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Report National convention of Rashtra Sevika Samiti A study in organisation, discipline and dedication FOC The three-day 15th national convention of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, which was held in Nagpur from November 6 to 8, left a lasting effect in the minds and hearts of the people of the city. One of the unique features of the convention was that the whole event was managed by women themselves. It also infused a sense of confidence into women that they can do anything they resolve. The preparations for the event had been going on for the last one year. The convention formally began with the inauguration of an exhibition at Matrudham complex, Gorakshan Maidan, Khapri, about 17 km from Nagpur. A total of 10,297 Sevikas from across the country including 35 Sevikas from Nepal, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius and Sri Lanka participated in the convention. The Gorakashan Maidan, where the convention was held, was named as Matrudham?Mothers Abode?a symbol of sanctity and affection, sacrifice and caring attitude. A total of 11 dhams in 700 tents were erected on the 83-acre land. All the dhams were named after popular goddesses like Vaishno Devi, Kanyakumari, Kamakhyaa, Ambaji, Tulaja, Chamundi, etc. From left Smt Ushatai Chati, Swami Ramdev, Shri K.S. Sudarshan, Smt Pramilatai Medhe and other dignitaries at the inaugural ceremony The bhoomipoojan ceremony witnessed heavy rains, which occurred many times before the convention could begin. Swamini Brahmaprakashananda and RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Mohan Bhagwat were present at the bhoomipoojan ceremony. Sarsanghachalak Shri K.S. Sudarshan also visited the venue on October 13 to see the preparations. Despite various difficulties and heavy rains, the Martrudham complex was ready to receive the participants who had started reaching on November 4 itself. Bharatiya Stree Shakti, ABVP and Sevika Samiti had planned a safe transportation from railway station. Dr Amrapali Marchant, vice-chancellor of Dr Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad, who visited the convention on November 5, was so moved with the work of the Samiti that she expressed her desire to associate herself with the Samiti. Besides Sarsanghachalak Shri K.S. Sudarshan, Dr Amrapali Marchant and Smt Umatai Pawar, a Vanvasi woman, were present at the inauguration of the exhibition. The exhibition was based on the Samiti?s daily prayer. Its words were picturised in a very nice way. The map of Akhand Bharat in rangoli, flower arrangement expressing matrutav and unity in diversity, the pillars of Samiti's work at initial stages, Mausiji Kelkar?s photos, etc. were the main attractions of the exhibition. Near the exit gate, there was a picture of Bharat Mata drawn or salt, which attracted everybody. A view of the pathsanchalan It was also for the first time that the Sarsanghachalak stayed at the convention full time. On November 6, noted Yogacharya Swami Ramdev organised an exclusive class of yoga for the participants. It included seven pranayams, some yogasans for women with his apt comments regarding swadeshi and role of women in nation building. In his inaugural address also he insisted that women need not go on begging for 33 per cent reservations. ?Beggars have no choice and self-respect. If women demonstrate glare like fire, speed like air, patience like earth, coolness like water and broadness like space, they will be respected by all,? he said. The symposium, Bharat 2020, developed the feeling among Sevikas that India can achieve the glorious place in the world by the year 2020. The speakers at the symposium included Smt Sumitra Mahajan, former minister, Smt. Kusumlata Kedia, director, Gandhi Adhyayan Kendra, Varanasi, Smt. Indumati Katdare, convener, Vidvat Parishad of Vidya Bharati and Dr Madhavrao Chitley, an eminent scientist. ?All of us have to contribute all our might and intelligence to realise the dream of a strong prosperous Bharat,? said Smt Sumitra Mahajan in her speech. Smt. Sushilatai Abhankar, Akhil Bharatiya Bouddhik Pramukh, delivered a very inspiring speech on Hindutva in global scenario. Taking out 10,000 Sevikas in seven different parts of Nagpur, five pathsanchalans and two shobhayatras were conducted with careful homework. The distance covered varied from 4 to 24 