Mumbai, February 8 RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat identified religious conversion, infiltration, and a low birth rate as the three main factors behind population imbalance, stating that scientific research suggests "a family should have three children," which, however, is a matter of choice.
He condemned the use of force, inducement, or deception to convert people and increase the number of a particular group, noting that "ghar wapasi" (returning home) is the answer for those wishing to return to their original faith.
Responding to a question about infiltration, he said that RSS workers identify suspected infiltrators through language and report them to authorities.
Bhagwat was responding to questions during an interactive session with attendees at a program to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Regarding population imbalance, Bhagwat said, "The main reasons are religious conversion. While freedom of faith is guaranteed, using force, inducement, or deception to convert people and increase the number of a particular group is completely unacceptable."
He cited the example of poet Narayan Vaman Tilak to illustrate the freedom of belief, while emphasizing that "ghar wapasi" is the answer for those who wish to return to their original religion.
He said that those who want to return, will be supported.
"The second reason is infiltration, which requires extensive government action," the RSS chief said.
He added that detection and deportation have begun slowly and will accelerate, citing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, under which some individuals have been identified as non-citizens and removed from electoral rolls.
"RSS workers also identify suspected infiltrators through language and report them to authorities," Bhagwat said, adding that while Indian citizens, including Muslims, will be employed, foreigners will not.
He said the third reason for population imbalance is a low birth rate.
Responding to a question, the RSS chief said doctors have advised that marriages between the ages of 19 and 25, and having three children, can help keep both parents and children healthy, while psychologists believe that having three children helps siblings manage ego-related issues and ensures a stable family life in the long term.
He said population scientists warn that a population is threatened when the fertility rate falls below 2.3, and that a country is considered to be in decline at that level.
"Our fertility rate is now below 2.1, and we are being saved only because of states like Bihar," Bhagwat said, adding that several countries have taken steps to reverse population decline.
Referring to India's population policy, he said that the prescribed fertility ratio of 2.1, when rounded off, effectively means three children.
"All scientific research now indicates that a family should have three children," he said, stressing that it remains a matter of choice for men, women, and families, and should be considered as a broader social issue.
Citing the English book "Cheaper by the Dozen," the RSS chief said that raising multiple children need not be a major concern.
Referring to the author’s personal account of raising 12 children in the US, he said the book argues that having more children can be economical, and a film has also been made based on it.
He said that marriage is not merely a physical relationship between two individuals, but an institution meant to create a family, which in turn forms part of society.
"It should not be the case that one marries without taking responsibilities," he said, adding that while remaining unmarried is a personal choice for RSS volunteers, family life involves duties and relationships that must be maintained.
Speaking about infiltration, Bhagwat said that RSS workers also identify suspected infiltrators through language and report them to authorities, adding that while Indian citizens, including Muslims, will be employed, foreigners will not.
He said that vigilance is necessary, noting that Hindu society has largely moved away from menial or routine jobs in pursuit of higher salaries, creating space for infiltrators to take up such work.
"We do not want to take away anyone’s jobs, but our people should get jobs first," Bhagwat said, adding that even citizens who do not identify as Hindus should be given priority in local employment.
Referring to employment and technology, he said that India has a large population and needs technologies that create more jobs.
While not opposing artificial intelligence, he said it should be used in ways that generate employment.
Bhagwat called for "production by the masses," instead of mass production.
The RSS chief further stressed the need for employment to prevent social unrest, saying an idle mind can lead to Naxalism, urban violence, and atrocities against women.
According to him, gross domestic product (GDP) is an imperfect indicator of economic health as it measures only tangible and measurable activities.
Citing the example of unpaid household work by women, Bhagwat said that such contributions are not reflected in GDP figures. He called for both quantitative and qualitative production and said the rupee will strengthen against the US dollar regardless of GDP figures.
Referring to the Hindu population in Bangladesh, he said that unity will enable them to influence local politics.
"Hindus in Bangladesh have chosen to unite and resist rather than flee," Bhagwat said, adding that the RSS will do whatever it can within its limited capacity for their benefit.
He also said that forces attempting to break the country would themselves be disintegrated and asserted that India would not fall prey to such tactics.
Responding to a query about the division of the country by 2047, Bhagwat said, "People should envision an 'Akhand Bharat' by then.