Women Should Pursue ‘Career with Character’, Says Rashtra Sevika Samiti Chief

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, March 8, 2026: Women should pursue a “career with character” by bringing sincerity, ethical values and a strong sense of responsibility to their workplace, said V Shantha Kumari, chief of Rashtra Sevika Samiti.

In an interview with PTI, Kumari said women are free to choose any profession but should perform their work with honesty and integrity. “Women can choose any career, but it should be a career with character,” she said, adding that work must be done sincerely and without corruption.

Kumari also spoke about the organisation’s perspective on feminism, saying the Indian approach focuses on developing one’s own qualities and character rather than competing with men. According to her, Western feminism often emphasises comparison with men, while the Indian approach stresses self-development and responsibility towards society.

Founded in 1936, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti functions as a women’s organisation parallel to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for men.

Kumari said women can play a key role in the country’s development alongside men across different fields. She noted that women often bring a sense of care and family values into workplaces due to their maternal instincts, which can help create a cooperative and responsible work environment.

“Women have the nature of treating everyone like a family member because of matritva (maternal instinct). If they bring such a family atmosphere, people will work together with sincerity,” she said.

She added that women are capable of managing both family responsibilities and professional roles, enabling them to contribute significantly to society and national progress.

Kumari said the organisation encourages women to participate in social and national development through its network of shakhas. Through these units, women are motivated from a young age to dedicate time to social service and community welfare.

Commenting on government initiatives such as the Lakhpati Didi programme aimed at improving women’s economic participation, Kumari said financial support programmes can boost women’s confidence and help them plan their future.

She described such initiatives as positive but stressed that their effective implementation is crucial. “The plans are very good, but the execution should be proper; they should reach even the remote villages,” she said, adding that society must also play a role in ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

Encouraging young women to explore innovative ideas, Kumari said government support at the initial stage can help them start ventures and create employment for others.

“The younger generation has many innovative ideas. If the government encourages them, they can start something on their own and even create jobs for others,” she said, adding that such confidence would help them progress independently in the future.

Kumari emphasised that women should use their qualities and abilities for the betterment of society and the nation.