VSK Mumbai
Two awards, instituted in honour of the founder of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Lakshmibai Kelkar and its second Pramukh Sanchalika, Smt. Tai Apte, by the Bharatiya Stree Vikas Parishad, Thane during its golden jubilee year, were recently presented to Smt. Madhuri Marathe and Smt. Swarnalata Bhishikar respectively. Smt. Marathey is all India physical education incharge and Samiti’s Pramukh Pracharika of Andhra Pradesh while Smt. Bhishikar is the founder of Jnana Probodhini, an innovative educational and social institution in Pune with branches in various parts of Maharashtra. Smt. Marathe is considered an authority on Yoga Shastra. Smt. Bhishikar has been working ceaselessly for promotion of Hindu priesthood and samskars. She is also associated with Bal Samskara Kendra, adult education programmes and a separate school for working children in Sholapur district of Maharashtra. Smt. Laxmi Vakankar, president of Vakankar Research Institute, presented the awards. The awards, instituted to felicitate women activists working selflessly in service of society, carry a cash prize of Rs 12,500, a medal, a citation and a saree. Justice (Retd.) Shri Rajabhau Gavande was the chief guest on the occasion. Smt. Bakultai Devkule, president of Bharatiya Stree Vikas Parishad, proposed the vote of thanks.
