New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the need for population control during his Independence speech from the ramparts of Red Fort. Modi said that there is a greater need for discussion and awareness on the population explosion. "Population explosion will cause many problems for our future generations. But there is a vigilant section of public which stops to think, before bringing a child to the world, whether they can do justice to the child, give them all that she or he wants. They have a small family and express their patriotism to the country. Let's learn from them. There is need of social awareness," Prime Minister Modi said.

Watch | PM Modi Expresses Concern Over Population Explosion



In his Independence Day speech, Modi said the issue of ever-rising population is a matter of concern and said that a small section of society, which keeps their families small, deserves respect. What they are doing is an act of patriotism, he said. This is the first time Modi has raised the issue, even though a section of the BJP has been vocal about the matter. If population is educated and healthy, the country too will be educated and healthy, he said.

He had a word of praise for those who are going for small families. He said that such families are observing a form of patriotism. He said: "Those who follow the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation, it is also a form of patriotism."