Prof. N.S. Bist Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Population Studies..
New Delhi: Prof. N.S. Bist, a distinguished academic and former Chairman of the Department of Economics at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), was conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP).
The award was presented during the IASP's 45th Annual Conference held at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, from December 12 to 14.
This recognition celebrates Prof. Bist's outstanding contributions to population, health, and development studies over a remarkable career spanning more than 35 years.
The award was conferred on December 13 in the presence of eminent scholars and policymakers at the JNU auditorium.
Prof. Bist has made significant contributions as a consultant, researcher, and academic leader, collaborating with global organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), National Family Health Survey (NFHS), and the Planning Commission of India.
His work on human development reports, gender studies, food security, and health policy reviews has left an indelible mark on academic and policy landscapes.
At HPU, Prof. Bist played a pivotal role in establishing the Department of Population Studies, the only one in North India offering a two-year Master’s program in the field.
As Director of the Population Research Centre, he spearheaded groundbreaking studies that informed evidence-based policymaking, particularly in Himachal Pradesh.
Notably, his contributions to the NFHS-2, NFHS-4, and NFHS-5 surveys have been instrumental in shaping public health policies in the region.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Prof. Bist has been a relentless advocate for addressing pressing societal issues, including female foeticide, declining sex ratios, and healthcare utilization in underserved communities.
His efforts led to the launch of CHILDLINE in Shimla, a critical initiative for child welfare, in collaboration with CHILDLINE India Foundation and the Himachal Pradesh government.
Prof. Bist’s influence extends internationally, with his participation in conferences and workshops across Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and other countries.
He has also authored over three dozen research articles in reputed journals and contributed extensively to grassroots documentation and policy evaluations.
The IASP President, Prof. Suresh Sharma, lauded Prof. Bist’s contributions, stating, "Prof. Bist’s unwavering commitment to population and health studies has inspired generations of researchers and policymakers.
His work continues to provide vital insights for addressing global and regional challenges."
This Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to Prof. Bist’s enduring legacy in advancing the fields of population studies and public health, making him a beacon of inspiration in the academic and policy fraternity.
