Laxmibai Kelkar

Lakshmibai 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 (1905-07-05)5 July 1905
Died	27 November 1978(1978-11-27) (aged 73)
Spouse	Purshottam Rao Kelkar
Parent(s)	Bhaskarrao Datey, Yashodabai

Laxmibai Kelkar (5 July 1905 – 27 November 1978),^[1] born Kamal Datey, affectionately known as 'Mausiji', was a prominent Indian social reformer and freedom fighter known for her contributions to women's empowerment and the Indian independence movement.

Early life and education

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 left after a disagreement with a nun regarding school prayer.^[2] She later attended the Hindu Girls School but had to discontinue her studies due to unavoidable circumstances.^[2]

Marriage and early responsibilities

In accordance with the customs of her time, Kamal married lawyer Purshottam Rao Kelkar and was renamed Laxmibai Purshottam Kelkar.^[2] Her husband, though not politically active, was friends with prominent Congress member Dr. N. B. Khare.^[3] In 1932, she was widowed and left to care for six sons and two daughters from her husband's previous marriage.^[3]

Involvement in the Freedom Movement

After the demise of Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi left Sabarmati and selected Wardha as his ashram.^[4] Living near the Sevagram ashram in Wardha, she participated in meetings, prabhat pheries (morning processions), and other activities.^[4]

Founding of Rashtra Sevika Samiti

She was introduced to R. S. S. work through her sons.^[2] In 1936, Laxmibai met Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Although initially hesitant, Hedgewar was convinced by Laxmibai's persistence that women were crucial to nation-building.^[3] He agreed to support the formation of a women's organization provided she took full responsibility.^[3] Consequently, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti was launched on Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) on October 25, 1936, in Wardha.^[3][5]

Later years

Mausiji balanced her familial responsibilities with extensive travels to promote the Samiti under challenging conditions. She emphasized integrating the ideals of the Ramayana and Mahabharata into daily life and advocated for the equal importance of men and women in nation-building.^[2][3]

Lakshmibai Kelkar passed away on November 27, 1978.^[1]

References

1. 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. "Teachers and Parents - Biographies". www.balagokulam.org. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
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.
4. "Laxmibai Kelkar and foundation of Rashtra Sevika Samiti on Vijayadashmi". www.newsbharati.com. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
5. Chandrababu, B. S.; Thilagavathi, L. (2009). Woman, Her History and Her Struggle for Emancipation. Bharathi Puthakalayam. p. 534. ISBN 978-81-89909-97-0.