"Why should we restrict ourselves? Let’s aim for 16 children," says Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin

“Why shouldn’t we aim for 16 children?” asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, urging newly married couples to expand their families. This statement was made during a mass wedding event organized by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department in Chennai, where 31 couples tied the knot. Stalin referenced an old Tamil saying, "padhinarum petru peru vazhvu vazhga," which highlights the importance of diverse forms of wealth beyond merely having children. He provocatively questioned the modern inclination toward smaller families, suggesting that now might be the time to rethink this trend.

Stalin’s comments align with a similar call from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who is concerned about the state's aging population. Naidu announced plans for a law that would allow only those with more than two children to contest local body elections. This proposed legislation aims to incentivize larger families as a means of addressing demographic shifts. He pointed out that southern states like Andhra Pradesh are facing a fertility rate of 1.6, significantly below the national average of 2.1, which poses long-term risks to the labor force and economic stability.

During his speech, Stalin acknowledged that earlier blessings for newlywed couples focused on acquiring 16 forms of wealth, which included cattle, land, education, and familial connections. He argued that contemporary blessings have shifted towards merely encouraging adequate offspring, which may not align with future societal needs. “If we restrict ourselves to having fewer children, we could face dire consequences in terms of representation and socio-economic growth,” he warned.

Both leaders have expressed concerns that declining fertility rates could lead to a significant increase in the elderly population by 2047, drawing parallels to nations like Japan, where an aging demographic is straining social systems. Naidu highlighted that many villages are now left with predominantly elderly residents, as the youth migrate to urban areas for better opportunities. “If this trend continues, we will struggle to maintain a balanced population,” he stated. Both Stalin and Naidu’s appeals are seen as urgent calls to action for families in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to rethink their approach to family planning.