Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has described the rapidly changing population structure in Assam, Bengal, and Purvanchal as a time bomb. He said it is a threat to the unity of the country and needs a solution.
Tamilnadu Governor RN Ravi: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has expressed serious concern over the rapidly changing population structure in the northeastern and Purvanchal regions of the country. He described this demographic change as a "time bomb," which could pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the country in the future. His statement came while addressing students at the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar.
Rapidly Changing Population Structure in Assam and Bengal
The Governor specifically mentioned Assam and West Bengal, stating that these states have witnessed dramatic changes in their population structure over the past 30 to 40 years. He said that the rate at which the demography has changed in these areas is a matter of deep concern not only from a cultural point of view but also from the perspective of national security.
Apprehension of Partition
Addressing the students, R.N. Ravi asked, "Can anyone guarantee that there will be no separatist movements in these areas in the next 50 years? Is anyone concerned about this?" He said that this population change is an issue that requires immediate consideration and policy formulation.
Also Spoke on India's Linguistic Diversity
He also commented on linguistic divisions and disputes, saying that the tension being created in India in the name of languages is against the country's original culture. He said that India has always been a multilingual society and linguistic diversity is considered a symbol of unity here.
Example of the 1947 Partition
Referring to the 1947 India-Pakistan partition, the Governor said that the country was divided not because of external forces, but because of internal ideological conflicts. He warned that even today there are some ideological groups who do not want to live with India, and this thinking can once again become a challenge to the unity of the country.
Example of Russia and the Soviet Union
Giving the example of Russia, he said that dealing with internal disintegration is not just the job of the army. If that were the case, the Soviet Union would not have collapsed in 1991. He said that maintaining social and ideological harmony is as important as protecting the borders.
Need for In-depth Study of Demography
R.N. Ravi emphasized that demographic change is not a normal or neutral process. It affects the structure, culture, and even the political direction of society. He said that this subject needs in-depth study and vigilance so that a balance can be maintained in time.
The Governor also said that tensions are increasing regarding language in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. Since independence, India has been witnessing language-based politics and conflicts. But linguistic tolerance is necessary to maintain the unity of the country.
