Rashtra Sevika Samiti

History

Before establishing the organisation, Kelkar visited Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, in 1936 and had a long discussion to persuade him regarding the need for starting a women's wing in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh itself. However, Hedgewar advised Laxmibai Kelkar to establish an entirely separate organisation that would be autonomous and independent of the RSS, as both groups were ideologically identical. Hedgewar promised Kelkar unconditional solidarity, support and guidance for the Samithi. Following this, Kelkar established the Rashtra Sevika Samiti at Wardha on 25 October 1936.

So long as this force is not awakened, society cannot progress.

Activities

Rashtra Sevika Samiti is today the largest Hindu organisation working to uphold Indian culture and traditions alongside the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The current ruling party Bhartiya Janta Party(BJP) is the political arm of RSS. RSS women are actively involved in socio-cultural activities. Samiti inculcates a sense of responsible behaviour and social awareness in people. Various types of educational and awareness camps at different levels in all parts of India are conducted periodically.

Active Shakhas (local branches with regular gatherings of members where they practice yoga, sing nationalist/patriotic songs, military like training and have discussions) of the Samiti currently operate in 5215 centers. 875 centers conduct the Shakhas on a daily basis. The estimates of active membership range from 100,000 to 1 million It has overseas branches in 10 countries, which use the name Hindu Sevika Samiti.

Rashtra Sevika Samaj operates residential camps across the country to educate young women on love Jihad and their responsibilities as Hindu women, and the consequences of violence from their families for marrying Muslim men (S.N., 2020). Right-wing feminists like this group argue that Islam restricts women's rights based on their tenants and customs, depicting Muslim women as subordinate to Muslim men (S.N., 2020).

Samiti also runs 475 service projects all over India for the poor and underprivileged, with regard to religion, caste, creed, sect, gender, or ethnicity. These include Go Shalas , libraries, computer training centers and orphanages.

Rashtra Sevika Samiti focuses on Hindu women's role in the society as leaders and agents of positive social reform. Samiti teaches its members three ideals: Matrutva (Universal Motherhood), represented by Jijabai; Kartrutva (Efficiency and Social Activism), represented by Ahilyabai Holkar; and Netrutva (Leadership) represented by Rani of Jhansi. The organisation believes that all women have the capability to create a positive change in their community

Chiefs of the organisation

1. Laxmibai Kelkar (Founder, known as Mavashi Kelkar), from October 1936 to November 1978 (her death)
2. Saraswati Apte (known as Tai Apte), 1978-1994
3. Usha-tai Chati (Aug 1927 - Aug 2017), headed the organisation from 1994 to 2006
4. Pramila-tai Medhe, 2006-2012
5. V. Shantha Kumari (born 1952); chief from 2012 to date

List of Pramukh Sanchalika

References

References

1. (11 November 2016). "Indian Way of Life Only Option Left for World: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat".
2. (17 October 2013). "Rashtra Sevika Samiti to open hostel for women in Dehradun". The Times of India.
3. (20 August 2012). "Vandaneeya Shanthakka will be the new Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti". Samvada.
4. (2015-07-06). "Remembering Moushiji Kelkar, founder Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti on her 110th Birth Anniversary".
5. (12 October 2017). "10 things to know about". inuth.
6. "Holier Than Cow by Neha Dixit". outlookindia.
7. "Vandaneeya Mausiji – Birth Centenary Year 2005". hssuk.org.
8. Menon, Kalyani Devaki. (2005). "We will become Jijabai: Historical Tales of Hindu Nationalist Women in India". The Journal of Asian Studies.
9. Basu, Amrita. (2012). "Appropriating Gender: Women's Activism and Politicized Religion in South Asia". Routledge.
10. "Know about Rashtra Sevika Samithi as well by Rakesh Taneja". zeenews.
11. (2012). "Make Me a Man!: Masculinity, Hinduism, and Nationalism in India". SUNY Press.