Three-Child Call for the Public, Less Than Two for Its Members, Shows the Double Standard of RSS.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Renews Call for United Hindu Society, Advocates Three-Child Norm; Study Shows Most Karyakartas Have Fewer Than Two Children.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Lucknow | Feb 18, 2026:: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday reiterated his call for Hindu families to consider having at least three children, stressing the need for unity, empowerment, and long-term demographic stability within Hindu society. He was addressing a Samajik Sadbhav Baithak (social harmony meeting) at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Lucknow.

In his speech, Bhagwat expressed concern over what he described as a declining Hindu population. While asserting that “there is no threat to us,” he emphasized that vigilance remains necessary. “There is a need to unite and empower Hindus. There is no threat to us but vigilance is necessary,” Bhagwat said.

Call for Demographic Awareness

Bhagwat backed what is often described as a three-child norm, arguing that societies with an average fertility rate below three may struggle to sustain themselves in the long run. Referring to scientific opinions, he stated that demographic imbalance can have serious future consequences if not addressed in time.

He further said that newly married couples should be made aware of this perspective. According to Bhagwat, the institution of marriage is not merely meant to fulfil personal desires but to “carry forward creation,” underlining the social and civilizational responsibility attached to family life.

The RSS chief framed the issue as part of a broader appeal to strengthen Hindu society through unity and collective awareness, rather than as a response to any immediate danger.

Study Shows Contrasting Trend Among RSS Functionaries

However, a study examining family patterns among RSS karyakartas (functionaries, excluding pracharaks) presents an interesting contrast to Bhagwat’s public appeal. According to the findings, most RSS karyakartas have fewer than two children or two on average.

Pracharaks, who serve as full-time workers of the RSS and follow a lifelong bachelor’s discipline dedicated entirely to organizational work, do not have families or children. Beyond this category, the study suggests that even regular karyakartas and swayamsevaks (volunteers) tend to have smaller families.

The findings indicate that late marriages, decisions not to marry, and the preference for nuclear family structures among many RSS functionaries and volunteers contribute to lower fertility rates within the organization’s ranks. This trend, observers note, mirrors broader social changes seen in urban and semi-urban India, including career prioritization and evolving family norms.

Internal Dynamics and Public Discourse

The apparent gap between the leadership’s exhortation for larger families and the personal choices of many karyakartas and swayamsevaks has sparked discussion in social and political circles. While Bhagwat continues to emphasize demographic awareness and collective responsibility, the lifestyle patterns of many within the organization reflect more restrained family planning practices.

Supporters argue that Bhagwat’s message is directed at the wider Hindu society and framed as long-term cultural guidance rather than an immediate organizational directive. Critics, however, point to the discrepancy as a sign of changing ground realities that may not align fully with ideological appeals.

Despite differing interpretations, Bhagwat’s address in Lucknow reinforces the RSS leadership’s consistent focus on unity, social cohesion, and demographic vigilance. The debate over population trends, marriage, and family norms within Hindu society is likely to remain an active subject of public discourse in the months ahead.

Allegations of Double Standards

The contrast between the leadership’s public call for larger families and the relatively smaller family norms followed by many within the organization has triggered debate. Critics argue that this reflects a “double standard” approach—one message directed at the general Hindu public encouraging higher fertility, and another reflected in the personal choices of many RSS members.

Supporters of the RSS contend that Bhagwat’s remarks are intended as long-term societal guidance rather than a mandatory directive for members, and that individual family decisions remain personal choices influenced by contemporary socio-economic realities.

Nonetheless, the divergence between advocacy and practice has become a point of discussion in political and social circles, raising questions about consistency in messaging and implementation within the organization.
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_Inputs from ANI.