Venerable Laxmibai Kelkar: The Radiant Force Behind Women’s Awakening*(On the Occasion of Sankalp Diwas – 5th July)


At a time in Indian society when women were confined to limited roles, a radiant and resolute woman not only challenged those societal norms but also gave women a wider, energetic, and nation-oriented direction. That woman was Venerable Laxmibai Kelkar—whose life, thoughts, and work remain a living inspiration for women’s organizations and national service.

Laxmibai Kelkar, lovingly known as Mausiji, was born on Ashadha Shukla Dashami, Vikram Samvat 1962, corresponding to 6th July 1905, in Nagpur. At the time of her birth, her brilliance was so evident that the attending doctor named her “Kamal.” Her parents were devoted to social work, and their household was deeply rooted in patriotism and cultural awakening. The contrast between her missionary school experience and the Hindu cultural values at home sparked a journey of introspection within her. She soon left the missionary school and enrolled in ‘Hindu Mulancha Shala’—a step that later became the foundation of her ideological clarity.

Kamal, who would later become Laxmibai, was socially active from an early age. Whether it was participating in the anti-cow slaughter movement or serving during the plague epidemic, she proved through her actions that a woman is not merely a symbol of compassion but also of courage and resolve. She began raising her voice against injustice and discrimination. She married Purushottam Rao Kelkar, a respected lawyer, after which she came to be known as Laxmibai.

At just 27 years of age, she lost her husband—leaving her with the responsibility of six children, a widowed sister-in-law, and a household under financial strain. But rather than succumbing, she stood firm. She rented out parts of her home to remain self-reliant. During this time, her sons began attending the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shakhas, and the change in their behavior deeply influenced her. She met with Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, and presented her thoughts on the need for a women’s organization with such clarity that Dr. Hedgewar was truly impressed.

It was this very moment that the seed of Rashtra Sevika Samiti was sown. The organization was formally established on Vijayadashami in 1936 in Wardha. Though dedicated to women, its ideological spine was built on four pillars—Nation, Dharma (righteousness), Service, and Culture. Laxmibai clearly believed that women are not just homemakers but also the foundation of society and nation-building. She asserted that if men could serve the nation, women too were equally capable—but they needed training in self-discipline, confidence, and intellectual development.

Though the Samiti started with just a few sisters, Mausiji’s tireless travels, inspirational speeches, and deep commitment to the cause led to its rapid expansion—first across Maharashtra and then throughout India. The Shakhas (branches) included physical training, yoga, self-defense, traditional weapons like daggers, valor songs, bhajans, oratory training, and the study of Indian culture. She envisioned every Sevika as a living embodiment of the Ashtabhuja (eight-armed goddess)—embodying courage, compassion, knowledge, and service.

Under Mausiji's leadership, the Samiti became not just a place of activity but the very center of Hindu women’s awakening. She presented Jijabai, Ahilyabai Holkar, and Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi as role models for modern women. She also started discourses on the Ramayana, and with the funds raised, she built offices for the Samiti.

In 1945, the first national conference of Rashtra Sevika Samiti was held. However, the most courageous event came in 1947, during the Partition of India. Hindu women in Karachi were living in fear, facing violence and dishonor. Mausiji and Venutai went to Karachi, gathered more than 1,200 women on a rooftop, and infused them with courage. Even though it was Pakistan's Independence Day, for Hindu women, it was a day of tragedy. Mausiji gave them hope, promised support and protection, and assured them a safe return to India. When these women arrived in India, Mausiji arranged for their discreet shelter in safe families in Mumbai.

This was more than social work—it was a sacred fire of restoring the self-respect of womanhood. And that sacred flame still burns today in every branch of the Samiti.

Her vision was not confined to branch expansion. She started Bal Mandirs (preschools), hostels, yoga centers, devotional groups, dispensaries, educational institutions, and entrepreneurship centers for women. She encouraged Sevikas to ride bicycles, organize programs, and master public speaking. For her, a Sevika had to possess a radiant mind, a strong body, and a spiritual outlook.

Her philosophy was never to make women rivals of men but to inspire them to recognize their own identity and contribute to society as equal partners. She often said:

 “If a woman becomes weak, the family will crumble and society will weaken.”



Her life was the perfect example of an ideal Sevika—marked by sacrifice, discipline, service, and resolve. She not only laid the foundation of the organization but nurtured it to bloom and thrive. When she passed away on 27 November 1978, she had already ignited a spark of consciousness in the lives of millions of women.

Today, Rashtra Sevika Samiti is the world’s largest cultural women’s organization. Staying away from politics, it continues to work actively for nation-building through social and cultural service. Its Sevikas are spreading the light of education, service, and values across every corner of society.

Venerable Laxmibai Kelkar is no longer just a name—it is an idea, an inspiration, and a symbol of a grand working philosophy. She proved that a woman is not just an object of worship but the foundation of organization, culture, and social transformation.

Her life shows that when a resolution is true, even a single woman can change the direction of society. She dreamed of a unified, cultured, and empowered feminine force—and she brought that vision to life.

Today, as we observe 5th July as Sankalp Diwas, it is not merely a day of remembrance—it is a moment of introspection and renewed inspiration. Let us absorb Mausiji’s dedication, sacrifice, and resolve within ourselves, and awaken the mother power within us all. That will be our true tribute to her.


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©® Payal Laxmi Soni
Author, Journalist, and Reviewer
Lucknow

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