Why is RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's approach to family development not in line with India's evolving social values?

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent call for families to have more children stems from perceived demographic challenges, but it reflects a worldview that is regressive, anti-women and at odds with India's emerging cultural, social and economic Is different from realities. While his pro-natalist agenda is ostensibly aimed at countering declining population trends, it has sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about its communal overtones and its potential to increase gender inequality.

A wrong call for large families

Bhagwat's proposal to have more children in families is based on the argument that declining fertility rates threaten the survival and dominance of certain communities. This narrative, often accompanied by worrying rhetoric about population imbalance, underpins divisive politics. Although demographic trends attract attention, their suggested solutions ignore socio-economic realities and set regressive norms. Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also expressed similar sentiments while advocating large families in his state. However, such approaches are not in line with the aspirations of modern India.

Contrast with India's family planning history

The RSS chief's comments conflict with India's family planning efforts of the 1960s and 1970s, when emphasis was placed on small families. Even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled population growth during her tenure, stressing the need for planned families. Bhagwat's outdated stance ignores this historical context and the progress India has made in population stabilization through education, health care and women's empowerment.

Communal aspects of the story

Bhagwat's comments are part of a larger discourse on demographic imbalance, often aimed at minority communities. This rhetoric promotes fear, undermines social harmony and contradicts India's pluralistic traditions. Today's youth, influenced by rising cost of living, career aspirations and financial stability, prioritize quality of life over large families. Bhagwat's appeal appears to be divorced from these realities, highlighting the gap between the traditionalist agenda and contemporary Indian values.

Demographic reality of India

India is witnessing not a decline in population but a slowdown in development. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), the total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 to 2.0. This trend reflects progress in education, health care, and women's autonomy. While policymakers globally view such developments as markers of progress, Bhagwat's comments present this demographic shift as a cultural and religious issue, perpetuating communal narratives that tend to deepen social divisions. Take the risk of.

A regressive approach to women

At the heart of Bhagwat's argument is the patriarchal assumption that confines women to their reproductive roles. Their call for more children ignores women's aspirations, autonomy and well-being, placing an unfair burden on them.

reproductive burden

In a country where maternal mortality remains a concern and reproductive health care is unequal, the urge for women to have more children exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. This rhetoric also undermines gender equality efforts, potentially derailing progress in women's education and workforce participation, forcing them to prioritize reproduction over personal and professional development.

Reinforcing patriarchal norms

The RSS's approach is in line with traditional family structures, where women are expected to prioritize domestic roles. By advocating large families, Bhagwat inadvertently reinforces these outdated norms, perpetuating the cycle of dependency and limiting women's agency.

Economic and environmental challenges

India's economic and environmental challenges make the call for larger families impractical.

resource constraints

With a population of over 1.4 billion, India faces serious resource constraints including food insecurity, water scarcity and unemployment. These problems will worsen as family size increases, putting further pressure on public services and natural resources.

youth unemployment

India's youth population, often seen as a demographic dividend, is struggling with high unemployment rates. The Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reports that unemployment among people in the 15-29 age group is more than 20%. Without job creation, additional population growth risks turning this dividend into a liability.

climate crisis

India is one of the most sensitive countries to climate change. Population growth increases environmental challenges, increases the carbon footprint, complicates urban planning and accelerates deforestation. Global policy makers advocate sustainable development, making Bhagwat's approach seem out of step with contemporary priorities.

Cultural and moral isolation

The ethos of India lies in diversity, balance and individual choice. Bhagwat's comments reject these values, echoing authoritarian tendencies that collide with Indian democracy. Family planning decisions are extremely personal and should not be influenced by socio-political agendas. Interfering with such choices undermines individual freedom and is contrary to the principles of modern India.

Progressive options to deal with demographic challenges

Instead of worrying rhetoric, India's leadership should focus on visionary policies to constructively address demographic concerns:

Strengthening Education: Better access to education, especially for girls, is key to stabilizing population growth. Educated women are more likely to make informed reproductive choices, thereby contributing to sustainable demography.

Increase in healthcare: Investing in maternal and child health care can reduce mortality and improve quality of life. Public awareness campaigns on family planning and reproductive health should be given priority.

Promoting Economic Development: Job creation and economic security are important to address demographic challenges. Policies that empower youth and increase their employability can turn India's demographic potential into an asset.

Encouraging Sustainability: India should adopt sustainable development practices by balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Resilient cities, low resource consumption and renewable energy initiatives should be at the center of the policy framework.

At the end, Mohan Bhagwat's call for large families reflects an old worldview divorced from India's contemporary realities and aspirations. It undermines progress in women's empowerment, puts a strain on national resources and violates individual freedoms. India's future lies in adopting progressive policies that advocate equality, stability and individual choice. By prioritizing education, health care and economic development, the nation can address demographic challenges without succumbing to regressive narratives. Bhagwat's comments underline the ongoing need to challenge such views and advocate an inclusive, forward-looking vision for India.

(The author is a senior political analyst and strategic affairs columnist)