The role of Sanatan Hindu women, or Aryas, is unique among women worldwide. Aryarmani presents a distinct perspective among the Viswanaris. Throughout history, Aryas have been known for their exemplary service to their households and husbands. When the Satpanth movement threatened our community, only a few men campaigned against it and worked to raise awareness in society. However, the contributions of women in the society were also significant in this effort. Their inspiring work to prevent the society from being tainted by religious conflict has been documented in words for future generations.

Dhanlakshmiben Rajaram Dholu:

Dhanalakshmiben was a pious and proud woman who devoted her life to society and religion, setting an example for other women.

When Satpanth’s wrongdoings and grand schemes were exposed, women in our society were among the first to offer their support. A promising start was the cooperation of Dhanalakhshmi Ben towards the first Kutch Kadwa Patidar Parishad. As Kshatriya heroes, we shouldn’t remain silent and endure the oppression of those who seek to harm us. In 1964, the youth section of the Patidar brothers living in Mumbai and Ghatkopar established the “Swadharmvardhak and Jatihit Chintak Mandal” which played a leading role in the movement, awakening the community brothers living in Karachi and abroad. The Karachi heroes invited themselves to hold a conference in the courtyard and demanded that the Mumbai congregation elect a worthy president.

During that time, Rajarambhai, a successful businessman from Mumbai, was unanimously selected to lead the congregation’s business and employment efforts. However, when the group of members approached him to express their desire. At this moment, Rajaram Bhai declined the offer considering the type of risks involved. Disappointed and upset, the congregation sought one last hope and met with Rajaram Bhai’s wife, Dhanalakshmi Ben, at their home. They explained the situation to her and she acknowledged that the lack of a worthy president was causing this extremely important work to stall.

Dhanalakshmi Ben insisted that each and every person in the cast should pick up tasks to serve the cast, regardless of the cost. Along with the congregation members, she persuaded her husband, Rajaram Bhai to lead. The brothers explained that they had already attempted to resolve the issue but the question arose about the conflicts within the societyand the repercussions that follow. Dhanalakshmi Ben reassured them and offered her support, saying that if they were willing to work tirelessly for the community, then they deserved help from her and her family. She promised to speak with her husband and urged them to continue with their work.

Mrs. Dhanalakshmi Bhai approached Mr. Rajaram Bhai regarding the Parishad to fulfill her promise. However, Rajaram Bhai informed her that his brothers also requested him to assume the position of president. Despite their insistence, he refused due to the likelihood of continuous protests, potential class conflicts within the family, and feeling isolated in the role.

Rajaram Bhai explained to Dhanalakshmi Ben that the task at hand was very difficult because the Pirana cult had deeply embedded itself into their community. Rajaram Bhai advised Dhanalakshmi Ben that if any of her relatives were also a part of this group, she would have to sever ties with them. Dhanalakshmi Ben, being a person of strong convictions, did not try to convince Rajaram Bhai to change his mind. Instead, she argued that speaking grandly about religion and destroying the Pirana sect would be useless without displaying the same courage in public. She believed that doing so would be deceiving not only the world but also themselves and God. 

Once aware that involvement with the “Pirana Panth” is a sin, one must act with unwavering conviction and publicly oppose it. All tasks under your leadership must be performed based on one’s community. Rajaram Bhai declined the position of president. He believed that it wasn’t right to go against the community by holding the office of President. 

Dhanlakshmi Ben was very clear in stating that it is fraudulent to simultaneously support opposing sides, likening it to keeping one’s feet in both milk and curd. As a true believer and reformer, you refuse to compromise your principles by being associated with the Piranha Panthi, even in the slightest way. I will inform everyone and gather with our fellow reformers. Even Rajaram bhai, a practical and strong ideological man, had to concede to the sound arguments, persuasion, and insistence of Sushil sister. The successful conference in Karachi was largely due to the efforts of a liberal and pious sister, who was both adventurous and wise in a male-dominated society. Dhanalakshmi Ben should be recognized for making this historic meeting possible.

Viranganas of Dayapar:

In the small village of Dayapar, the women demonstrated more devotion and perseverance towards religion than the men. The sisters, in particular, had a significant impact on the community with their courage and determination, which even managed to overcome the doubts of some of the bravest men. These women were willing to meet with their Satpanth parents, family, and relatives for one last time and sever all ties, refusing to have any further relationships. 

The sisters were very eager to undergo purification and did not let a single day pass without it. On the fifth day, Jeth Sud became pure and paid homage to Pirana Satpanth. These generous, loving, and pious exclamations were made by naive, uneducated Kshatriya sisters who abandoned their parents, brothers, sisters, daughters, and mothers forever in pursuit of Pavitraveda Dharma. These women had faith in their hearts and, on the auspicious day of Vikram Sawant of Dayapar village in 1979, on the Manglik day of the first Jeth Sud Panchman, 163 brothers and sisters accepted the Vedic religion of the most holy Sanat after performing Yajna-Homa-Devpoojan and purifying their bodies.

Kankubai – Panelli:

An article about Kankubai is provided elsewhere in this book, so it is unnecessary to repeat it here.

Community Conventions

In 1960, at the first conference, there were thousands of women and children present. All the first matric passers in their community were there. The session began with Laxmiben Bhadani’s Shubh Mangal Geet. Laxmiben was given the opportunity to express her thoughts during the convention. She emphasized that education is not only important for boys but also for girls. The wheels of the male and female chariots are the same, and they both have to move together.

During the year 1977, our community’s second convention was conducted in Nakhtrana. The event saw a significant attendance of sisters, who were given a separate time slot to express their ideas. This platform allowed women to present their thoughts, leading to an increase in women’s organizations across India due to the growing awareness among them.

During the third convention of the community in 1985, several resolutions were passed unanimously. These resolutions aimed to bring about social change and pertained to various practices related to marriage such as giving Panetar only in Mosala, abandoning the Ghunghat practice, dispelling superstitions, promoting girl’s education, eliminating Kuriwaja from the society, and establishing equality between daughters and sons.

In 1993, the fourth open conference of Shri Samaj took place where the power of women was felt by the attendees. Resolutions related to social issues were passed, along with discussions about the establishment of Mahila Sangh. On May 21, 1997, the Central Mahila Mandal was officially formed with Lakshmiben Bhadani as its leader and Ratanben Bhagat as the General Minister. Various issues concerning women were also discussed during the conference.

Throughout history, women have played a supportive role in our society, standing by their men in every endeavor, including campaigns against heretics, where they even became Viranganas (Warriors). Despite being uneducated, women gradually realized the significance of education and started teaching children alongside their household duties. Today, the daughters of our society are making strides in education, and contributing to the success of our community in every field.