RSS chief calls for unity among communities in Mumbai address

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks at the second session of his interactive lecture series in Mumbai. Pics courtesy/RSS

During his two-day visit to Mumbai to mark 100 years of the organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke on several issues, including linguistic disputes, corruption, and advocating for families to have three children for social balance.

Child rearing

Citing advice from doctors and experts, he said families should have three children to ensure social balance and long-term demographic stability. He also suggested that marriage between the ages of 19 and 25, contributes to healthier and happier families. Commenting on the one-child approach, Bhagwat stated population growth below 2.3 is a sign of decline.

Linguistic rift

Regarding the Marathi vs non-Marathi-speaking controversies, Bhagwat said not everyone takes to the streets, and actions of a few shouldn't be seen as representing a community. He stressed that people from different communities must celebrate festivals jointly.

RSS chief's selection

Clarifying about the myth in connection to the RSS chief post, he made it clear the Sangh does not follow community-based representation and volunteers work and rise based on their work. He asserted that being from a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is not a disqualification, and being a Brahmin is not a qualification.

Age of retirement

Reiterating his view that a person should ideally step down after the age benchmark of 75, Bhagwat said despite crossing the benchmark, he has been asked to continue. "I will step down whenever I am asked to do so," he said.