kms. All the pathsanchalans culminated in different meetings, which were addressed by distinguished persons like Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi, Sadhvi Ritambhara, Smt. Vasundhara Raje, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Smt. Jaywantiben Mehta, Smt. Maya Singh and Smt. Vasanta Kumari Ramarao. Smt Sumitra Mahajan, Smt Pramilatai Medhe and other dignitaries at the convention The cultural programmes under the guidance of noted film director Shri Rajdutt moved the audiences. They truly represented the feeling of unity in diversity. Five books were also released in different sessions. The valedictory function was presided over by Dr Kamini Rao, an eminent doctor from Bangalore. The chief guest was Smt. Dolma Gairi, Deputy Speaker, Tibetan Parliament in exile, who reminded of the old cultural ties between Tibet and Bharat. Dr Kamini Rao expressed her concern over female foeticide, which is posing a threat to national strata. Smt. Ushatai Chati, Pramukh Sanchalika of the Samiti, Smt. Pramilatai Medhe, Sah-Pramukh Sanchalika, Smt. Shanttakka, Akhil Bharatiya Karyavahika, Smt. Rukmini Akka, Sah Karyavahika, Smt. Sumantai Sarnaik, chairman, Devi Ahilya Mandir, also guided the Sevikas. Smt Dolma Gairi, Smt Pramilatai Medhe and Smt Vasundhara Raje at the convention Commitment to mission Smt. Renuka Ghadge?s father expired. Yet on the fourth day she started attending the meetings. She had the responsibility of Sahvyavastha Pramukh. Smt Vasudha Dani?s house was raided by robbers on November 3, who took away all the valuables from the house. But she came to Matrudham on November 4 itself. She was in-charge of the Mahalaxmi dham. Smt Jayashri Khandekar and Smt Mrunal Panse lost their husbands a few months prior to the convention. But they started attending their vibhags as per the schedule. Suhasa Ratnaparkhi was to carry dhwaja mounting a horse. Due to crackers? noise, the horse went rash and tried to throw away Suhasa. She cried for help, got down from the horse and immediately got in the decorated jeep with the dhwaja. The procession continued calmly. The two pathsanchalans were to cross each other at Pratap Nagar square, where Sarsanghachalak Shri K.S. Sudarshan and other adhikaris were to observe the pathsanchalans. Both the pathsanchalans reached the point as per schedule. All the vibhags were mainly managed by Sevikas only. The announcements from the central office were quite clear and in a commanding voice. Mausiji Kelkar?s grandson, Shri Satish Kelkar, an industrialist in Mumbai, and grand-daughter, Dr Sanjivani Bakre, a leading surgeon in USA, and other grand children attended the convention with great enthusiasm. The Arogya vibhag was neatly planned and organised under the guidance of Dr Mrudula Bapat. Vivekanand Medical Mission had a lion?s share in it. But luckily, there was no major casualty in spite of cold, open air and bath by cold water. Although, one ambulance was ready for service at any time, there was no occasion to use it. Cleanliness, neatness, sufficient electric and water supply, delicious food, served with enthusiasm, were the specialties. Maximum cars were driven by Sevikas only. The police, the civil and railway authorities, municipality, media all extended their hearty cooperation in all respects beyond normal expectations. There was a separate children section?Gokul?in which 55 children enjoyed the event. Vivekanand Kendra had taken the responsibility of entertaining the kids. The kids were so happy that they were unwilling to leave the place. Gokul was exquisitely furnished with toys, etc. The tiny tots had an opportunity to mingle with 30 other children from Jammu and Kashmir orphaned by terrorist attacks. These 30 children, all girls, are being brought up by Jammu Sevikas over the years and had accompanied Jammu Sevikas to Nagpur. All dhams were decorated in the respective state style. Each banner of the dhams had the picture of the goddess concerned. Tulsi Vrindavan, rangoli and small earthen lamps added to the sanctity of the atmosphere. All the pathsanchalans and shobhayatras were warmly received by various sections of the society with crackers and flowers in a graceful manner. There were also two Muslim girls who participated in the convention as regular Sevikas and one of them worked as a nurse in the Arogya vibhag.

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