Laxmibai Kelkar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti | |
| Mausiji | |
| In office October 1936 – November 1978 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Saraswati Apte |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kamal Datey 5 July 1905 |
| Died | 27 November 1978 (aged 73) |
| Spouse(s) | Purshottam Rao Kelkar |
| Parent(s) | Bhaskarrao Datey, Yashodabai |
Laxmibai Kelkar (5 July 1905 – 27 November 1978),[1] born Kamal Datey, and also known as "Mausiji", was an Indian social reformer. In 1936, she founded the Hindutva women's organisation Rashtra Sevika Samiti.[2]
Early life and education[edit | edit source]
Kamal Datey was born on July 5, 1905, in Nagpur.[1][2] Her father, Bhaskarrao Datey, worked in the Accountant General's office, and her mother, Yashodabai, was a homemaker.[1][2] Kamal began her education at a missionary school, but she left and later attended the Hindu Girls School. She left the school for unknown reasons.[2]
Biography[edit | edit source]
Marriage[edit | edit source]
In accordance with the customs of her time, Kamal married a lawyer, Purshottam Rao Kelkar, and she changed her name to Laxmibai Purshottam Kelkar. Her husband was friends with Congress member Narayan Bhaskar Khare.[3] In 1932, her husband died. She had six sons and two daughters.[3]
Involvement in the Indian independence movement[edit | edit source]
After the death of Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi left Sabarmati and selected Sevagram as his ashram. Living near the Sevagram ashram, she participated in meetings, prabhat pheries (morning processions), and other activities.[4]
Founding of Rashtra Sevika Samiti[edit | edit source]
She was introduced to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) through her sons.[2] In 1936, Laxmibai met K. B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS.[3] After this meeting, she founded the Rashtra Sevika Samiti on October 25, 1936, in Wardha.[3][5]
Death[edit | edit source]
Laxmibai Kelkar died on November 27, 1978.[1]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Saxena, Chinmaya; Singh, Ayushman (2023-12-27). The RSS: 100 Years of Service, Dedication & Nation Building. Notion Press. ISBN 979-8-89186-919-6.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Teachers and Parents - Biographies". www.balagokulam.org. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Basu, Amrita; Sarkar, Tanika (2022-11-10). Women, Gender and Religious Nationalism. Cambridge University Press. pp. 35–38. ISBN 978-1-009-27654-2.
- ↑ "Laxmibai Kelkar and foundation of Rashtra Sevika Samiti on Vijayadashmi". www.newsbharati.com. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
- ↑ Chandrababu, B. S.; Thilagavathi, L. (2009). Woman, Her History and Her Struggle for Emancipation. Bharathi Puthakalayam. p. 534. ISBN 978-81-89909-97-0.