Small Family, True Happiness

 
In our country today, the government promotes family planning through the slogan “Ham Do Hamare Do” (We two, our two) to control the growing population.
 
From ancient times, religion has taught that having a son was considered a sacred duty of household life. A son was needed to repay the debt to ancestors, continue the family line, and preserve tradition. Chanakya says in his Niti Shastra:
 
“Even one virtuous son is better than a hundred without qualities.
Just as one moon removes darkness, thousands of stars cannot.”
 
This means the purpose of having children is not desire or numbers, but to raise a virtuous child who brings wisdom, strength, and goodness to the family, satisfies the ancestors, and gives meaning to life. A son is not a burden but a worthy heir who keeps the family light shining.
 
Saint Samarth Ramdas, while traveling across the country, saw the misery of families with too many children. In Dasbodh (Book 10, Chapter 4), he describes how large families fall into poverty, worry, and suffering. Through the story of a rich man, he shows that wealth was destroyed, the family became beggars, and life turned sorrowful because of too many children.
 
Samarth says:
 
“When children became too many, Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) left.
The poor family had to beg, with nothing to eat.”
 
Too many children increase expenses, salaries fall short, wealth disappears, and even food becomes scarce. Daughters’ marriages become difficult, valuables are mortgaged, debts rise, and begging begins. The father is forced to leave home and work in low jobs abroad. Hard labour brings stress and illness.
 
The lesson is clear: a large family becomes a centre of sorrow, not happiness. Constant quarrels and confusion destroy peace. The burden of worldly duties grows, but true joy is lost.