Lakshmibai Kelkar, born in July 1905 (Ashadh, Shukla Paksha, Dashami, 1962, Vikram Samvat), was a pioneering social reformer in Bharat. Fondly known as Mausi Ji, she founded the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the biggest and most significant Hindu women’s organization dedicated to upholding Bharatiya culture and traditions. Her vision was rooted in the belief that “Woman is the inspiring force for the family and the nation. So as long as this force is not awakened, society cannot progress.”
Early life and inspirations
Born as Kamal in Nagpur, Lakshmibai Kelkar was deeply influenced by her patriotic parents, Bhaskar Rao Datey and Yashodabai. Her mother’s clandestine reading of ‘Kesari’, a newspaper edited by Lokmanya Tilak, kindled a spirit of patriotism in young Kamal. Her early involvement in campaigns like cow protection and plague control imbued her with the values of humility, endurance, and the power of collective action.
From Kamal to Lakshmibai: Marriage and Move to Wardha
After marrying Purushottam Rao Kelkar, she moved to Wardha, which later became a hub of political activity with Gandhi’s Sevagram Ashram. The loss of her husband and elder daughter to tuberculosis was a turning point, strengthening her resolve to contribute to society. She founded the Kesarimal Kanya Vidyalaya, the first girls’ school in Wardha, promoting women’s literacy and empowerment.
Founding of Rashtra Sevika Samiti
Inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its founder, Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, Lakshmibai Kelkar established the Rashtra Sevika Samiti on Vijayadashami in 1936. The organization aimed to empower women through physical training, cultural education, and social service. The Samiti’s activities included yoga, cultural education, and service projects aimed at self-reliance for the underprivileged.
Leadership and Legacy
Lakshmibai Kelkar’s leadership was marked by her ability to balance family and social responsibilities. She initiated numerous projects, including nursery schools, vocational courses, and small-scale industries for women. Her travels to Sindh during Bharat’s partition to support Hindus demonstrated her commitment to communal harmony and social service.
Her dream, where a sage presented her with the Ramayan, inspired her to use religious discourses to promote peace and harmony. Her powerful orations emphasized Prabhu Sri Ram’s ideals of duty and sacrifice, urging women to emulate Sita’s courage and purity.
Later works and impact
Mausiji’s contributions extended to health and fitness, redesigning programs to include yoga asanas and suryanamaskar. She launched the journal Sevika, established Grihini Vidyalaya for vocational training, and Bharatiya Shrividya Niketan to reorganize women’s education based on Bharat’s cultural heritage. Her initiatives in music and arts further enriched the cultural landscape, fostering a sense of pride and national identity among women.
Qualities and final years
Despite her extensive responsibilities, Lakshmibai Kelkar remained a model of cleanliness and devotion. Her humility, sharp memory, and personal care endeared her to all Sevikas, who regarded her as a mother figure. Her untiring efforts continued until her health declined in 1978. After a heart attack, she passed away on Kartik (Margshirsh) Krishna Paksha Dwadashi 2035 Vikram Samvat (27 November 1978).
Lakshmibai Kelkar’s life is a testament to her courage, vision, and unwavering dedication to empowering women and promoting Hindu cultural values. Her legacy inspires generations, embodying the spirit of Vasudaivaka Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and the importance of service, duty, and love in nation-building.
