Mohan Bhagwat Calls for Marriages at 19-25 Years
On February 8, 2026, during an interactive session in Mumbai, Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasized the importance of marriages occurring between the ages of 19 and 25. Bhagwat articulated that such unions, along with having three children, are crucial for enhancing health outcomes for both parents and their offspring.
His comments come amid a broader discussion regarding India’s demographic challenges, where he identified three main factors contributing to a perceived population imbalance. The session was part of the RSS centenary celebrations, aiming to reflect on a century of the organization’s activities.
Understanding the Population Imbalance
Bhagwat pointed out that religious conversions, infiltration, and decreasing birth rates are the critical issues affecting the population pyramid of India. He mentioned that scientific studies suggest maintaining a family size of three children to ensure social stability and family well-being.
“Scientific research now indicates that we should have three children in a family,” Bhagwat stated, underscoring that while these recommendations are significant, they remain a matter of personal choice for families.
Background on RSS’s Position
The RSS, a prominent socio-political organization in India, has historically emphasized traditional family values and practices. Bhagwat’s remarks align with this ethos, intending to encourage early marriages and larger families. He believes that a low fertility rate poses a significant risk to the country’s long-term demographic stability.
Citing a fertility threshold of 2.1, below which a population can face decline, Bhagwat mentioned, “We are now going below 2.1 and are being saved only because of states like Bihar.” His comments aim to stir public discourse around family structuring and childbearing norms.
Three Reasons for Population Imbalance
Religious Conversion
According to Bhagwat, one reason behind the population imbalance is religious conversion. He condemned the use of force, deception, or inducements to change one’s faith, advocating instead for “ghar wapasi,” a term indicating a return to one’s original religion.
“While freedom of faith is guaranteed, these actions are totally condemnable,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural identities and values in India.
Infiltration Issues
The second factor highlighted was infiltration, which Bhagwat claims must be addressed through government initiatives. He noted that the RSS has started identifying suspected infiltrators, addressing a growing concern surrounding illegal immigration.
“Detection and deportation have begun slowly and will gather pace, citing initiatives such as the Special Intensive Revision exercise,” he explained, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain national integrity.
Declining Birth Rate
Lastly, Bhagwat pointed to the low birth rate as a critical concern. He reiterated warnings from population scientists that falling fertility rates endanger the nation’s demographic vitality. He called for strategies to curb this trend and underlined the necessity of families having multiple children for a stable societal framework.
He cited the English book “Cheaper by the Dozen” to illustrate that raising multiple children could be a manageable and even economical venture.
Implications for Family Structure
Bhagwat articulated that marriage transcends mere physical relationships, serving as the foundation for family and societal structure. He urged individuals not to enter marriages without acknowledging the responsibilities involved.
Discussing the notion of family life, he remarked, “It should not be the case that one marries without taking responsibilities.” While the RSS allows for a voluntary single lifestyle among its members, it promotes the idea that familial responsibilities outweigh individual choices.
Addressing Employment Concerns
In discussing the relation between workforce dynamics and population concerns, Bhagwat drew attention to employment opportunities within the country. He stated that vigilance is necessary, as Hindu society has largely pivoted away from traditional jobs in pursuit of higher incomes. This shift has created an opening for infiltrators to fill such positions.
“We do not want to take away anyone’s jobs, but our people should get jobs first,” he emphasized, advocating for prioritized employment opportunities for Indian citizens.
Necessity for Technological Advancements
Bhagwat underscored the need for technological innovations that not only boost productivity but create additional job openings. He highlighted the significance of both qualitative and quantitative production approaches to ensure a multitude of employment avenues.
“While not opposing artificial intelligence,” he articulated, “it should be employed in ways that generate jobs.” His emphasis on inclusive growth through technology comes at a time of evolving labor market dynamics.
Economic Indicators and Contributions
Bhagwat critiqued the conventional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measure as an inadequate reflection of economic health, denoting how it fails to account for unpaid labor, particularly by women. He indicated that both quantitative and qualitative aspects of economic contribution are vital for interpreting overall economic well-being.
He was forthright in saying that the rupee’s strength against the dollar should not be viewed solely through GDP figures, establishing that household contributions lead to economic resilience.
Remarks on Hindu Unity in Bangladesh
In his address, Bhagwat reflected on the Hindu population in Bangladesh, advocating for unity to influence local political dynamics. He articulated that a collective approach empowers communities to resist oppression rather than fleeing their homeland.
“Hindus in Bangladesh have chosen to unite and resist rather than flee,” he stated, reinforcing the RSS’s commitment to support these communities.
Looking to the Future: An ‘Akhand Bharat’
Bhagwat concluded the session with an optimistic vision for the future, invoking the idea of an ‘Akhand Bharat’ or undivided India by 2047. He urged individuals to envision a unified nation where all communities coexist harmoniously.
Addressing concerns over potential territorial divisions by that year, he expressed confidence that forces attempting to fragment the country would ultimately disintegrate.
Final Thoughts
Through his extensive discourse on marriage, demographic trends, and national integrity, Mohan Bhagwat reinforced the RSS’s stance on revitalizing traditional values while addressing modern societal challenges. His remarks resonate with ongoing debates surrounding population dynamics, immigration policies, and national unity.
The evening’s dialogue highlighted the intricate connections between family structures, employment opportunities, and socio-political stability, offering insights into the RSS’s perspectives as it marks its centennial year.