Humanism Foundation to honour 5 mothers with ‘Khunai-Kanbi Ema’ title

In an effort to recognise and encourage the role of mothers in sustaining family and society, the Humanism Foundation will confer the title ‘Khunai-Kanbi Ema’ to five selected women from Manipur this August. The honour will be given to mothers who are raising five or more children under difficult socio-economic conditions.
The initiative aims to highlight the declining fertility rate in Manipur, which, according to the National Family Health Survey (2019–21), has dropped to 1.77 among the Meitei community—lower than the replacement level of 2.1. Drawing attention to global concerns, Foundation Managing Trustee Dr. Wahengbam Rorrkychand Singh cited the UN’s 2024 World Population Prospects, warning that countries like Japan and South Korea are already facing shrinking populations due to low birth rates.
The Foundation stressed that challenges such as rising education costs, unemployment, delayed marriages, and lack of family support have contributed to the trend. Since 2017, Humanism Foundation has been promoting social awareness and family support through training and outreach programmes.
The award reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to honouring the strength of women in preserving the fabric of Meitei society. Public nominations and enquiries are welcomed via their Utlou office or by calling 8794719282.