NEW DELHI: The Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, the women’s organisation ideologically affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Friday began its three-day first half-yearly national executive and representatives’ meeting at the Madhav Smriti campus in Samalkha, Haryana.Around 500 representatives from 38 provinces are expected to participate in the meeting, which will continue until July 26. The meeting is being attended by Pramukh Sanchalika Shantakkaji and Pramukh Karyavahika Sita Gayatri.The meeting commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp, followed by tributes to the organisation’s former office-bearers Rukmini Akka and Rekhatai Raje.Representatives also paid homage to other deceased workers, noted personalities including Asha Bhosle, Suman Kalyanpur and S. Janaki, as well as victims of terrorist attacks, natural disasters and accidents.
Organisational review and expansion
Addressing the inaugural session, Pramukh Karyavahika Sita Gayatri said the organisation should continue its efforts towards women’s empowerment while contributing to nation-building. Referring to the birth anniversary of the organisation’s founder Lakshmibai Kelkar, observed as Sankalp Diwas, she called upon members to carry forward the work of the organisation.Sita Gayatri also referred to recent developments, including India’s humanitarian medical assistance to Iran, describing it as an example of the country’s outreach.She also mentioned India’s performance at the International Chemistry Olympiad and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as indicators of the country’s achievements in different fields.The organisation reviewed its activities over the past year, stating that it has expanded its network of branches, meeting centres and service projects.It is currently running service activities at 2,866 locations across the country.These initiatives include projects related to education, value-based learning, self-reliance, healthcare and yoga centres. The organisation also said it operates hostels for girls from remote areas.Around 250 training camps were organised across the country in 2026, in which nearly 15,241 women volunteers received training.
Highlights of recent activities
The organisation also highlighted several initiatives undertaken during the year. It said volunteers organised a route march in West Bengal after a long gap and referred to a training camp in Jammu where participants continued activities despite heavy rain and strong winds.During a visit to Chhattisgarh, the organisation’s chief interacted with women from around 25 different communities as part of a social harmony initiative.It also highlighted the ‘Nari Se Narayani’ conference organised jointly with the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi on International Women’s Day.The event was attended by over 1,500 women from across the country, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the concluding session.The three-day meeting is scheduled to conclude on July 26.
