Radha Devi Goenka

Radha Devi Goenka got her first glimpse of Shri Nathji on December 29, 1950 at Akola Station were she had come along with her husband Shri Kishan Lal Goenka. They were prominent citizens of the city. She was greatly attracted to Shri Nathji  asked Shri Nathji for Prema – Bhakti, love and devotion towards God. Shri NAthji said to her “Evry genuine desire must find fulfillment. Also such a desire only arises when there is Prem Bhakti to began with.  Later at Akola, she invited SHri Nathji to her home and performend panch – Aarti of Shri Nathji.

   Radha Devi Goenka who had once contemplated the Governorship of Central Provinces, apparently become deeply interested in Philetrphy and religion after meeting Shri Nathji. On 15th August 1953, she formed a charitable organization named Rajasthani Mahila Mandal, Chandrapur. This sanshta was formed with four members, where Smt. Radha Devi Goyanka was the Chairman and finally this took shape of Sarvodaya Mahila Mandal. (the picture is taken on the day of its formation with Radha Devi Goenka in the center.) when many other ladies joined it. Thus Sarvodaya Mahila Mandal. was established by Radha Devi Goenka on Gandhiji's Anniversary - 2-10-1953. It’s mission was to work and exert for betterment and progress of women and children in the field of education morality and culture, to strive for development of fine arts, Social Sciences and to create interest in physical and practical knowledge, strive for creating ability and capacity in women to work and be able to establish themselves and be self reliant. This Sarvodaya Mahila Mandal is now one of the most impotent N.G.O in Eastern Maharashtra and runs several schools and dispensaries. Radha Devi Goenka also strived for higher education of girls and thus stated the Smt Radha Devi Goenka Mahila Maha Vidyalay and Radha Devi Goenka College. This is now among the most distinguished colleges of Maharashtra.