There is considerable debate surrounding India’s rapidly expanding population. With the population reaching 1.44 billion in January 2024 and likely slightly higher now, there are growing concerns that this demographic surge could pose a significant threat to national stability.
Over the past decade, the population has been increasing at nearly 1 per cent annually. Critics argue that economic progress and the aspiration to become a developed nation are unattainable without curbing this growth. In essence, a large population is often seen as a major obstacle to national advancement and development.
The validity of concerns about India’s population growth requires a broader, global perspective. Currently, the world population stands at nearly 8 billion, having tripled over the past century. The crux of whether a large population is an asset or liability hinges on how effectively global resources are managed and the vast inequalities in resource distribution.
Unlike manufactured goods, human reproduction isn’t a controllable process but a natural one, akin to other species. This is highlighted by declining fertility rates in various parts of the world, despite advancements in modern medicine.
While scientists and medical professionals can assist in the fertilization of reproductive cells, they cannot control conception at will. It suggests that the creation of life is guided by a higher, omnipotent force — whether one calls this entity the Creator or God — who governs the natural world and the universe. This view aligns with the idea that if population growth becomes problematic, it is ultimately within the purview of this divine force.
Natural phenomena such as climate change, wildfires, cyclones, and other disasters act as mechanisms to regulate population and correct human excesses. Despite the advancements of modern science in combating diseases and extending human life, these natural processes remind us of forces beyond human control.
Today, the global average life expectancy is nearly twice what it was two centuries ago. However, this improvement has come with significant environmental costs. The widespread use of chemical fertilisers has degraded soil quality and fertility, while reliance on chemical-based drugs and vaccines has begun to reveal concerning side effects. This approach cannot be sustained indefinitely without compromising long-term sustainability.
Currently, humanity is depleting and exploiting natural resources at an unprecedented rate, prioritizing increased comfort and convenience over environmental preservation. While life expectancy continues to climb, it is often at the expense of quality of life. The battle against infectious diseases is largely fought with powerful chemical drugs, which may inadvertently lead to chronic conditions and new, previously unknown illnesses.
Humans are unknowingly moving towards an unsustainable way of living. To address this, we might consider returning to fundamental metaphysical insights. According to these beliefs, God governs all life and imparts knowledge through sacred texts such as the Vedas.
These ancient scriptures are considered a comprehensive source of knowledge, encompassing both science and technology. According to Vedic hymns, each couple is encouraged to have ten children and to live healthily for up to 100 years. Given this perspective, a growing human population should be viewed as an asset rather than a liability.
The key lies in harnessing human resources effectively and productively. By adhering to agricultural practices and food production methods outlined in Vedic sciences and utilising technologies based on these principles, we can maintain soil quality and fertility, ensuring abundant crop yields season after season.
We can achieve sustainable growth by adopting strictly organic farming practices, which will help preserve our environment and ecosystems. By following Ayurvedic principles, we can maintain good health and longevity without relying on synthetic chemical drugs.
The key is to reform our systems and paradigms to address the stark wealth disparity, where a mere 20 per cent of the global population controls 80 per cent of the resources. The current imbalance is driven by a capitalist system rooted in greed. Viewing the growing population as an asset is possible if we adjust our lifestyles to be more in harmony with nature and embrace the environmentally friendly technologies outlined in our ancient Vedic texts.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
