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V. Shantha Kumari, Chief of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, addressing a gathering in Bengaluru (2016)

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]

History

In 1936, Laxmibai Kelkar visited K. B. Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and had a long discussion to persuade him of the need for starting a women’s wing in the RSS.[4] Hedgewar advised Kelkar to instead establish a 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. Following this, Kelkar established the Rashtra Sevika Samiti at Wardha on 25 October 1936.[5][6]

Chiefs of the organisation

No. Name Term
1 Laxmibai Kelkar 25 October 1936 – 27 November 1978
2 Saraswati Tai Apte 27 November 1978 – 9 March 1994
3 Usha Tai Chate 9 March 1994 – August 2006
4 Pramila Tai Medhe August 2006 – 2012
5 V. Shantha Kumari 10 March 2013 – present

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.

Further reading

  • Bacchetta, Paola. Gender in the Hindu Nation: RSS Women as Ideologues. New Delhi: Women Unlimited, 2004, ISBN 8188965022.