Thousands run in New Delhi to spread awareness on population

New Delhi, July 11 (ANI): With the aim of spreading awareness of the hazards of the growing population on the World Population Day, about 3,000 students from various schools in New Delhi participated in a run on Sunday.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad along with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit flag off the run.

"We won't be able to control it until we try. It is important not just for our future but also for the future of our earth," said Dikshit.

The theme of the 2010 World Population Day is 'Everyone Counts' and the government has viewed it as an excellent opportunity for spreading awareness and advocacy on the issue of population stabilization.

"Our UPA (United Progressive Alliance) is not in favour of bringing in legislation to check the population but we want to mobilize the people toward the issue," said Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Badminton ace Saina Nehwal was also present at the event and ran with the participants. (ANI)