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.
Incorporation & Charity Registration:
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
Administrative Structure:
The affairs of the Mandal are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. The day-to-day administration is carried out by the Executive Committee. It consists of elected President, Secretary, Treasurer and other 10 members. It is assisted by the Advisory Committee consisting of three elected members.
The details of the responsibilities are set out in the Mandal's Constitution.
Administrative Support:
The Executive Committee is primarily responsible for carrying out the activities of the Mandal throughout the year. As this committee changes every year, certain functions that need continuity in operation are likely to suffer. To overcome this difficulty, some of these functions have been entrusted to certain members, who have agreed to look after these on a semi-permanent basis, i.e. as long as they agree to perform them. The following functions have been so delegated:
Accounting
Membership Data Base maintenance
Archives
Major Milestones:
1968:
The Marathi Mandal was formed in an informal manner.
1970:
The Mandal was set up in a formal manner. The first Executive Committee was elected to function for the following year.(1971)
1972:
The official newsletter "Snehbandh" was launched.
1974:
The Mandal's Constitution was brought into effect.
1977:
The Marathi School was started. The classes were held in small groups in teachers' homes. The Marathi Mandal Bridge Club was started.
1978:
The Marathi quarterly "Ekata" was launched.
1981:
The Mandal's Constitution was amended to add the Advisory Committee.
1982:
Marathi Chitrapat Mahotsava (film festival) was organized to celebrate 50 years of Marathi film industry. Seven Marathi films were shown.
1984:
Mandal was incorporated in the Province of Ontario.
1985:
Second Brihan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) convention was held in Toronto. Over 800 delegates attended. The out-of-town delegates (about 400) were accommodated in members' homes. The deliberations at the convention laid the foundation for the BMM's current structure and activities.
1986:
1. Start of the two-day youth camp.
2. Launch of the Youth Encouragement Fund to give prizes for excellence in academic, sports and extra curricular activities.
1987:
Two Marathi plays by local youth and children were staged.
1989:
1. Mandal was granted the Charitable Organization status. This permitted the Mandal to issue tax receipts for donations.
2. First Drama Festival was held.
1990:
1. The Sahitya Sammelan was started as an annual event.
2. The Sangeet Sammelan was started as an annual event.
1993:
Mandal celebrated Silver Jubilee.
1995:
"Vision 2000" Task Force submitted its report setting out the direction in which the Mandal should move in the future.
1996:
The "Policies and Procedures" manual for the Mandal was put in place.
Constitution. The day-to-day administration is carried out by the Executive Committee. It consists of elected President, Secretary, Treasurer and other 10 members. It is assisted by the Advisory Committee consisting of three elected members. 
