Mumbai, 3 June 2022
63rd convocation of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Deemed to be University was held in Mumbai today. 255 students were awarded degrees/diplomas this year. Gold and silver medals were awarded to students for excellence in research and academic work. Prof. Balram Bhargava, Secretary, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research presided over the function.
Prof. Bhargava, in his presidential address, congratulated the students who received degrees, diplomas and medals, and appealed to them to use the high-quality education, training and research received at the Institute to its maximum potential in the service of the people. He appreciated the contribution of IIPS in training population scientists and evidence based population research in the country since 1956.
Prof. Bhargava emphasized that various population parameters have improved in the country in the recent times as shown by the recent National Family Health Survey (2019-21). However, emerging non-communicable diseases like Covid-19 pose a challenge, he said. He added, “More and more high quality research is needed in these areas as well as mapping their differentials by gender, social and regional disparities for the national planning and policy formation”.