Tribute / Ushatai Chati : Motherly Figure, No More

A guiding force for innumerable Sevikas of the Samiti, Ushatai Chati, passes away on August 17 in Nagpur

Nagpur: Former Pramukh Sanchalika of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Ushatai Gunwant Chati, passed away on August 17. She was 91. Prior to the cremation on August 18 at Mokshdham Ghat, thousands of Sevikas and distinguished persons of the society paid tribute at Devi Ahilya Mandir, the headquarters of the Samiti. RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi, Rashtra Sevika Samiti’s Pramukh Sanchalika V. Shantha, former Pramukh Sanchalika Pramilatai Medhe, Pramukh Karyavahika A Seetakka, Akhil Bharatiya Sahkaryavahika Smt Sulbha Deshpande and many others paid tribute. She was also offered Manvandana by the Sevikas.
Born on August 31, 1927 (Ganesha Chaturthi) at Bhandara in Vidarbha, she completed her primary education from Manro High School. After marriage with Shri Gunawant Chati, also an RSS swayamsevak, she settled in Nagpur and taught at Hindu Mulinchi Shala. She founded Vagmita Vikas Samiti and held the post of its president for 30 years. It used to organise cultural programmes for the students. She was in jail during Emergency in 1975.

A Sevika of the Samiti since her childhood days, she held various responsibilities in the organisation and rose to become Pramukha Sanchalika in 1994. She held this responsibility till 2006 when she handed over it to Sushri Pramilatai Medhe.

She was gifted with a sweet melodious voice and hosted music programmes and rendered her voice for many songs aired on Nagpur Radio many times. As the musical career clashed with her work for the Samiti, she chose to serve in Samiti and gave up the musical career. She was awarded Rashtriya Ekatmata Puraskar by Joshi Foundation, Vivekananda Puraskar by Dombivali Swami Vivekananda Educational Trust and Ojaswini Award from Bhopal. She donated the amount that she received as awards to the Sanghmitra Seva Sansthan.
In his tribute RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi said it is difficult to move on a particular path in the life without devoiding it in any circumstance. Ushatai enjoys top position among such noble souls. Carrying forward her mission and also contineously doing the work which enhacnes the pride of the nation will be real tribute to her, Bhaiyaji added. Akhil Bharatiya Sahkaryavahika of the Samiti Chitratai Joshi said Ushatai was a
motherly figure for thousands of Sevikas. Hence, emulating her qualities will be the real tribute to her. Delhi Unit of the Samiti organised a condolence meeting at its state headquarters on August 18. Uttar Kshetra Sampark Pramukh Smt Radha Mehta, Uttar Kshetra Paalak Adhikari Smt Asha Sharma, Prant Karyavahika Smt Sunita Bhatia and many other Sevikas paid homage.
As third Pramukh Sanchalika of the Samiti Ushatai headed the organisation from 1994 to 2006. She motivated women to work for empowerment of the women and ensuring their meaningful contribution in the society. She took keen interest in education and welfare of the girls, especially girls from weak and needy sections of the society. During her tenure as Pramukh Sanchalika, free
hostels were started for such girls. She also served as Karyavahika for Nagpur city and Vidarbha Region. She was
suffering from knee pain for quite some time but endured it with a smiling face. She was a very simple ever willing to help and guide. “With her demise the Samiti has lost a guiding light,” said Smt Asha Sharma.
Condolence messages have come from across the world. Shri Dhiraj D Shah, Sanghachalak of HSS, UK said, “Ushatai was was an embodiment of motherhood, benevolence and
compassion, a true karmayogi and an inspiration to countless Sevikas and social activists. Her departure will be felt for many years to come, but her life will be a perennial source of inspiration and motivation to the Sevikas world over.”    n