RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat has reignited Indias population debate, urging families to have at least three children to ensure societal survival. Speaking in Nagpur, Bhagwat cited demographic studies to justify his appeal, warning that a fertility rate below 2.1 could lead to the extinction of communities.
“A decline in population is a serious concern. Demographic studies reveal that societies with fertility rates below 2.1 face extinction, often without any external threats, Many languages and cultures have disappeared due to this” Bhagwat stated.
“To prevent this, our population must remain above 2.1, Since fractional children are not possible, population science suggests a family should have at least three children.” Referring to India’s population policy, Bhagwat remarked that earlier frameworks from 1998 and 2002 emphasised maintaining demographic balance.
He argued that these principles remain crucial today, underscoring the need for proactive measures o secure the nation’s future. The RSS chief further said, “We consider the family as a vital unit that forms the foundation of society.
Culture and values are inherited and passed from one generation to another, preserving systems and principles that are timeless and globally relevant, not just to Indians.” Urging people to rise above caste and communal divisions, Bhagwat emphasized that, unlike cultures where individualism takes precedence, “Bharatiya sanskriti (Indian culture) believes in interconnectedness.”
“If someone is hungry, we step forward to feed them. Even if a beggar comes to our doorstep, we hand over money or food grains through the children in our family. In this way, we pass on values from one generation to the next. Sacrifice is our cornerstone, not selfishness or self-centeredness,” the RSS chief said.
Bhagwat’s comments have sparked a political backlash, particularly in Bihar, where discussions around caste-based census and population control have been contentious. Leaders from opposition parties criticized the RSS chief for promoting conflicting narratives.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari pointed out contradictions between the BJP’s stance on population control and Bhagwat’s advocacy for larger families. “The BJP and RSS must resolve their internal contradictions. While government campaigns emphasize controlling population growth, such statements encourage larger families,” Tiwari said. Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Arvind Nishad echoed similar sentiments, urging Bhagwat to align his views with BJP policies. “Before making such statements, the RSS chief should consult BJP leaders who champion population control measures.
In Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has set an example by focusing on women’s education as the key to managing population growth,” Nishad stated. Bhagwat’s remarks have reignited the broader discourse on India’s demographic strategy. As debates intensify, the challenge remains balancing cultural preservation with sustainable population management in a rapidly evolving society.
