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Until the early 1960's there were a very few Marathi families living in Toronto and the surrounding areas. A major influx started in mid-to-late 1960's. When the numbers were small, the families used to get together in an informal way. As the numbers started to increase, the community started organizing activities in a structured manner. These activities consisted of celebrating festivities such as Ganesh Puja, Diwali, etc. and programs for visiting artists from Maharashtra. When the number of Marathi families reached a sizable level, the "Marathi Bhashik Mandal, Toronto" was born in 1968.
For the first couple of years, the set up was somewhat informal. In 1971, the Mandal got a formal structure and the Executive Committee elected by the members was put in place.
With the setting up of the formal structure, the Mandal launched its newsletter "Snehbandh". The Mandal's constitution was promulgated in December, 1974. The governance of the Mandal has been carried out in accordance with this constitution ever since.
The Mandal was incorporated in the province of Ontario in 1984. It was registered as a Charitable organization with the Federal Government in 1989. Such status permits the Mandal to issue tax receipts for any donations received by the Mandal |