Clubwise: Maharashtra Mandal Dubai

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities. We also bring you bits of news from other such groups. So that you know what is happening when, where and why. This week: Maharashtra Mandal Dubai

The Maharashtra Mandal Dubai, affiliated to the Indian Association, Dubai, is a social organisation formed by the residents of Dubai and Sharjah originally hailing from the Indian state of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Mandals (MM) exist in all corners of the world wherever a few Maharashtrians have gone in search of better life or brighter prospects.

Dubai is no exception. In the April of 1973, a handful of Marathi-speaking residents of Dubai assembled to form a MM in the Emirates. It was a commendable act, no doubt, but even more commendable is the uninterrupted continuity the MM has provided to young and old Maharashtrians alike for close to 30 years – a reminder of their roots, a custodian of their culture. Since that modest beginning, the club has grown from strength to strength, now boasting nearly 500 members.

"Transparency in the financial matters of MM ensures neither funds nor authority is misused," said Ravi Punekar, a MM member since 1975.

Each April, a new managing committee led by a newly-elected president takes charge of the annual programmes. Each year, the managing committee tries to outdo their predecessors by giving better, more innovative programmes.

In the first few years, the events were mostly indigenous, utilising local talent. In 1981, then president Ravi Dingankar invited the late P.L. Deshpande, an acclaimed and prolific writer, actor, playwright and musician, thereby setting a welcome precedent. Among celebrities who have performed for members of MM Dubai since then are Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Asha Bhosle and her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

The activities traditionally include musical evenings with guest artists from India, staging plays by professional theatre companies, entertainment programmes by members and their families, picnic, celebrations of some key Indian festivals, literary evenings and more. These play an important role in making children aware of their cultural heritage in distant lands.

The Marathi people are renowned for their interest in the arts and Marathi theatre is considered to be among the most progressive in India. MM members in the Emirates too stage at least one three-act play every year, choosing from a wide variety of plays by well-known playwrights.

Professional actors and actresses who visit MM are usually overwhelmed by the response of the appreciative audience. It is a venue for like-minded people to meet, speak the language and enjoy the variety of events. Most members feel they have benefitted by the numerous friendships developed over the years through MM.

To become a member of MM all one needs is to pay an annual fee of Dh240 per person and be able to speak the language since all programmes are necessarily in Marathi. Children under 12 years are free. For all those with Marathi as their mother tongue, Maharashtra Mandal is a home away from home.