RSS Meeting Flags Population Imbalance, Drug Abuse And Systemic Gaps

Concerns over population imbalance, rising drug abuse among youth, recent protests and systemic shortcomings were among the key issues discussed at the three-day All India Coordination Meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Visakhapatnam.

Senior RSS leader C.R. Mukund, addressing the media after the meeting concluded on Friday, said participants reviewed developments across society and discussed the need for constructive measures involving both the government and civil society.

Mukund said demographic changes in some regions were causing concern, with certain communities witnessing substantial population growth while others were recording declines. Against the backdrop of falling fertility rates, he said such demographic shifts could affect population balance and social harmony in some areas.

The meeting also discussed the increasing spread of narcotic substances in villages, small towns and schools, with children and young people particularly vulnerable to its effects. Mukund called for coordinated efforts by the government and society to tackle the problem.

Recent youth protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi also came up for discussion. Mukund said participants reviewed certain institutional failures and stressed that effective functioning of the system required government intervention as well as greater public awareness.

The RSS leader said the organisation also discussed the future of India's youth, their ideas and the contribution they can make to the country. Around 21,000 young volunteers attend the RSS's annual 21-day training camps, while more than 60 per cent of those attending its shakhas are young people.

However, he said neither RSS volunteers nor those participating in the Jantar Mantar protests could be viewed as representative of India's entire youth population. India has more than 35 crore people in the 15–19 and 16–29 age groups, he said, emphasising the need for sustained dialogue and engagement with them.

Mukund said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is expected to visit the US, Canada and the UK as part of the organisation's centenary celebrations. The tour will focus on addressing misinformation about India, Hindus and the RSS, while strengthening engagement with communities abroad.

Bhagwat is expected to attend a Universal Oneness programme at Madison Square Garden in New York and meet community leaders in Toronto and London.

Mukund clarified that the coordination meeting is not a decision-making or executive forum, but a platform for affiliated organisations to share their work, experiences, achievements and challenges and discuss developments across society.