Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has stirred a debate by suggesting that Indian families should ideally have three children to maintain a balanced society. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the RSS, Bhagwat emphasized the importance of marrying at the right age and having three children, arguing that this ensures the health of both parents and children.

Bhagwat explained that his recommendation aligns with the nation's population policy, which targets a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1. He clarified that while 2.1 is the average number of children suggested to keep the population sufficient, in reality, families usually have a whole number of children. "In math, 2.1 becomes 2, but when it comes to births, after two, it has to be three," Bhagwat stated. He believes that every citizen should consider this perspective for the sake of the nation.

Bhagwat also highlighted the social benefits of having three children in a family. He claimed that children with two siblings learn ego management and develop better interpersonal skills, which leads to more stable family lives in the future. He cited doctors who reportedly told him that having three children ensures the well-being of both parents and the children themselves.

These comments come at a time when India's TFR is falling below replacement levels in most states and across almost all religions. This makes Bhagwat's statement particularly noteworthy, especially considering that India's family-planning programs have long advocated for couples to have no more than two children. He noted that a birth rate of less than three leads to gradual extinction, a phenomenon observed across countries and societies. He urged that the birth rate should be maintained above three.

Bhagwat also touched upon the importance of instilling pride in the younger generation by educating them about their past and culture. He stressed the need to prepare the new generation and encourage those who are still in a position to have children to consider having three.

In addition to his views on population, Bhagwat addressed questions on education, advocating for the integration of Gurukul education into the mainstream system. He lauded the new National Education Policy (NEP) as a step in the right direction, noting that the country's education system had been compromised long ago. Bhagwat said that education up to the eighth grade is conducted in the mother tongue of the students. He clarified that Gurukul education is not just about living in an ashram but should be linked with mainstream education.

Bhagwat also expressed his views on languages, stating that all Indian-origin languages are national languages and there should be no dispute over them. He suggested that there should be a common link language for communication and transaction purposes, but it should not be a foreign language. He said that everyone should decide together on the common link language. While he is not against English or any other language, and people should be free to learn as many languages as they can, he is against any forcible imposition of anything in the education system.