Warm greetings to all of you!

The Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) was founded in the year 1970 and is regarded as a pioneer among the endeavors of Indian demographers to advance deliberations on population studies and allied matters in the country. It is solely to the creditable support and commitment of its members that the Association continues to lead the demography and health policy space in India for over five glorious decades now.

In my long-standing association with the IASP, I have had the opportunity to serve the Association in various professional capacities. I have witnessed this Association grow into an institution that it is today, as the baton passed among profound leaderships year after year. Today, I consider it my absolute honor and privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve as an elected President of the IASP. Advancing population and public health research in India has been central to the mission and vision of IASP, and it irrevocably assumes centrality in my efforts and contributions towards the Association.

The study of population dynamics holds significant relevance for our country. As an organization, we recognize the crucial importance of understanding and addressing these unique demographic complexities. The IASP plays a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge, facilitating collaborations, and providing a platform for experts and researchers to exchange ideas and findings to foster India's welfare.

During my tenure as the President, IASP, I am committed to building upon our legacy of excellence and propelling IASP to new heights. We have already made remarkable strides by introducing distinguished lecture series, which bring eminent experts in the field of population and health to share their expertise through virtual lectures. We have also revitalized regional-level conferences to shed light on the unique regional dynamics in population and health, leading to actionable recommendations that address specific challenges faced by different regions. We have further introduced newer activities like 'Essay Competition' for young scholars as part of our Annual Conferences.

The IASP is fortunate to have a vibrant and diverse community comprising young scholars and esteemed seniors I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our young researchers; your enthusiasm and fresh perspectives are invaluable assets to our Association. To my esteemed members who have been associated with the IASP for years now - with your wealth of knowledge and experience, you play a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring the next generation of scholars.

I am steadfast in my belief that our strength lies in the engagement and active participation of our members. I encourage each of you to take part in our initiatives, contribute your research to our journal "Demography India" (applied for Scopus registration), and actively engage with fellow members to foster a vibrant and inclusive community. By working together, we can enhance the impact of our research, influence policies, and bring about positive change.

In the coming months, we will focus on expanding the membership base of IASP, strengthening our partnerships with like-minded organizations (especially since the IASP has achieved its 12-A & FCRA certifications), and enhancing the quality and reach of our publications. I am eager to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to your active participation in advancing the study of population and public health in India.

Prof. Suresh Sharma
President, IASP