CM Devendra Fadnavis, RSS leaders pay tribute to former Rashtra Sevika Samiti chief Pramila Tai Medhe in Nagpur

While Fadnavis visited Devi Ahilya Mandir in Nagpur to offer his condolences, several others, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, and RSS leaders Dattatreya Hosabale, Mukunda C R, and Bhayyaji Joshi, paid their respects at the Rashtra Sevika Samiti office.

Born on June 8, 1929, in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district, Pramila Tai Medhe became associated with the Rashtra Sevika Samiti during her childhood. She learnt the basics of the organisation from the Samiti’s founder, Lakshmibai Kelkar (Mausiji). After completing her graduation and teacher training, she taught at a school in Nagpur for two years, and later also held a government job as a senior auditor. Twelve years before she was set to retire, she took voluntary retirement to work for the Sevika Samiti.

Over the years, Medhe held various responsibilities at the Samiti, at the nagar (city or town), vibhag (division) and prant (state) levels. She worked as the Pramukh Karyavahika of the Samiti from 1978 to 2003 and toured the whole country and visited England, America, Canada, etc. She then went on to become the organisation’s fourth Pramukh Sanchalika or chief, holding the post from 2003 to 2006.

Nagpur’s Devi Ahilya Mandir had been her home since 1965.

‘Living example of unwavering commitment’: PM Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat honour Pramila Tai Medhe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to offer his condolences to Pramila Tai Medhe. “Her entire life was dedicated to the service of society and the nation. Her invaluable contributions to women’s empowerment and social work will always be remembered,” he said.

राष्ट्र सेविका समिति की प्रमुख संचालिका रहीं श्रद्धेय प्रमिला ताई मेढ़े जी के देहावसान से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका संपूर्ण जीवन समाज और राष्ट्र सेवा को समर्पित रहा। महिला सशक्तिकरण के साथ-साथ सामाजिक कार्यों में उनके अमूल्य योगदान को सदैव याद किया जाएगा। ईश्वर शोक की इस घड़ी में…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 31, 2025

Speaking to the media in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called Pramila Tai Medhe a living example of unwavering commitment, tireless work and deep affection in conduct. “…it feels as though a maternal shield has been lifted over all the workers. From the Samiti’s early days till now, she embodied its spirit and even pledged her body to service through posthumous organ donation. She has worked tirelessly in the interior parts of the country too,” he said.

Fadnavis also condoled Medhe’s demise on X. “Pramilatai dedicated her entire life to the work of Rashtra Sevika Samiti. Under her leadership, the work of Rashtra Sevika Samiti reached across the country. Her dedicated approach inspired many sevikas to engage in national service. I offer my heartfelt tribute…,” he said.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also offered their condolences.

“Pramil Mausi Ji made a significant contribution to expanding the work of the Samiti in India. Her entire life was dedicated to patriotism and awakening the power of women. While managing her teaching and job, she took on responsibilities at the branch, city, division, and state levels of Rashtra Sevika Samiti,” he said, in a post on X.

Bawankule said that Medhe had dedicated her life to the work of the Samiti with unwavering commitment. “Her thoughts, leadership, and selfless lifestyle enabled the Samiti’s ideology to spread across the country. Her work provided direction, strength, and inspiration to many Sevikas,” he said, adding that her life would serve as a “guiding beacon for future generations”.