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Parent organisation | Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh |
|---|---|
| Affiliations | Sangh Parivar |
TheRashtra Sevika Samiti (lit. 'National Women's Volunteer Committee') is aHindutva women's organisation that parallels theRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), aright-wingHindutvaparamilitary 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 isV. Shantha Kumari (referred to informally as "Shanthakka") and its General Secretary (Pramukh Karyavahika) is Sita Annadanam.[3]
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 theRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh itself.[4] However, Hedgewar advisedLaxmibai 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 atWardha 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.
| 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 | |