MKSSS’s Bhaubeej Fund Dedication Ceremony

“Bhaubeej is a Powerful Tradition of Righteous Strength” – Dr. Pravin Dabadghav
MKSSS’s Bhaubeej Fund Dedication Ceremony Concluded
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December 20, 2025 – “Great social leaders like Maharshi Karve and the late G. M. Chiplunkar have carried out the important task of organizing the righteous forces in society and channelling them into constructive work,” said Dr. Pravin Dabadghav, Prant Karyawah (West Maharashtra) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He was speaking as the chief guest at the Samstha’s Bhaubeej Fund Dedication Ceremony.

The Bhaubeej Fund scheme, initiated through the vision of the late G. M. Chiplunkar, former life worker of the Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha (MKSSS), has now completed 106 years. The scheme continues even today and benefits thousands of poor and needy girl students. Every year, on December 20—the death anniversary of the late G. M. Chiplunkar—the Bhaubeej Fund Dedication Ceremony is held. This year too, the ceremony was conducted at the institution. Present on the dais were the Society’s Vice President Smt. Smita Kulkarni, Chairman Shri. Ravindra Dev, Vice Chairperson Smt. Vidya Kulkarni, Management Committee Member CA Abhay Kulkarni, Secretary Dr. P. V. S. Shastry, and senior Bhaubeej volunteer Smt. Manishatai Koparkar.

In the introductory address, Smt. Vidya Kulkarni recalled the work of the founder of the Bhaubeej scheme, the late G. M. Chiplunkar, expressed gratitude toward all Bhaubeej Fund volunteers, and conveyed special satisfaction that the tradition of the Bhaubeej Fund has taken root in the next generations of many volunteers. While presenting last year’s statistics of the fund, she emphasized the need to further increase the amount collected.

On this occasion, senior Bhaubeej volunteer Smt. Manishatai Koparkar, who collected the highest amount for the fund this year, and Smt. Sushilatai Apte, who collected funds while residing in the Samstha’s old-age home, were awarded the first prize of the Bhaubeej Fund by the dignitaries. The second prize was awarded to Smt. Shailaja Joshi and Smt. Padmaja Pathare.

In her speech, Smt. Manishatai Koparkar proudly mentioned her grandchildren who are continuing the Bhaubeej Fund tradition, as well as the heirs of traditional donors. She also expressed the hope that the new generation would be associated with the Bhaubeej Fund and that former students of the samstha would maintain their bond with it as volunteers. Ninety-one-year-old volunteer Smt. Shailajatai Joshi also shared her heartfelt experiences on this occasion.

Some girl students who participated in Bhaubeej Fund collection also shared their experiences. These included Ms. Prerana Shetty, Ms. Priyanka Prasad, and Ms. Mohini Ahire. All of them spoke about the appreciation the Samstha’s work receives from the community.

A short film explaining the use of the recently launched digital receipt book ‘Kanyartha’ was screened, along with photographs of Diwali gifts distributed by the Society to volunteers in Mumbai. As the main highlight of the program, the collected Bhaubeej Fund pouch was formally handed over to Vice President Smt. Smita Kulkarni by the chief guest, Dr. Pravin Dabadghav.

In his address, Dr. Dabadghav praised the tradition of dedicating the Bhaubeej Fund. “Generally, people in society are honest and patriotic, and they have an inherent tendency to support good causes to the best of their ability. This is the righteous strength of society, and it is because of this strength that society continues to function,” he said.

By citing examples such as senior RSS pracharak Madhukaka Limaye, who exemplified the highest level of dedication, and the devoted attitude of RSS volunteers in Kerala despite intense opposition to Hindutva, he described the powerful inner conscience present in ordinary individuals. He stated that many volunteers have carried out significant national service through Sangh work, and that the Bhaubeej scheme is also an effective medium of such national service.

Concluding his speech, he said, “There is a need to pat dedicated workers on the back. This is a responsibility we all should fulfill.”

Several Bhaubeej volunteers from Mumbai also attended the ceremony. The program was compered by Smt. Kirti Gandhe, a teacher at Vision English School, along with Ms. Swanandi Sangvikar, a student of the same school. Dr. Madhuri Khambete, Principal of Cummins College of Engineering and Chairperson of the Life Workers’ Council, delivered the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the students of Vision English School, Wai singing the Vande Mataram.