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Chapter 11

Men and women are complementary, yet their roles in society are different. Mausiji realized this fact and decided that even though the aims and objectives of the Samiti were basically similar to those of the Sangh, yet, there had to be a difference, keeping in view the woman’s feminine constitution, her nature, her temperament and her role in the social progress. Mausiji’s far-sightedness, her intelligence, her deep study and her analytical abilities have all helped to mould the samiti to its existing form.

As the Samiti shakhas spread out of Maharashtra, Mausiji stressed on conducting the prayer in Sanskrit, instead of Marathi, as Sanskrit is the mother of all Bharatiya languages. Mausiji insisted that a true sevika needed to have within the pride of being Hindu, impeccable moral character and patriotism and she also needed to have the ability to inspire in others these very virtues. Life stories and character-sketches of great women from various states were compiled together and they were recited in the morning prayer meeting. This served the dual function of inspiring the Sevikas and bringing about national integration. The five great elements that enrich our lives and the ten Namaskars’ were transcribed in poetic form. They are regularly recited in every Shakha.

In the earlier stages of the Samiti, the Sevikas received the same physical training as the men. But later, Mausiji consulted various doctors, physical trainers and yoga experts to design a health and fitness programme, which would be in accordance with the physique of a woman. Yoga was included in the programme for fitness of body and mind. Mausiji believed that a calm, self-controlled and sagacious woman alone could bring peace, prosperity and progress in the family.

Streesjeevan Vikas Parishad, an organisation dedicated to the overall development of women was formed in 1953. Mausiji invited eminent personalities like Kamlabai Deshpande, Yamunabai Herlekar, Dr. Hardas and Maharishi Darve. Under their expert guidance and opinion the training programme for physical and mental development of the Sevikas was redesigned.

Mausiji felt that it was essential that the thoughts and ideas of sevikas reached the masses. Hence, to provide the way for sevikas with an opportunity to expose their literary abilities, the publication of Sevika’ was launched. Initially, this was an annual journal published in Marathi. Now it is being published in Hindi and Gujarati as well. It is now called ‘Rashtra Sevika’. Since 1953, Sevika Prakashan has published the annual periodicals and several books in various Bharatiya languages.

Grihini Vidyalaya’ was also established in 1953 to develop natural talents in women. In the first two months, vocational classes were organised during summers. But presently at Bombay, sevaral short-term courses and training programmes are being conducted through out the year by the Grihini Vidyalaya. ‘Bharatiya Shrividya Niketan’ was launched to reorganise women’s education on the basis of our glorious culture.

A custom of worshipping the Goddess Shakti, in her eight-armed avtaar, was started by Mausiji. This is no blind idol worship nor is it following a blind faith. This is a worship of virtues to promote the growth of the virtues. Mausiji firmly believed that the task of the Sevikas was divine. If a woman has to emerge as ‘Shakti’ she has to place before her the ideal and idol of Shakti, because a concrete form is more inspiring than an abstract idea. Deep thought was given in designing the idol of Goddess Shakti. The Goddess is depicted holding the Saffron flag, lotus, the Geeta, a bell and Agni-kund. The sword, the beads in the seventh hand and the eighth hand is raised in blessing. Ma Shakti is the Mother of the Universe and her idol depicts the virtues of social awakening, knowledge and awareness of universal motherhood. The first Shakti idol was installed at Wardha, the Kendra of the Samiti, in 1972, later it was installed at Bombay, Bhagyanagar, Nagpur and at many other places. The ‘Ashtabhuja Stotra, a prayer dedicated to Ma Shakti, was composed in Hindi. It was recited during the weekly Shakha meetings. A woman has greater devotional and musical tendencies. Hence, Mausiji encouraged Sevikas to form Bhajan Mandals. She even inspired the talented Sevikas to compose the life story of Jijamata and Rani Lakshmibai in the poetry form.

Mausiji realised the impact of visuals. Hence, a series of exhibitions were organised on subjects which could inspire and change the psyche of masses. The subjects ranged from the national freedom struggle to Shivaji’s life story, life sketches of sister Nivedita, Swami Vivekanand, Shri Ram and array of inspirational topics. The "Cotton" pictures made by Kaku Ranande, were a centre of attraction in these exhibitions, till her sad demise in 1969.

Mausiji called upon all the famous artists of Nagpur, to make a picture each, for the exhibitions. She told them that it was impossible to evaluate the worth of the paintings in monetary terms; however, she offered to pay them expenses incurred on the art material. All the artist contributed whole heartedly in this noble campaign. They didn’t even take their expenses from Samiti. Thus, Mausiji inspired the artists to use their artistic skills for the social upliftment and renaissance. They also realised that their contribution was equally significant in bringing about a positive social change.

Rani Lakshmibai’s centenary was celebrated on the grand scale in 1958. The exhibition on Lakshmibai’s life was also organised on the occasion. Mausiji also felt that it was high time for the Samiti to acquire its own premises. She called upon the Sevikas of Nasik to come forth and be determined to accomplish this task soon. "Rani Bhavan" was constructed at Nasik with Rani Lakshmibai’s picturesque statue at the entrance.

Jijamata’s tri-centenary was also celebrated on the grand scale at her birth place. On this occasion, Mausiji put forth idea of giving military training to the women. She felt that as women form a vital half of the nation, they should be trained to protect themselves and even the Motherland, if the need did arise.

In order to inculcate pride in our culture and to respect it, every Hindu must give due respect to the saffron flag. This was the firm belief of Mausiji. She insisted that the saffron flag should be hoisted in every Hindu home, on the occasion of Hindu New Year. A small saffron flag should also be hoisted in our puja room, as it would inspire the people at all times.

Mausiji also instilled a deep respect for "Vande Mataram". She felt that every Sevika must know the background of the song. Our Motherland is above everything else, and should be worshipped and revered first and foremost. Thus, began the tradition of chorus singing of Vande Mataram at every meeting in Samiti.