Women at Work

I've been observing the work of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since I was a child. My paternal uncle, the late Rambhau Haldekar, and my maternal uncle, the late Dattaji Bhale, were both dedicated pracharaks and committed RSS workers. Our home was steeped in the RSS' ethos, and there was a Rashtra Sevika Samiti shakha nearby. I started attending that shakha, and got completely immersed in it in no time.

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During my college years, I met Tai Apte, the Samiti’s second chief. Her influence on me was profound. I attended the Samiti’s training sessions, and the work captivated me. As I completed my education, I felt a growing urge to devote more time to expanding the Samiti’s work. The late Bakultai Devkule, then Maharashtra chief of the Samiti, was exceptional at nurturing workers. Inspired by her, I started travelling for the expansion of work. In 1989, a large convention was held in Pune. Around that time, I was asked, “Would you go to Assam for Samiti work?” I knew nothing about Assam beyond geography textbooks, and I had no connection to its customs. Yet, with firm resolve, I said yes! However, just before I was to leave, my father passed away. For a while, I wondered, “What now?” But my mother, a woman of immense courage and patriotism, told the Samiti officials, “I’ve given my daughter to you. As planned, you can take her to Assam for work.” With her blessings, I set foot in Guwahati.