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Our Vision
Our vision at Maharashtra Mandal London is to foster a vibrant community that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra while creating a welcoming space for all generations. We aim to promote Marathi traditions, language, and values, offering a platform for cultural exchange, learning, and growth. By organising diverse events, educational programmes, and social initiatives, we strive to connect Maharashtrians in the UK, strengthening bonds within our community and with the wider British society. Our vision is to preserve our cultural roots while embracing the future, encouraging unity, inclusivity, and mutual respect for generations to come.
Our Mission
At Maharashtra Mandal London, our mission is to foster and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra while promoting unity and inclusivity among the diverse Indian diaspora in the UK. We strive to create a welcoming space where Maharashtrian traditions, language, and values can be shared and passed on to future generations. Through a variety of cultural, educational, and social events, we aim to build a sense of community, provide support to individuals and families, and strengthen cultural ties. Our commitment is to preserve our identity while embracing the multicultural fabric of the UK.
Our History
Our history at Maharashtra Mandal London is a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and community spirit, proudly serving as a hub for Maharashtrians in the UK since our founding.
Founded by Late Mr. N. C. Kelkar, a Marathi writer and a politician - in London in 1932
We received donations from Mr & Mrs N.H. Sahastrabudhe, Mr & Mrs S Prabhu, the late Mr. Ram Marathe, Mr. S J Dighe, Mr. & Mrs Chaugule, and the Maharashtra State Government - In late 1980’s ‘Vastu’ became a reality
It was renovated to become a pleasant community centre from a rather rundown, redundant church building - in 1989
Maharashtra Mandal London is one of the oldest Marathi organisations outside India. Late Mr. N. C. Kelkar , a noted Marathi writer and a politician, founded it while attending a roundtable conference in London in 1932. Many dignitaries such as Dr. Ambedkar, Barrister Jaikar, Diwan Surve of Kolhapur, Dr. Godbole and Dr. Krishnarao Moreshwar Pardhy were present at the inauguration tea party.
The Mandal later flourished under Mr Tamhankar of the Kesari newspaper, who had previously served as Mr Kelkar’s secretary. It continued to organise various gatherings and events until the outbreak of the Second World War. Following the war, the Mandal’s activities were revived in 1952 when Mr Balasaheb Kher was appointed High Commissioner of India in London.
A new generation of young Maharashtrian families came together, transforming the Mandal into a social hub. They organised Marathi music concerts, dramas, traditional cuisine events, and Diwali dinners. Consequently, the Mandal hosted numerous renowned artists from India and was visited by notable figures such as M.M.D.V. Potdar, Mr C.D. Deshmukh, Mr Y.B. Chavan, Mr Sharad Pawar, and more recently, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh.
After acquiring its own premises in 1989, the Mandal was able to solidify its activities and establish a permanent foundation for its development. Since then, it has continued to organise 10 to 12 cultural events each year. Additionally, it runs regular activities such as an annual summer play scheme for children, a day centre for the elderly, sports facilities including badminton and table tennis, talent showcases like dramas and concerts, and a monthly women’s gathering known as the ‘Mahila Mandal’.
Shree Ganeshotsav remains the Mandal’s most significant event, with active participation from all members. All activities are centred around Marathi culture, reflecting its rich traditions and the love Maharashtrians have for drama and music. Over the years, the Mandal has also extended support during natural disasters in Maharashtra and across India.
While the Mandal offers a social platform for adults to connect, it also serves as a valuable opportunity for the next generation to experience Maharashtra and India within this community. The aim is to provide them with a platform to make friends, learn about their cultural heritage, and enjoy a built-in community like “Maharashtra Bhavan”, our own building.
For many years, the Mandal’s programmes were hosted in rented halls or theatres. In the late 1980s, the dream of acquiring our own ‘Vastu’ was realised. A church building became available, and the trustees and executive committee launched a campaign to raise funds for it. We received generous financial support from our members, alongside significant donations from Mr & Mrs N.H. Sahastrabudhe, Mr & Mrs S Prabhu, the late Mr Ram Marathe, Mr S J Dighe, Mr & Mrs Chaugule, and the Maharashtra State Government. It is remarkable that many members worked tirelessly to raise the necessary funds during that time.
On average, we received £150 per member family as a donation. The Mandal paid £72,000 and acquired its own premises on a 99-year lease in 1989. The building, previously a run-down, disused church, was renovated into a welcoming community centre.