History of Mandal

Baltimore Marathi Mandal (BMM) was formed on February 1, 2009 by a small Orkut community group with the initiative from four families – Mr. Mangesh and Mrs. Kiran Khedikar, Mr. Sakar and Mrs. Anuja Kawle, Mr. Vinnie and Mrs. Shubhangi Rege, Mr. Sachin and Mrs. Anuprita Khedkar. Our first Mandal event was on March 7th, 2009 which was Holi and a get-together. Initially, the goal of the organization was to promote Marathi Language, Celebrate Marathi festivals, encourage children to learn about the Maharashtrian tradition and culture and to give the community a chance to preform and express their talent. Aim was to make new friends and to bring Marathi families in the area together to support and help each other.

2009:

  • Started new Orkut community group (http://orkut.google.com/c81798537.html)
  • Started new web site – http://www.baltimoremarathimandal.org
  • Created database for all local talent and community leaders/ supporters
  • Sending community emails through web site was introduced
  • Some of the events performed by the newly formed community:
    • Holi and Gudi Padwa on March 7th 2009 at IndiClub, Woodlawn, MD
    • Spring Picnic on May 16th at Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City
    • Cultural and Movie Night on July 11, 2009 at HCC
    • Independence day celebration on August 15th, 2009 in Towson
    • Ganesh Chaturthi celebration on September, 23rd 2009 at GBT
    • Diwali celebration on October 17th, 2009 at HCC
    • Marathi Sanskar Classes for kids at Greater Baltimore Temple

2010

  • Started membership model
  • Started Facebook group and community: https://www.facebook.com/baltimoremarathi/events?ref=page_internal
  • Payment mode was simplified and channeled through the BMM website using a credit card and PayPal
  • Official committees and an executive team with positions were created
  • BMM constitution and By-laws were drafted
  • On August 19th, 2010 ‘Baltimore Marathi Mandal’ received ‘The Certificate of Incorporation’ from the Secretary of State (State of Maryland)
  • Started new BMM Bank Account

2011-2012

  • BMM Logo was established – Initiatives were taken to collaborate with other surrounding Mandals – Event and Ad Sponsorship model was introduced – Marathi newsletters were published – Marathi Library and books circulation initiative was researched

2013-2014

  • On January 2013, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit status to ‘Baltimore Marathi Mandal’ – Setup election officers and election process for the BMM committee

2015:

  • In September 2015, we purchased General Liability Insurance for BMM, with which we can book any hall or auditorium at a discounted rate.
Executive Committee 2011 2012 2013 2014
President Sakar Kawle Mangesh Khedikar Sanjeev Gholap Rahul Mandsaurvale
Vice-President Mangesh Khedikar Sanjeev Gholap Rahul Mandsaurvale Sakar Kawle
Vice-Prez-Mktg NA NA NA NA
Secretary Sanjeev Gholap Rahul Mandsaurvale Sakar Kawle Renu Gholap
Treasurer Sachin Khedkar Ashwini Nagarkar Ashwini Nagarkar Shilpa Gandhe
Co-Treasurer Vinne Rege Sachin Khedkar Shilpa Gandhe Prerna Mohod Kadu
Executive Committee 2015 2016 2017 2018
President Sameer Ahirrao Sanjay Pawar Avanti Rajadhyaksha Swapnil Konde
Vice-President Mangesh Khedikar Sachin Khedkar Mahendra Marathe Sandeep Kesarkar
Vice-Prez-Mktg NA Mahesh Zarkar Vinayak Wagle Sameer Ahirrao
Secretary Vivek Patil Mahendra Marathe Rashmi Rath Shamal Shete
Treasurer Sumeet Desai Shailesh Deshpande Leena Khedkar Geeta Nath
Co-Treasurer Madhavi Sabnis Charuta Patil Balasaheb Kawade Rupali Marathe
Executive Committee 2019 2020 2021 2022
President Prajakta Dravid     Monika Deshpande
Vice-President Sudhin Bengeri     Ruchira Mahajan
Vice-Prez-Mktg Vinnie Rege     Shilpa Bengeri
Secretary Gauri Turner     Smitesh Lokare
Treasurer Samradni Shinde     Deepanvita Kalele
Co-Treasurer Prajakta Purohit     Rama Gandhe