 Summary of this article
- Though women aren’t part of RSS shakhas or uniformed events, the organisation claims this exclusion is practical, not ideological, citing outdoor, physical shakhas as unsuitable for women.
- RSS upholds the idea of men and women as complementary forces, emphasising women’s nurturing and maternal roles as vital for family, society, and national development.
- In 1935, inspired by Hedgewar’s encouragement, Laxmibai “Mavshi” Kelkar founded the Rashtra Sevika Samiti to enable women’s participation and leadership within the RSS ideological framework.
With the motto “Sarva Mangal Hetave”—for the welfare of the entire world—the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded with the goal of making this nation supremely glorious. This year, on Vijayadashami, it completed a century. The journey of the RSS has passed through phases of neglect, opposition, struggle and favourable times, and today, it has evolved into the world’s largest voluntary organisation. Its work is discussed through various aspects; one key aspect being—women and the RSS. |
