The very word “Mahila” (woman) in Sanskrit is derived from “Mahi,” meaning earth or mother – that which cannot be moved, yet possesses the power to move everything. Women, known by many names like Stree, Matrushakti, Mata, and Janani, are the bedrock of society. Vandaniya Mausiji envisioned a future where this inherent female power is organised and nurtured, creating a resplendent nation. Her dream was for the Matrushakti of Bharat to be fearless, virtuous, self-reliant, vibrant, and rooted in their innate feminine qualities.
It was this profound conviction that led her to establish the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, a women’s organisation, on Vijayadashami in 1936. Through the Samiti, Mausiji elucidated the “art of living,” emphasising the woman’s pivotal role as the axis of the family. She saw women as the crucial link connecting society to the nation, the Ahilya who teaches the lessons of capability to the nation, the carrier of samskaras (values), the force that balances population, and the custodian of nation and sanskriti.
Swami Vivekananda, acknowledging the unparalleled eminence of Bharat’s Matrushakti, once remarked that while a Ram might be born many times, a Seeta is born only once. Indeed, the adage, “Devotion to the mother is the root of all welfare,” rings true. Even Maharshi Valmiki, in Ramayana, exalts Seeta’s character, declaring, “Sītāyā: Charitaṃ Mahān” (Seeta’s character is great). In contemporary times, the brave women of our armed forces continue to create history with their valour in defending the nation.
Understanding the mother’s role as the builder of society, Vandaniya Mausiji organised women and meticulously fostered a system of organisation, discipline, sanskars (values), strategic planning, and expansion through daily or weekly shakhas. Through festivals, she initiated a process of educating society about our eternal nation, Dharma, sanskriti, and contemporary challenges. Conferences served as platforms to showcase Bharat’s unity in diversity.
Mausiji consistently emphasised the importance of accuracy among Sevikas. She once observed a situation where a karyakarta, when asked to turn on a fan, pressed all available switches to operate one. Mausiji gently intervened, instructing her to pause, steady her mind, and then press only one or two buttons to activate the desired fan or light. She stressed that practicing accuracy and precision in every task leads to success.
Through the Samiti, Vandaniya Mausiji tirelessly worked to gather, strengthen, and empower virtuous individuals within society, moulding them into thoughtful, skilled, and patriotic citizens. As Shri Krishna states in the Bhagavad Gita:
Yadyadācarati śreṣṭhaḥ tattadevetaro janaḥ |
Sa yat pramāṇaṃ kurute lokastadanuvartate ||
Whatever an eminent person does, other people follow.
This underscores the critical role of women: If a woman walks the right path, she builds; otherwise, she can become a cause of destruction. Hence, the inculcation of Sanskars (values) is paramount.
After Bharat gained independence, many efforts ostensibly aimed at social upliftment inadvertently led to unrestrained freedom and promiscuity, rather than genuine progress. The pursuit of wealth became the sole aim of life. In such circumstances, Vandaniya Mausiji illuminated a path for women to acquire Sanskars through Shakha (daily gatherings), Seva (service), Shiksha (education), Swasthya (health), Satsang (spiritual discourse), and Swavalamban (self-reliance). Simultaneously, she presented the ideals of Shri Ram and Seeta through Ramayan discourses to the broader society.
Mausiji urged people to focus on four critical aspects for the formation of a good society: Chitra (visuals/what we see), Patra (character/how we conduct ourselves), Vastra (attire/how we dress), and Kshetra (environment/how we maintain our surroundings). She encouraged introspection: What should we observe in life? How should we cultivate self-control and integrity? How should we dress appropriately? How should we keep our surroundings sacred, akin to the devotion of Ahilyabai Holkar?
These questions require deep societal contemplation, urging us to be prepared and resolute. As the saying goes:
“Taking a fierce resolve in our hearts, we shall move forward. The glory and splendour of the Hindu Nation, we shall reveal to the world.”
