Rashtra Sevika Samiti

Rashtra Sevika Samiti
Parent organisation
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
AffiliationsSangh Parivar

The Rashtra Sevika Samiti (lit. 'National Women's Volunteer Committee') is a Hindutva women's organisation that parallels the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindutva paramilitary male-only organisation.[1] It is often referred to as the "Sister" of the RSS.[2] The current Chief (Sanskrit: Pramukh Sanchalika) of the Samiti is V. Shantha Kumari (referred to informally as "Shanthakka") and its General Secretary (Pramukh Karyavahika) is Sita Annadanam.[3]

Rashtra Sevika Samiti Pramukh Vandaneeya Shanthakka addressing a gathering

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.[4] 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.[5][6]

Woman is the inspiring force for the family and for the nation.
So long as this force is not awakened, society cannot progress.

Laxmibai Kelkar, Founder of Rashtra Sevika Samiti.[7]

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

  •   Acting
No. Name Portrait Term Period
1 Laxmibai Kelkar 25 October 1936 – 27 November 1978 42 Years
2 Saraswati Tai Apte 27 November 1978 - 9 March 1994 16 Years
3 Usha Tai Chate 9 March 1994 - August 2006 12 Years
4 Pramila Tai Medhe August 2006 - 2012 6 years
5 V. Shantha Kumari 10 March 2013 – Incumbent 12 Years

See also

References

  1. ^ "Indian Way of Life Only Option Left for World: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat". 11 November 2016.
  2. ^ "Rashtra Sevika Samiti to open hostel for women in Dehradun". The Times of India. 17 October 2013.
  3. ^ "Vandaneeya Shanthakka will be the new Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti". Samvada. 20 August 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  4. ^ "Remembering Moushiji Kelkar, founder Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti on her 110th Birth Anniversary". Vishwa Samvada Kendra. 6 July 2015. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  5. ^ "10 things to know about". www.inuth.com. inuth. 12 October 2017. Archived from the original on 14 May 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Holier Than Cow by Neha Dixit". www.outlookindia.com. outlookindia. Archived from the original on 31 August 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Vandaneeya Mausiji – Birth Centenary Year 2005". hssuk.org.

Further reading

  • Bacchetta, Paola. Gender in the Hindu Nation: RSS Women as Ideologues. New Delhi: Women Unlimited, 2004, ISBN 8188965022.
allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtra_Sevika_Samiti