Maharashtrians in Australia: Sammelan & a 28-year journey

In the early 1980s, there were around 30-40 families from the western Indian state of Maharashtra trickling into Victoria. Like any diasporic community, the families reached out to one another and met socially—a connection enhanced by something deeper than just a cultural visibility.

“Whenever a Marathi decides to become a non-resident Indian, they first try to find out whether there is any ‘Marathi Mandali’ around. This affinity and affection have resulted in the establishment of many Maharashtra Mandals around the world,” says Yashwant Jagtap, an IT professional and a Maharashtrian who moved to Australia in 2008.

As the numbers in Victoria began to grow, Marathis living in Victoria got together and formed the Maharashtra Mandal Victoria (MMV), adding another Mandal to those around the world. It was formally incorporated as a ‘not for profit’ community organisation in 1989.

“If you go by the latest census, the population throughout Australia is close to 26,000, with significant concentration in Victoria and New South Wales,” says Jagtap, adding, “From the social networking perspective, Victoria alone has 2,000 plus members with MMV and registered members ramp up to around 800.”

He believes the number could be higher. That is because, often, people forget to mention what language they speak at home on census night as it is not mandatory.

Last year, Jagtap led a campaign to ensure that people don’t forget to mention Marathi as spoken language in the home. He is happy that the figures have now bumped up with that campaign.

“There is a significant increase in population as on record,” he avers. “The arrivals of Marathis gathered significant momentum in the late 1990s because of IT revolution, more job prospects and opening up of different skills categories in Australia.”

Apart from adding to the growing diversity of Australia, the increase in numbers meant it had its own merit especially in the setting up the Mandal. Jagtap, who took over as President of the Mandal last year, says, “Our mission is to promote and nurture Marathi culture within the community and pass this legacy to the next generation.”

Towards that end, the Mandal organises various cultural programs containing music, drama, dance, kids’ programs, Marathi and Sanskrit language classes, pooja and yoga classes, students/young job seeker related seminars, business events, and cross community integration hosting mega events such as the All Australia Marathi Sammelan (Convention) every three years. It also celebrates all other Indian festivals.

But it is the All Australia Marathi Sammelan that is a grand event for the community. Maharashtra, besides being one of the largest producers of cotton in India, boasts of a literature and culture that is rich.

Preserving and sharing this culture is a means of consolidating the community for many. The sammelan or convention copies the US model of Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) where communities from all states converge in one particular venue to celebrate and share this tradition and culture based on the principles of respect, learning and creativity.

The same thought process was applied in Australia, says Jagtap. “We also started the convention 28 years ago. This pan Australia community event is celebrated every three years and is mainly alternatively hosted by Sydney and Melbourne. Interestingly, all Marathi mandals across New Zealand too participate in this event.

“Our community, spread all across Australia and New Zealand along with broader Indian communities, are bonded together which means businesses can leverage this synergy to sell/promote products and engage in businesses effectively,” says Jagtap.

However, apart from capturing the excitement and possibilities of trade and commerce, the convention is also about accruing cultural capital. Connection to one’s roots, exploring the literature on arts and culture, seminars on mental health, science, education, et al, are part of the three-day event “so people share their skills or talents in whatever form.”

The last convention was held in 2019 in Sydney.

This year, Melbourne is hosting the Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan (AAMS 2022) in September after six years. “Our theme will revolve around five elements of life famously known as The Panchtatvas which revolves around the sky, earth, water, wind, and fire,” says Jagtap.

The drawcards for this year’s sammmelan are eminent guests from India from all fields. Actors Leena Bhagwat, Mandesh Kadam, Rohan Gujar, Madhura Deshpande will be present, as also Umesh Kulkarni (director of movies like Deool, Valu, Vihir, Highway).

Nandesh Umap, son of legendary Marathi singer Loksahir Vithal Umap, along with his musicians will regale the crowd. Dr Mohan Aghashe, actor, psychiatrist and speaker on Mental Health and Wellbeing, will share his knowledge.

And not to mention the presence of social reformers and Padmashree awardees – Dr Smita and Dr Ravindra Kolhe – who have done significant work for the tribal community in Maharashtra. “They’ve spent their life giving back to the community. So, it would our honour to have them come and open the event,” says Jagtap.

It is justified why Maharashtrians feel proud of their heritage and celebrate it—anywhere in the world!

Click here for full details of Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan 2022

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As the nos. in #Victoria began to grow, #Marathis living in Vic got together & formed the Maharashtra Mandal Victoria, adding another #Mandal to those around the world. It was formally incorporated as a not-for-profit community org in 1989. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/cnwXrPEqcb

— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) September 5, 2022

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