Expressing concern over declining population growth rate, Sarsanghachalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR), the average number of children a woman gives birth to in her lifetime, should be at least 3, well above the present one of 2.1. He was speaking as a chief guest at the silver jubilee annual celebration of Kathale Pariwar at the Platinum Jubilee Hall of the BRA Mundle School, South Ambazari Road. About 400 members of the Kathale Pariwar from across India attended the programme and prominent persons with distinguished contributions in different fields were felicitated on the occasion. Bhagwat also highlighted the vital role of families, and warned that according to population science, if a society’s total fertility rate dipped below 2.1, it could face extinction.

 

“A declining population is a serious concern. Demographic studies suggest that when a society’s total fertility rate falls below 2.1, it risks facing extinction. This decline does not necessarily require external threats; a society can gradually fade away on its own,” Bhagwat said. “Many languages and cultures have already disappeared due to this. It is essential to maintain a fertility rate above 2.1," Bhagwat said, and emphasised that ‘kutumb’ (family) as an integral part of society and every family served as a vital building bloc. “Our country’s population policy, clearly says that the total fertility rate should not be below 2.1. Now when we say 2.1, it is not feasible to have children in fraction. So, this means it should be more, at least three. The (population) science says so,” the RSS chief said. The RSS chief also said that there had been conflicts around the world due to arrogance and prejudice.

 

In such a situation, it is important to spread Indian culture worldwide. Indian culture is not limited to caste, language, or region. In India, values are given the highest importance. “We do not consider the person as the center of society, but rather the family. To maintain culture, we must follow the principles that guide family life,” he observed. Caste has no place in religious scriptures. However, due to certain behaviours within families, caste discrimination still exists in society. Bhagwat also mentioned that the name ‘Hinduism’ was a later addition. He believed that the true human religion, which aimed for the well-being of all people, existed for a long time.” Sanjay Kathale and Uday Kathale were honoured in the event and Madhushree Kathale proposed vote of thanks. (With inputs of PTI)