Sikh seminary: Couples must have 5 children to boost Punjab

AMRITSAR: Damdami Taksal , a prominent Sikh seminary that wields significant influence among the community, has issued an appeal to Punjabis - particularly Sikhs - that they should have a "minimum of five children ", claiming that it will cultivate "stronger familial bonds and contribute to society's prosperity".

The Taksal, which was once headed by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, announced that it would fully mobilise its resources to support the upbringing of children, in case people faced economic difficulties in raising large families.

The 16th chief of Damdami Taksal, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, said Sikh couples "should aim to have a minimum of five children to strengthen Punjab religiously, socially, politically and culturally".

"Not only Sikhs, but Hindus and people of other communities living in Punjab should also have a minimum of five children," he said.