Dignitaries on the stage to mark 90 years of Rashtra Sevika Samiti
NEW DELHI: Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Delhi Prant, through its intellectual forum Medhavini Sindhu Srijan, organised a dignified Sankalp Diwas programme at Sir Shankar Lal Concert Hall, University Road, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Samiti’s founder and first chief, Vandaniya Lakshmibai Kelkar (Mausiji).
This year’s Sankalp Diwas was dedicated to celebrating the Samiti’s 90-year journey of service, dedication, and nation building. Paying tribute to Mausiji’s ideals of national service, women’s awakening, and social commitment, participants reaffirmed their resolve to work for society and the nation.
The keynote address was delivered by Mananiya Alka Inamdar, Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Karyavahika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti. Prof Nisha Rana, Medhavini Prant Sanyojika, introduced the theme of the programme.
The event was graced by National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar as the Chief Guest, while New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj presided over the programme. Distinguished guests included Mukul Kanitkar, Member of the Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Team of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Prof VS Negi, President of DUTA, who highlighted the pivotal role of organized women’s leadership in nation building. Prof Charu Kalra and Anju Ahuja also shared the stage.
Nine distinguished women from diverse fields were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to society and public service.
The programme concluded with sevikas, academicians, social workers, and citizens collectively resolving to carry forward the ideals of Vandaniya Mausiji and strengthen the enduring tradition of service, values, and dedication to the nation.
Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women stated the empowerment of women is central to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, asserting that the country’s progress will ultimately be measured by the strength and leadership of its women. Rahatkar said that when the women of the nation take a collective pledge, they have the power to transform not only society but the nation as a whole. She stressed that Viksit Bharat 2047 is not merely a government initiative but a collective national commitment that requires the active participation of every citizen, particularly women.
Highlighting the growing role of women in nation-building, the NCW Chairperson said Indian women are making remarkable strides across diverse fields, including science, space, technology and medicine, demonstrating their capabilities on both national and global platforms.
Member of the Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Toli of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Mukul Kanitkar said that Indian women are emerging as global leaders across diverse fields, reflecting the country’s growing strength and potential on the world stage. He expressed confidence that the coming century would be defined by women’s leadership, with women playing a decisive role in shaping society, governance, innovation and national development. Stressing the importance of preserving India’s civilisational ethos, Kanitkar said that embracing modernity does not require abandoning the nation’s ancient traditions and cultural values. Instead, he urged society to harmonise progress with heritage. He further observed that true worship lies not merely in offering rituals or prayers but in striving to imbibe and practice the ideals, values and principles of those whom society reveres, making them a part of everyday life.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said that a strong sense of identity and civilisational roots empowers individuals to face challenges with confidence, asserting that no force can shake those who understand their heritage and values. She argued that India does not need to import concepts of feminism and gender equality from the West, as the country’s own civilisational traditions have long recognised the dignity, strength and leadership of women. Highlighting the multifaceted role of women in nation-building, Swaraj said that through motherhood, creativity and leadership, women will play a defining role in shaping India’s future. She added that women serve not only as nurturers but also as mentors and the foundation of society, strengthening families, communities and ultimately the nation’s future through their guidance, resilience and contributions across every sphere of life
Akhil Bharatiya Sah Karyavahika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Alka Inamdar ji said that the Rashtra Sevika Samiti has emerged as the world’s largest women’s organisation, with nearly 5,000 branches dedicated to character-building, leadership development and national service. She said the organisation has been working to empower women by nurturing self-confidence, discipline and a spirit of social responsibility. Emphasising the cultural foundations of the nation, Inamdar said Hindutva represents not only India’s cultural identity but also the essence of its national identity. She stressed that women have a vital role in preserving and passing on the country’s civilisational values to future generations.
