LAXMIBAI KELKAR (1905 – 1978)
LAXMIBAI KELKAR (1905 – 1978), born Kamal Datey and affectionately known as Mausiji, was a distinguished Indian social reformer, freedom fighter, and a pioneer in the field of women’s empowerment.
Born in Nagpur on July 5, 1905, Kamal Datey was married at a young age to lawyer Purshottam Rao Kelkar, in keeping with the customs of the time. Following her marriage, she was renamed Laxmibai Kelkar. In 1932, she was widowed and took on the
responsibility of raising six sons and two daughters from her husband’s previous marriage.
Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and living near Sevagram Ashram in Wardha, she actively participated in freedom movement activities such as prabhat pheris (early morning processions) and meetings. Her exposure to nationalist ideology grew when her sons introduced her to the work of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In 1936, Laxmibai met Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS. Although initially hesitant to extend the organization’s scope to women, Dr. Hedgewar agreed on the condition that she would assume complete responsibility. With this support, Rashtra Sevika Samiti was founded on Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra), October 25, 1936, in Wardha, with a vision to instill cultural and national values among Indian women.
Mausiji displayed exceptional leadership, traveling extensively under challenging circumstances while fulfilling her familial duties. She emphasized the relevance of epic ideals from the Ramayana and Mahabharata in contemporary life and firmly advocated for the equal participation of women in nation-building.
She also focused on women's physical and spiritual strength. Drawing from traditional wisdom and modern health practices, she consulted physicians and health experts to redesign Samiti’s physical fitness programme, incorporating Yoga and holistic wellness. A devotee of the Divine Feminine, Mausiji introduced the worship of Devi Ashtabhuja (the eight-armed Goddess Shakti). The goddess was represented holding a lotus, Bhagavad Gītā, saffron flag, fire altar (Agni Kund), bell, sword, beads, and a protective hand, and her idol was installed in many Kendras (centres) across India.
Laxmibai Kelkar passed away on November 27, 1978, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, devotion, and determined service to the nation through the upliftment of women.
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