In a significant address that stirred discourse on demography and cultural preservation, a revered spiritual leader has called upon the Hindu community to reconsider family planning norms. Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj, a recipient of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award, declared the popular slogan 'Hum do, humare do' (We two, our two) as insufficient for Hindus.
A Call for Demographic Resilience
Speaking to a massive gathering at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Kacchi Visa) Maidan in Lakadganj, Nagpur, during his Ramkatha on Saturday, the seer presented a stark perspective. He asserted that Hindus must aim to have at least four children to effectively safeguard their religion, culture, and civilisation for future generations.
He pointedly questioned the prevailing population control narrative, asking, "Hum do, humare do aur Bangladeshi aane do? Aisa kaise hoga?" This translates to a rhetorical concern about limiting family size while facing immigration. The spiritual leader hinted at the perceived persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the community to unite against repeated 'apmaan' (humiliation).
Historical Endurance and Contemporary Challenges
Drawing parallels from history, Swami Rambhadracharya referenced the era of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, noting that despite repeated attempts by invaders to destroy temples, the core faith endured. He cited the survival of traditions at sites like the Pandharpur Vitthal temple and a Bhagwati temple in the north.
He also mentioned the Ram Janmabhoomi episode, stating that while Mir Baqi demolished the structure on Babur's orders, the essence of Ram Lalla remained protected until justice finally prevailed. He highlighted an anonymous devotee's post-construction donation of a statue worth Rs 30 crore to the Ram temple as a sign of enduring devotion.
Expressing a distinct concern, the seer lamented the declining standard of religious discourses. He observed that Ram and Krishna kathas are increasingly narrated by individuals lacking foundational knowledge of Sanskrit. "India stands on two pillars — Sanskrit and Sankriti (culture). Without understanding Sanskrit, one cannot fully grasp our tradition," he emphasized.
Institutional Vision and Praise for RSS
Looking to the future, Swami Rambhadracharya announced plans to establish a gurukul at Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot on March 26. This institution, he said, would focus on moulding responsible citizens deeply rooted in Indian values and knowledge systems.
During his speech, he also spoke highly of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He described the organisation, founded by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, as having grown from a sapling into a mammoth tree. He credited Nagpur for emerging as a central hub of Hindu thought, with lakhs of swayamsevaks working door-to-door to strengthen societal and cultural fabric.
He acknowledged the role of the second RSS chief, M S Golwalkar, in expanding the organisation and reaffirmed 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam' (the world is one family) as a core Hindu concept. The event was attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who performed an aarti of Lord Ram. Swami Rambhadracharya praised Gadkari for his transformative work on India's road infrastructure.
