RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Advocates for Three-Child Policy at Mumbai Event
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has reiterated his support for a three-child policy to maintain a healthy population rate in India. Speaking at a two-day outreach program held at the Nehru Centre in Worli, Mumbai, Bhagwat emphasized that various studies indicate "three children per couple" should be the norm to halt population decline. He pointed out that the country's total fertility rate has reached 2.1, noting that it is "being balanced thanks to Bihar."
Bollywood Celebrities Attend RSS Event, Sparking Political Reactions
The event saw a notable presence of Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Shilpa Shetty, Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, Raveena Tandon, Ravi Dubey, and Madhur Bhandarkar, among others. Bhagwat commented that had the RSS invited such figures two decades ago, the response would not have been as positive. This attendance prompted Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to question the RSS's stance, asking, "Was it a welcome only for Salman Khan or are all Muslims now welcome in the Sangh and its shakhas? RSS should clarify."
Bhagwat Addresses Hindu Population Decline and Conversion Issues
Bhagwat expressed concerns over the declining Hindu population, attributing it to conversion and illegal immigration. He stated that while voluntary conversions are acceptable, "forced or inducement-based conversions are condemnable and the response to them would be ghar wapsi." On illegal immigration, he urged the public to remain vigilant, report cases to authorities, and avoid employing undocumented individuals, supporting the government's "detect and deport" policy.
Call for Global Hindu Unity and Bharat Ratna for Savarkar
Highlighting the importance of unity, Bhagwat asserted that global Hindu solidarity would eliminate the need for external support in addressing rights and issues worldwide. He also advocated for conferring the Bharat Ratna on Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, stating that while Savarkar already "rules over the hearts of millions of Bharatiyas," the honor would enhance the prestige of the award itself.
Emphasis on Employment, Ayurveda, and Climate Change
Addressing economic concerns, Bhagwat stressed the need to provide work opportunities for India's large population and called for respect towards agricultural labor. On healthcare, he discussed Ayurveda, noting the establishment of a ministry to promote it. He urged an increase in practitioners and users, suggesting that Ayurveda must expand at the grassroots level to flourish, as allopathy has grown due to its quick relief.
Regarding climate change, Bhagwat praised India for fulfilling all its promises under the Paris Agreement, contrasting it with the West, which he accused of exploiting nature. He questioned, "Those smoke-emitting factories, the fertilisers that poison food—when will you ban them all?"
