Foundation of Marathi Bhashik Mandal

Immigration of Marathi speaking immigrants to Canada began in the early 1960s and increased steadily up to 1970 mainly from the Western State of India called the state of Maharashtra, via Africa, Europe and the United States. The majority reside in Ontario, especially in metropolitan Toronto. Most Maharashtrians who immigrated to Canada are professionals; university professors, doctors, engineers, architects, lawyers, investment specialists, social workers, accountants and government officials. Many established informal social groups in 60s saw the need to have a formal approach to respond to the cultural and social needs of Maharashtrian Canadians and their attempts resulted in founding the Marathi Bhashik Mandal (Marathi Speakers’ Association) in Toronto in 1968. The Mandal with a appropriate formal structure of its membership and an elected Executive Committee was put in place in 1971. The Mandal's constitution was promulgated in December, 1974.

Mandal’s activities reflect both the cultural continuities and the changes that are taking place among Maharashtrians in Canada. The MBM sponsors cultural events from Maharashtra such as Music groups, famous plays, film festivals as well as major theatre and performing-arts groups which helps to maintain cultural linkages with the home land, Maharashtra, India.

The MBM published newsletter "Snehabandha" (Friendship Bonds), has been an important feature to keep Maharashtrian community in Toronto well informed with the current activities and community news.

Incorporation & Charity Registration:

The Mandal was incorporated in the province of Ontario in 1984 and attained the status of Registered Charitable organization with the Federal Government in 1989. The MBM issues tax receipts for Donations to the Mandal

Administrative Structure:

The Mandal’s administration is in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Each year, the administration is carried out by the elected Executive Committee (EC) consisting elected President, Secretary, Treasurer and other 10 members. It is assisted by the Advisory Committee (AC) consisting of the Chair, Secretary, 2 other members and the current president. The detailed responsibilities are set out in the Constitution.

Administrative Support:

The functions of the Mandal allied to the continuation of the Mandal’s activities from year to year are looked after by the Administrative Support Group for functions such as Accounting, Auditing, E-Patra, Snehabandha administration, website maintenance, archives, database maintenance, insurance and government relations are being looked after by the appointed members who are responsible for these functions.