Is India really overpopulated — or have we been told the wrong story?
Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, joins Cyrus Broacha to unpack one of the biggest myths in Indian public discourse: that “too many people” are the root of all problems.
From fertility data and census projections to the Hindu–Muslim population debate, women’s education, sterilisation myths, ageing society, and the real meaning of demographic dividend — this episode dives deep into facts, governance, and uncomfortable truths.
They also discuss:
Why women want fewer children
Why education is the best contraceptive
Why Muslim fertility rates are declining
Why South India shouldn’t be “punished” for doing well
The 1984 riots & administrative failure
Why men avoid sterilisation
The coming “Silver Dividend”
LGBTQ rights and state interference
A sharp, data-driven and surprisingly candid conversation on India’s future.
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