Rashtra Sevika Samiti
The Rashtra Sevika Samiti is a Hindutva women's organisation that parallels the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a right-wing Hindutva paramilitary male-only organisation. It is often referred to as the "Sister" of the RSS. The current Chief of the Samiti is V. Shantha Kumari and its General Secretary is Sita Annadanam.
History
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 the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh itself. However, Hedgewar advised Laxmibai 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 at Wardha on 25 October 1936.Activities
Rashtra Sevika Samiti is today the largest Hindu organisation working to uphold Indian culture and traditions alongside the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The current ruling party Bhartiya Janta Party 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 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.
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.
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, represented by Jijabai; Kartrutva, represented by Ahilyabai Holkar; and Netrutva represented by Rani of Jhansi. The organisation believes that all women have the capability to create a positive change in their community
Chiefs of the organisation
- Laxmibai Kelkar, from October 1936 to November 1978
- Saraswati Apte, 1978-1994
- Usha-tai Chati, headed the organisation from 1994 to 2006
- Pramila-tai Medhe, 2006-2012
- V. Shantha Kumari ; chief from 2012 to date
List of Pramukh Sanchalika
| 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 |