Solapur: Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr Mohan Bhagwat emphasised that the inherent compassion of women (Matrushakti) naturally drives the upliftment of society. Speaking at the ‘Parivar Utsav’ programme organised by Udyogvardhini Sanstha at Hutatma Smriti Mandir, Dr Bhagwat asserted that “when this power stands up, the nation’s progress is certain.”
The event marked the 21st anniversary of Udyogvardhini, an organisation dedicated to strengthening women. Dignitaries present included District Collector Kumar Ashirwad, institution advisor Ram Reddy, Udyogvardhini founder-president Chandrika Chauhan, and secretary Medha Rajopadhye.
Dr Bhagwat advised that men must refrain from adopting a patronising attitude towards women’s upliftment. “Women can do things that men cannot. Therefore, women should be given the freedom to work according to their wishes. For this, they must be freed from the shackles of inappropriate customs,” he stated. He lauded Udyogvardhini as an institution built by the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people, calling upon it to inspire the establishment of similar organisations elsewhere.
The programme featured ‘Akhand Yatra,’ a documentary on Udyogvardhini, and the release of ‘Udyogvardhini ki Sevavrati,’ a book authored by Nayanben Joshi and edited by senior journalist Arun Karmarkar. Reviewing the institution’s work, Ram Reddy highlighted that “Udyogvardhini illuminates the lives of women facing struggles. It strengthens the Matrushakti by developing their skills for entrepreneurship. Udyogvardhini is emerging as a supportive institution not just for Solapur, but for women across Maharashtra.”
Founder-President Chandrika Chauhan called for societal contribution to Udyogvardhini, emphasising it being a part of the society. She shared that the organisation was inspired by senior Sangh Pracharak Nanaji Deshmukh and built with the help of Swayamsevaks, Solapur residents, and the hard work of women. Preparations are underway to establish a training center for women’s self-reliance, for which cooperation from both the administration and society is sought.
The session was introduced by Dr Suhasini Shah of the advisory committee, compered by Aparna Sahasrabuddhe, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Madhavi Rayate.
‘Belongingness’ Inspiration Behind Sangh Work: Sarsanghchalak
During his address, Dr Bhagwat also shared an anecdote from the Bihar famine, where the relief work by RSS Swayamsevaks deeply impressed Jayaprakash Narayan. Narayan, after visiting a camp in Delhi and getting to know the Swayamsevaks, inquired about the motivation behind their work. It was then that he got introduced with the Swayamsevaks working selflessly and tirelessly for decades. The Swayamsevaks replied, “Society’s suffering is our inspiration.” Dr Bhagwat concluded, “A sense of belongingness (Apnapan) is the inspiration for Sangh work.” He stressed that work motivated by affection continues ceaselessly, urging individuals to shed ego and selflessly alleviate the suffering of society’s victims. He affirmed that if society works collectively, transcending selfishness and divisions, the nation’s destiny would change.
Inspiration for Personal and Societal Progress
Testimonials from beneficiaries underscored the impact of Udyogvardhini. Vasanti Salunkhe shared how the institution not only stabilised her home but also enabled her son’s education, leading to her owning a permanent house and now working to strengthen other women in the institution’s Annapurna department. Meenakshi Salgar, associated with the institution’s women’s self-help group (Mahila Bachat Samuh) since 2005, remarked on how her group has worked towards strengthening many women and now provides her the opportunity to contribute to Udyogvardhini’s Seva Patheya project. She lamented about going through a personal tragedy of losing her daughter during this time, but has been able to work for the upliftment of 500 girls through this project ever since.
