Rashtriya Sevika Samiti

The Rashtra Sevika Samiti (Devnaagaree: राष्ट्र सेविका समिती) (National Women Volunteers Committee) is the women's wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Although a part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, its membership and leadership is restricted for women and its activities directed for the welfare of women.

Present Pramukh Sanchalika:- Van. Pramila Taiji Medhe

History

Laxmibai Kelkar was the founder of Rashtriya Sevika Samiti. Before starting the organization she visited Dr K.B. Hedgewar in 1936 and had a long discussion with him. Laxmibai tried to convince Dr Hedgewar about starting a ladies wing in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh itself but Dr Hegewar refused. After looking at all the aspects of points presented by Laxmibai Kelkar he advised her to start a separate organization. He also promised to provide all the required support and guidance. Finally Laxmibai Kelkar started Rashtriya Sevika Samiti at Wardha on 25 October 1936.^[1]

Activities

Rashtra Sevika Samiti is today the largest Hindu women's organization working for the welfare and revitalization of India. Samiti inculcates a sense of patriotism and social awareness in its members. Various types of training camps at different levels in all parts of India are conducted periodically. Fully active Shakhas (regular gatherings of members where they practice yoga, sing patriotic songs, and have discussions) of Rashtra Sevika Samiti are functioning in 5215 centers. 875 centers conduct the Shakhas on a daily basis.^[2]

Samiti also runs 475 service projects all over India for the poor and underprivileged, without regard to religion, caste, creed, sect, gender, or ethnicity. These include schools, libraries, computer training centers, orphanages, etc.^[2]

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: 1. Matrutva (Universal Motherhood), 2. Kartrutva (Efficiency and social activism), and 3. Netrutva (Leadership). The organization believes that all women have the capability to create a positive change in their community^[2]

References

1. ^ http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ifuxzl9NM5sC&pg=PA256&lpg=PA256&dq=rashtriya+sevika+samiti&source=bl&ots=xDi5yT8GOf&sig=wji4s4QVD28cWfWiPShCOna6K98&hl=en&ei=AjGnSvXxCMqfkQXulvSICQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6#v=onepage&q=rashtriya%20sevika%20samiti&f=false
2. ^ ^{a b c} http://www.hindubooks.org/rssw/ch1.htm

Further Study

• Biography of Vandaniya Mausiji
• Organistion of Hindu women