With the guiding thought, ’Samuhik ham karein sadhna, karya swayam bhagwan hai’ (Let us collectively engage in dedicated effort; the work itself is divine), the two-day half-yearly Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini and Pratinidhi Mandal Meeting of Rashtra Sevika Samiti commenced at the Kailash Mansarovar premises in Ghaziabad on February 21.
At the outset, tributes were paid to departed dignitaries, soldiers, victims of natural calamities, and dedicated karyakartas, including former Pramukh Sanchalika Pramilatai Ji. During the inaugural session, the action points decided at the previous half-yearly meeting were reviewed.
According to reports presented at the meeting, the Samiti currently runs 4,350 Shakhas across all 12 regions and 40 provinces of the country. Of the 1,042 districts nationwide, organisational work is active in 825. In addition, Sevika Samiti members are carrying out 2,238 service projects across the country.
Major Activities Highlighted
- During the floods in Jammu and Punjab, Samiti sevikas undertook relief work, including cleaning flood-affected areas and distributing food supplies, clothing, and essential kitchen utensils.
- On the centenary of Vande Mataram, the inspirational chant of the freedom movement, more than five lakh students in Maharashtra collectively sang the complete Vande Mataram through the efforts of Samiti karyakartas. Similar programmes were organised in other provinces as well.
- On the centenary of the historic Kakori incident of 1925 — when revolutionaries such as Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Chandra Shekhar Azad halted a train near Kakori (August 9, 1925) to seize the British treasury — Samiti karyakartas organised a commemorative programme at Kakori.
- In Indore, on the occasion of Babasaheb Taranekar’s Amrit Mahotsav and during a programme marking the origin day of the Godavari River — often referred to as the “Ganga of the South” — citizens present received inspirational guidance from the Pramukh Sanchalika.
Over the next two days, deliberations will focus on Shiksha Vargas (training camps), programmes planned to mark the completion of 90 years of the Samiti, and discussions on the prevailing social and cultural situation in the country. Plans for further expansion of the Samiti’s work will also be formulated.
‘Women and Men Are Manifestations of the Same Essence’ – Pramukh Sanchalika Shantakumari Ji
Addressing the valedictory session on February 22, the Samiti’s Pramukh Sanchalika, Shantakumari Ji, stated that “women and men are manifestations of the same fundamental essence” — this, she said, is the Hindu worldview. She added that the Upanishads also affirm this philosophical understanding.
She observed that self-reliant, fearless, confident, and character-rich youth are an invaluable asset to any nation. True youthfulness, she noted, lies in maintaining a balance between enthusiasm and discernment. The energy derived from positive thinking is the greatest capital for young people. The creation of such empowered youth, she emphasised, must be our collective goal.
She further underlined the need to awaken in society a threefold strength — strong leadership, responsible citizenship, and an organised society. “We must become super conductors of energy and remain continuously active for the welfare of society,” she said.
The meeting concluded with the address of Pramukh Karyavahika Sita Gayatri Ji. Presenting a report on the discussions held, the special programmes conducted, and the future plans, she stated that there is currently a favourable atmosphere in society and within families for Hindu thought. In this context, she emphasised the importance of collective functioning and disciplined efforts to bring about social transformation.
Pramukh Sanchalika Shantakka Ji and Pramukh Karyavahika Sita Gayatri Ji were present throughout the meeting. A total of 108 representatives from 38 provinces across the country attended the Akhil Bharatiya meeting.
