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Pramukh Sanchalika Of Rashtra Sevika Samiti > Page1
Vandaneeya Taiji always describes an ideal worker as one who has ice on her head and sugar on her tongue. In fact this is the real and appropriate introduction of her nature also. Vandaneeya Taiji (Saraswatibai) Apte, the Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, is herself an embodiment of motherhood and leads the organisation in that Spirit.
Born in 1910 and brought up in the naturally beautiful and lively region of Konkan in Maharashtra, she assimilated the energetic evergreen lively attitude of nature.
She was fortunate to have an opportunity to stay with her paternal uncle, late Shri Lokmanya Tilakji the Father of Indian Unrest, who gave a clarion call of Independence. Taiji received her primary lessons of devotion, dedication and love for the motherland in his association.
In 1925 she was married to Shri Vinayakrao Apte, an advocate of Pune. He was Sangh Chalak of Pune city and Pune District. Ma. Vinayakrao never hankered after money and spent much of his time in propagating the principles of R. S. S. When Param Pujaneeya Doctor Hedgewar and Shri Guruji Golwalkar visited Pune, they always stayed with them only. On such occasions Va. Taiji had an opportunity of observing their fives closely and was influenced by them. After her marriage Taiji joined the tuition classes to learn Hindi, Sanskrit and English. But she could not complete it as she was busy with household duties. R. S. S. Workers, Pracharakas and Adhikaries always used to come in her home as there,was no Sangha karyalaya; and staying in hotels was not the practice of those days. She was very prompt in her work and never grumbled about it. On the contrary she heartily received these unique guests. The homely atmosphere, motherly treatment and patriotic talk inspired them, when they were sick or homesick. Many Pracharakas still remember her tasty preparations.
The work of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, that we see in Maharashtra is her achievement and long standing efforts. With the help of Mananiya Indirabai Divekar of Karad, and Mananiya Kashitai Kulkarni of Solapur, she organised training camps of Sevikas, Shibirs and tours of the Districts in West Maharashtra.
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