The Rashtra Sevika Samiti (National Women Volunteers Committee) is a Hindu nationalist women's organisation that parallels the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for men. Even though it is often referred to as the "Sister" of the RSS, the organisation claims that it is independent of the RSS while sharing its ideology. Membership and leadership is embraced to women and its activities are directed to nationalist devotion and mobilisation of Hindu women. 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.

History

Before establishing the organization, 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. However, Hedgewar advised Laxmibai Kelkar to establish an entirely separate organization 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.

Activities

Rashtra Sevika Samiti is today the largest Hindu organization working to uphold Indian culture and traditions. The current ruling party Bhartiya Janta Party(BJP) is the political arm of RSS.RSS women are actively involved in socio-cultural activities. Samiti inculcates a sense of responsible behaviour and social awareness in people. Various types of educational and awareness camps at different levels in all parts of India are conducted periodically. Active Shakhas (local branches with regular gatherings of members where they practice yoga, sing nationalist/patriotic songs, military training and have discussions) of the Samiti currently operate in 5215 centers. 875 centers conduct the Shakhas on a daily basis. The estimates of active membership range from 100,000 to 1 million It has overseas branches in 10 countries, which use the name Hindu Sevika Samiti. Rashtra Sevika Samaj operates residential camps across the country to educate young women on love Jihad and their responsibilities as Hindu women, and the consequences of violence from their families for marrying Muslim men (S.N., 2020). Right-wing feminists like this group argue that Islam restricts women's rights based on their tenants and customs, depicting Muslim women as subordinate to Muslim men (S.N., 2020). 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 Go Shalas, libraries, computer training centers and orphanages. 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: Matrutva (Universal Motherhood), represented by Jijabai; Kartrutva (Efficiency and Social Activism), represented by Ahilyabai Holkar; and Netrutva (Leadership) represented by Rani of Jhansi. The organization believes that all women have the capability to create a positive change in their community

Chiefs of the organization