Population

India, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, is the second most populous country in the world. The country is home to a rich mix of cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity, with more than 2,000 ethnic groups and over 1,600 languages spoken. “The textile industry in India holds a significant place as it provides one of the most fundamental clothing needs of the people. It is also considered the second largest ecosystem for global retailers to strengthen their productive capacities, after China” (Ahuja, 2021). As the country continues to urbanize and grow economically, a larger percentage of its population is moving to cities. Despite improvements in education and healthcare, challenges like poverty, resource allocation, and environmental sustainability remain major concerns for India’s future (Sharma, 2021). The population growth has shown notable shifts over the decades. Between 1951 and 1961, the Muslim population grew by 32.7%, surpassing the overall growth rate of 21.6%. However, this gap has reduced in recent years. Between 2001 and 2011, the Muslim population grew by 24.7%, while the Hindu population increased by 17.7%. The Christian population grew the slowest, at just 15.7% during the same period, much lower than the 29% growth seen in the decade following India’s partition in 1947 (National Population Commission, 2022). This demographic shift is significant for understanding India’s social and cultural dynamics, as well as the challenges related to population management.