Mohan Bhagwat's 7 powerful quotes: Three-child advice to India's common language, what RSS chief said

Marking the centenary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday spoke about a slew of topics, including Hindu-Muslim unity, family planning, the BJP-RSS equation, National Education Policy and illegal immigration.

Here are some of the powerful quotes from the RSS chief when he spoke during the third day of 'Vyakhyanmala' event in New Delhi.

'We help everyone, not just BJP'

When one of the reporters asked about the quarrel between the BJP and the RSS, Bhagwat said there is no quarrel, but there are differences in opinion though thoughts and objective remain in sync.

When asked whether the RSS decides the BJP president and roadmap for the country's ruling party, Bhagwat said he is an expert in running 'shakhas' while the BJP is expert in running government. “We can only give suggestions to each other. We have good coordination with every government, not just the present one. There is no resistance from our side, but if other side has reservations, we respect that. We don't decide, if we had to decide had it taken so long,” he added.

“We help everyone, not just BJP, if they need our assistance in doing good work,” the RSS chief clarified.

'Religion is by individual choice'

The RSS chief said that conversion is one of the reasons for demographic imbalance in the country.

“Religion is by individual choice, there should be no allurement or force in this. Our DNA is the same, but permission must be obtained. If permission is not granted, do not come," he added.

'Don't give jobs to illegal immigrants'

He pointed out that the Centre is trying to curb illegal immigration, but society also needs to do its part. “We should not give jobs to illegal immigrants, we should give jobs to our own people, including Muslims,” he added.

He warned that if the demographic balance changes, the country risks division.

'Culturally, we are Hindus'

When asked about Hindu-Muslim unity in the country, Bhagwat said, “Why talk of Hindu-Muslim unity when all are same? We all are Indians.”

Bhagwat said Hindu thinking does not say Islam won't be here. “Hindus and Muslims are essentially one. There is unity. But fear has been instilled, making people think that religion defines identity, and that Hindus will take everything. In reality, our identity is unified; culturally, we are Hindus," he said.

'Hum do, hamaare teen'

The RSS chief said all Indians should consider having three children to ensure that population is sufficient. He added that children learn to manage ego and interpersonal dynamics when there are three siblings.

Pointing out that India’s official population policy target is 2.1 children per family, Bhagwat said, “Since 0.1 child is not possible, this effectively means three." However, he warned that families should have three children but no more.

'Akhand Bharat is fact of life'

When asked about why RSS did not oppose India's partition, he said it is wrong to say so. “We opposed it, but RSS was not strong enough then,” he said. “Akhand Bharat is fact of life, we should realise our culture and ancestors are same.”

'India's common language should not be foreign'

Bhagwat on Thursday said Gurukul education should be integrated with mainstream education, clarifying that Gurukul is not about living in an ashram but learning about India's traditions. The RSS chief said he is not in favour of making Sanskrit compulsory but pointed out how it is important to understand the tradition and history of the country. “All languages born in India are national languages; we need one common language to interact, but it should not be foreign,” he added.