During a gathering at the Kalika Mata Temple in the district headquarters of Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, Gajendra Patel, the Member of Parliament representing Khargone-Barwani and a National General Secretary of the BJP, called upon Hindu families to focus on population growth and community defense. The meeting was convened on Friday night to organize the traditional community feast that follows the Navratri festival, drawing local leaders and residents from surrounding rural areas.
Demographic Concerns and the Call for Larger Families
Addressing the attendees, Gajendra Singh Patel expressed apprehension regarding shifts in demographic proportions across the country. He warned that if equilibrium in population control is lost, the Hindu community could eventually find itself reduced to a minority status within India. To illustrate his point, he cited comparative birth rates, stating that the birth rate among Hindus stands at 1.9, while that of other communities is at 2.9. He asserted that out of every four children born, one belongs to the Hindu community while three belong to other groups.
Based on these figures, the parliamentarian advocated a revised family slogan, urging every Hindu family to adopt the principle of having at least five children. He specifically appealed to younger individuals to enter into marriage without undue delay and raise five offspring, contending that maintaining a robust population size is an essential factor in safeguarding the nation and securing the community's future.
Advocating Traditional Martial Readiness Alongside Knowledge
Connecting his message to cultural traditions, Patel remarked that members of the community must possess both intellectual knowledge of sacred scriptures and the practical ability to wield defensive weapons. He pointed out that within Sanatan heritage, revered deities are traditionally depicted offering blessings with one hand while holding weapons in another. He emphasized that spiritual devotion must be matched with collective resolve and internal solidarity.
Criticism of Commercial Gyms in Favor of Traditional Wrestling Arenas
Turning to physical fitness and personal defense, the senior political leader criticized modern gym culture, advising attendees to avoid commercial gyms and instead practice yoga at home or train in traditional wrestling arenas known as akharas. Patel lamented that modern gyms are proliferating rapidly while traditional akharas are disappearing, urging the public to work toward establishing and revitalizing more arenas.
He argued that working out in commercial fitness centers merely alters physical appearance without fostering actual combat resilience or defensive capabilities. Urging residents to unite the strength of their households and neighborhoods, he maintained that people must act as the primary protectors of their own localities. He added that during challenging times, community members must rely on each other rather than expecting political organizations to step forward. The event was attended by various political figures, including Congress MLA Rajan Mandloi, former minister Premsingh Patel, and local community members.
