Lucknow, February 18, 2026 — Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday urged intensified “ghar wapsi” (homecoming or reconversion to Hinduism) efforts, specifically targeting Indian Muslims whom he described as culturally Hindu by ancestry, while calling on Hindu families to have at least three children to counter demographic decline. Speaking at a social harmony event, he also emphasised unity, vigilance against infiltration and conversions, and the need for social equity and harmony, including support for following new UGC regulations on equity in higher education.
Addressing a gathering at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Nirala Nagar, Lucknow, Bhagwat reiterated the RSS’s long-standing view of India as a Hindu cultural nation while framing his remarks within the philosophy of “Sanatan” (eternal) harmony. He explicitly stated: “Muslims living in India are also Hindus….they have not come here from Arab countries….their home coming should be encouraged.” He called for accelerating efforts to bring people back to the Hindu fold and ensuring their welfare post-reconversion.
The RSS chief expressed concern over what he called a declining Hindu population, attributing part of the imbalance to religious conversions driven by inducement or coercion, which he said must be stopped. He advocated for Hindu families to consider having at least three children, citing scientific opinions that societies with an average fertility rate below three risk eventual disappearance. “Newly-married couples should be made aware of this,” he said, adding that “the purpose of marriage is to carry forward creation, not merely fulfilling one’s own desires.”
Bhagwat stressed the need to “unite and empower” Hindu society, declaring there is “no threat to us but vigilance is necessary.” He called for infiltrators to be “detected, deleted and deported” and denied employment, while promoting greater organisation within Hindu communities. On social issues, he highlighted the Sanatan thought as a “philosophy of harmony,” noting that all citizens share “one country and one motherland.” Lack of harmony leads to discrimination, he said, and differences should be addressed through understanding and practice rather than conflict. “Those who disagree should not be viewed as enemies,” he added, calling for coordination over confrontation.
He specifically addressed caste divisions, urging that they “should not become a cause of conflict” and that the disadvantaged be uplifted with a “sense of belonging.” Harmony, he emphasised, must begin at the individual and family levels through mutual interaction and practice, not mere speeches, and “caste distinctions should have no place in society.”
During the same event, Bhagwat referred to the newly introduced University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. He stated that “law has to be followed by all” and, if a law is wrong, there are ways to change it, while reiterating that castes should not become a source of conflict and that a sense of belonging in society would prevent such issues. His remarks came amid student protests in Lucknow over the regulations, which some groups have criticised as potentially divisive.
The speech aligns with Bhagwat’s earlier comments on population issues. In August 2025 and February 8, 2026 addresses, he had similarly advocated a three-child norm for families to maintain “controlled yet sufficient” population balance, linking low birth rates, conversions and infiltration as factors behind demographic shifts. He had described “ghar wapsi” as the voluntary answer for those wishing to return to their original faith, condemning forced conversions.
As head of the RSS — the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — Bhagwat’s statements carry significant weight in Hindu nationalist circles and often spark debate on secularism, demographics and minority rights. The latest remarks have drawn attention from Muslim organisations and opposition voices, with some interpreting the “Muslims are also Hindus” framing and ghar wapsi push as an assimilationist agenda. However, Bhagwat framed his address around national unity, vigilance and cultural pride rather than confrontation.
The event in Lucknow was part of Bhagwat’s ongoing engagements to promote Hindu consolidation and social harmony ahead of the RSS’s centenary reflections. Observers note that his consistent messaging on fertility, reconversion and infiltration reflects long-term RSS priorities amid India’s changing demographics and political landscape.
No immediate official reaction from the central government was reported, but the speech is likely to fuel discussions on population policy, religious freedom and social equity in the coming days.
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