Rashtra Sevika Samiti volunteers at a Route March at recently held Vishwa Samiti Shibir at Hubli
Nagpur, August 20, 2012: Vandaneeya V Shantha Kumari, popularly known as Shanthakka, will head the World’s Largest Hindu Woman’s Voluntary Organisation, Rashtra Sevika Samiti. She will be the new PRAMUKH SANCHALIKAof Rashtra Sevika Samiti.
Pramukh Sanchalika is the Highest Responsibility of Rashtra Sevika Samiti.
The announcement was made in the on going Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha Baitak of Rashtra Sevika Samiti at Nagpur, today noon.
Founded in 1936, Rashtra Sevika Samiti is the woman outfit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
The post of ‘Pramukh Sanchalika’ will be equivalent to Sarasanghachalak Post of RSS.
Smt Seetha Annadanam from Andhra Pradesh will be new PRAMUKH KARYAVAHIKA of Rashtra Sevika Samiti.
Aged 60 years , Shanthakka will be the 5th Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti. The post was held by Vandaneeya Moushiji Lakshmi Bai Kelkar (1936-1978), Saraswati Tai Apte (1978-1994), Usha Tai Chati (1994-2006) and Pramila Tai Medhe (2006-2012)
Hails from Wilson Garden of Bangalore, Shanthakka completed her graduation in Science Bsc and later completed M.Ed. Shanthakka was a school teacher by profession. She took voluntary retirement to dedicate more time for social activities. Born on February 5, 1952, Shanthakka joined Rashtra Sevika Samiti in 1970. She held several responsibilities in Rashtra Sevika Samiti. She was Nagara Karyavahika of Bangalore for several years. Then she served as Pranth Karyavahika, later Sahakaryavahika where she held the responsibility at national scale. She was Pramukh Karyavahika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti before becoming Pramukh Sanchalika.
Born to Sri K Venkataramaya and Smt Rajamma, Shanthakka is the youngest among three children to her parents. Her 2 elder brothers, Sri V Nagaraj serving as Kshetreeya Boudhik Pramukh of RSS and Sri V Manjunath was former Pranth Sampark Pramukh of RSS Karnataka.
Annadanam Seetha to replace Shanthakka:
Annadanam Seetha, from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, has been given the responsibility as Pramukh Karyawahika (General Secertary) of Rashtra Sevika Samiti. She replaced Shantakka, who was elevated to the most coveted post of Pramukh Sanchalika.
Seetha, has been a brilliant student and after obtaining degree in science and education (B Sc, B Ed), she offered herself to the work of Samiti as Pracharika (Full time worker) since 1993. Till now she was holding the post of Dakshin-Madhya Kshetra Pracharika with headquarters at Hyderabad.
She has visited the United Kingdom, Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya etc. for the work of Samiti. Now she will be the new Pramukh Karyawahika.
About Rashtra Sevika Samiti:
Rashtra Sevika Samiti is today the largest Hindu women’s organization working for the upholding Indian culture and traditions. RSS-women are actively involved in socio-cultural activities. Samiti inculcates a sense of patriotism and social awareness in people. 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 nationalist/patriotic songs, military training and have discussions) of Rashtra Sevika Samiti are functioning in 5215 centers. 875 centers conduct the Shakhas on a daily basis.
Rashtra Sevika Samiti (National Women Volunteers Committee) is a Hindu women’s organisation with a similar ideology to that of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. However it runs parallel with Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh and it is not a part or women’s wing of the Sangh. Its membership and leadership is restricted for women and its activities directed to the naionalist devotion and mobilisation of Hindu women.
Laxmibai Kelkar was the founder of Rashtra 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 Rashtra Sevika Samiti at Wardha on 25 October 1936.
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 schools, libraries, computer training centers, orphanages, etc.
