Mohan Bhagwat Stresses On Family, Population Growth For Society's Survival: 'Need More Than 2'

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the significance of family on Sunday, stressing that a society would cease to exist if its population growth rate drops below 2.1.

Speaking at the 'Kathale Kul (clan) Sammelan' in Nagpur, he stated that the 'kutumb' (family) is a vital component of society, with each family functioning as a unit.

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"Decreasing population is a matter of concern because the Loksankhya Shastra says that if we go below 2.1, then that society perishes; no one will destroy it, it will perish by itself," Bhagwat remarked.

The RSS chief referred to India's population policy, which was established around 1998 or 2002, stating that the population growth rate should not fall below 2.1.

"We need more than two, that is three (as the population growth rate), that's what population science says. This number is important because it (society) should survive," he added.

Earlier, during a Dussehra rally in Nagpur, Bhagwat had emphasised that India requires a carefully thought-out population policy that applies equally to all communities.

He noted that population imbalances between communities could influence geographical boundaries and must not be overlooked. He also underscored the importance of maintaining harmony among communities.

"It is true that the higher the population, the greater the burden. If the population is used properly, it becomes a resource. We also have to consider how many people our country can feed and support after 50 years. Population imbalance leads to changes in geographical boundaries," Bhagwat had said.

"Population control and religion-based population balance is an important subject that can no longer be ignored... So a comprehensive population policy should be brought and should be equally applicable to all. Only then will rules pertaining to population control yield results," he added.

Bhagwat had previously advocated for granting equal rights to women everywhere, stating that while considering a woman as a mother is commendable, confining them to closed doors is not.

He emphasised the necessity of providing women with equal rights to make decisions across all areas, pointing out that there are numerous tasks women, with their strength, can perform that men cannot.