracing organic farming and transitioning from monoculture to diverse farming, which could prove successful in catering to a large population like India.

Episode 10 | Agriculture Part- 2 | VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability

Episode 10 | कृषि Part- 2 | विराम: एजेंडा सस्टेनेबिलिटी

In episode 11 of VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability, Mr. Praveen Garg, President, Mobius Foundation, discusses how the migration of people to urban areas puts pressure on the already strained resources and creates various issues. One of the biggest issues related to this is the demand for jobs and how overpopulation is closely related to the growing unemployment in the country.

We need to collectively raise awareness on overpopulation and its effects so that we can have a sustainable future ahead with enough resources.

In this episode of VIRAM: Agenda Sustainability, Akash Ranison, Environmentalist, Co-founder & Director, Greener Earth Foundation, talks about the growing problems that come with the huge population of the country, He talks about how there is a lack of family planning among the masses and most don’t think about whether they are capable of raising children.

Along with that, he talks about the effects of this huge population on resources, and how increased production and consumption of good are harming the environment.