Illegal Immigration Affects Culture and Demographics: HM Amit Shah

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Oct: The Dainik Jagran Group commemorated the birth anniversary of its former Editor-in-Chief, Narendra Mohan (1934–2002), by hosting the “Dainik Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman” and the “Narendra Mohan Memorial Lecture 2025” today at Sovereign Hall, Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi. The event was graced by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah as the chief guest and keynote speaker. The theme of the lecture was “Illegal Immigration, Demographic Change, and Democracy.”

In his address, Amit Shah lauded Narendra Mohan’s contribution to journalism, saying, “Narendra Mohan ji combined values, dignity, and courage with journalism. During the Emergency, Dainik Jagran played a pivotal role in safeguarding democracy.” He also praised the “Hindi Hai Hum” campaign, emphasizing the deep connection between language, culture, and national identity.

The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Prasoon Joshi, Prof. Sachchidanand Joshi, Prof. Kumud Sharma, Chittaranjan ji, and Sharan Kumar Limbale.

This year’s Dainik Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman was awarded to:

1. Vikram Sampat – Savarkar: Echoes of a Forgotten Past (1883–1924)
2. Kailash Manju Vishnoi – UPSC Wala Love Collector Sahiba
3. Major (Dr.) Parshuram Gupta – Shameful Tales of Invaders of Bharatvarsh
4. Mahendra Madhukar – Vakratund

The ceremony included a traditional lamp lighting, keynote lecture, and award presentation. Prasoon Joshi remarked, “Literature will always be a well, and readers will always be thirsty.”

Illegal Immigration and Demographic Changes

Amit Shah highlighted the demographic impact of illegal immigration, stating that post-independence, Hindu and other minority populations in neighbouring countries have sharply declined, while India has observed demographic shifts due to cross-border infiltration.

He noted, “In 1947, Hindus constituted 13% and other minorities 1.2% of Pakistan’s population. Today, this has dropped to just 1.73%. In Bangladesh, the Hindu population has declined from 22% to 7.9%. Many members of these communities sought refuge in India due to persecution.”

Shah further stated, “India’s Muslim population was 9.8% in 1951, rising to 14.2% according to the 2011 census. This increase is due not only to natural growth but also to illegal immigration.”

He added that the effects of infiltration are particularly visible in border states, affecting the cultural and demographic fabric of the nation.