Over 200 Slum Development Clusters Converge at ‘Rashtrotthana Parivara Sangama’

Over 200 Slum Development Clusters Converge at ‘Rashtrotthana Parivara Sangama’

Bengaluru, Feb 27 – Mar 1: Marking the grand culmination of the 60th ‘Seva Sambhrama’ of Rashtrotthana Parishat, a three-day Rashtrotthana Parivara Sangama was organized at the Rashtrotthana Vidya Kendra in Thanisandra. The final day featured a massive women’s conclave representing the Seva Vasati Prakalpa (Integrated Slum Development Project).

The chief speaker for the event was Ms. Akshatha Gokhale. Shri M. P. Kumar, President of Rashtrotthana Parishat, and Shri Na. Dinesh Hegde, General Secretary, were also present.

In his introductory remarks, Shri Na. Dinesh Hegde recalled the journey of the initiative:

“Thirty years ago, we identified areas with a need for service and called them ‘Seva Vasati’. Starting with just 50 centers, today we operate in 200 Seva Vasatis. Through beautician courses, tailoring, self-help groups, and tuition classes for school dropouts, service is reaching people in multifaceted ways. Though our country may be economically poor, it is culturally rich. Our ancestors built magnificent temples using their sheer knowledge, even without modern science. Our women do not live merely for themselves. Today, that glorious tradition has faded slightly, and we must wipe away the dust to reclaim it. The mothers gathered here have come with a firm resolve to follow our Dharma, our way of worship, and our heritage. We must keep our homes clean and raise our children to be cultured and value-driven (Samskaravantharu).”

Chief Speaker Ms. Akshatha Gokhale, speaking to the students on “The Success Stories of Indian Women,” stated:

“We call the land we live on ‘Matrubhoomi’ (Motherland) because it fulfills all our needs. It does not matter if one is born or raised in a Seva Vasati; what matters is utilizing the guidance and inspiration of Rashtrotthana to achieve greatness.”

Addressing the mothers of the Seva Vasati on the topic “Empowered Women, Strong India,” she added:

“When ‘Amma’ turns into ‘Mommy’, the values imparted also change. If we want mangoes, we cannot plant neem. Expectant mothers must listen to and speak of noble ideas right from pregnancy, as planting good values creates a cultured society. When the mother is strong, the nation becomes strong. When our religion and heritage are threatened, we must rise up like Goddess Durga and Chandi. We must resolve to nurture a ‘Rama’ right from our household cradles.”

Shri M. P. Kumar encouraged the gathering, saying:

“You are doing grand work in the small spaces available to you. It is true that you face hardships, but the greater the struggle you overcome, the sweeter the victory. Laziness is our biggest enemy. Let us not give excuses about lack of opportunities or external hurdles. Maintain a clean home, instill values in your children, and ensure they stay away from bad habits. May success crown your efforts.”

Key Takeaways & Insights Highlighted During the Sessions:

• Our saints never viewed a woman merely as a child-bearing machine; they declared that where women are honored, the gods reside.

• The wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata carry the ultimate message that disrespecting a woman leads to total destruction.

• Since ancient times, women have held supreme intellectual standing; Ubhaya Bharati served as a judge in a profound philosophical debate, while Vedic seers like Gargi and Maitreyi remain our timeless role models.

• It was by invoking the feminine energy (Shakti) that the Holy Trinity destroyed the demons.

• Infosys was born because Sudha Murty contributed the ten thousand rupees she held in her hands.

• What we do is far more important than where we are or how we live.

• The success stories of remarkable women provided immense inspiration to the attendees, including:

  • Soujanya Vasishta of ‘Abhyas’, who overcame depression.

  • Sneha Rakesh, who built the company ‘Athermax’.

  • Harini Shivakumar, who created aids for Down Syndrome and built a ₹200-crore turnover business.

  • Kalpana Saroj of ‘Kamani Tubes’.

  • Mansi Joshi, a Paralympic medal winner.

• Our sacred rivers, like Kaveri and Krishna, are named after women.

• A mother holds the position of the first Guru because it is her responsibility to guide a child onto the right path.

• Sita going to the forest was not a surprise but her right. Similarly, Sumitra did not stop Lakshmana from leaving; instead, she advised him to protect Rama and Sita, treating them as his own parents.

• Because of the values instilled by Ganga, Bhishma rose above being a mere king to become the revered patriarch (Pitamaha).

• Jijabai, who urged the removal of the green flag to hoist the saffron flag, narrated the stories of Rama and Krishna to her son, which is why Shivaji became Chhatrapati Shivaji.

• Abhimanyu fought like a legendary warrior because he listened to the secrets of the Chakravyuh warfare while still in his mother’s womb.

• Giving birth is a natural biological process, but it requires true worthiness to become a real mother.

• In a deeply moving segment, the beneficiaries of the Seva Vasati project shared their personal transformations. They expressed how, with the support of Rashtrotthana, they have become completely self-reliant. They are now capable of paying their children’s school fees independently, have pooled their savings to secure loans, and have broken free from the vicious cycle of high-interest moneylenders. Many proudly shared that they have progressed from not even knowing the word ‘tailor’ to successfully running their own independent tailoring shops.