V. Shantha Kumari
Venkatramaiah Shantha Kumari (born 5 February 1952) popularly called "Shanthakka" is the current Chief (Sanskrit: Pramukh Sanchalika) of the Hindu nationalist women's organisation Rashtra Sevika Samiti. She took charge as Chief in 2013. Early life Hailing from Bengaluru, Karnataka, she grew up in a household which actively practiced giving and devotion to the cause of the nation. Her father was active in the Quit India Movement (1942), her homemaker mother gave away all her jewellery following the call of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1968, when she was 16, Shantha Kumari came in contact with Rashtra Sevika Samiti. By 1969, not only had she completed all required Rashtra Sevika Samiti training schedules, she was conducting a daily shakha at Wilson Garden, Bengaluru. Soon after, she was made the Chief Instructor. Within five years her devotion and ability led her to the office of Nagar Karyavahak (Town Chief/In-charge). Career In 1977, Bengaluru hosted an important Rashtra Sevika Samiti event where Shanthakka met the then Samiti Sarkaryavahika Vandaneeya Moushiji Lakshmi Bai Kelkar. Kelkar exhorted the young woman to devote more of her time and energy to Samiti activities. By 1978, Shanthakka had taken a decision-she would devote herself full-time to the Samiti, and will