History

Thana Maheshwari Mandal is a social organization (NGO) established somewhere around 1978. Few residents of Thane were members of the Maheshwari Pragati Mandal, Bombay (even before 1978). It was that time when Bombay MPM had its limits upto Thane City.  As the geographical size of the Thane city was increasing and Thane was slowly turning from a town to city now having its own Municipal Corporation, these members now felt the need of having a separate Mandal at Thane due to the growing immigrating population of Maheshwaris in Thane. This would bring various new families together locally, understanding their needs, involve participation of all the members (including the newcomers), celebrating festivals together, do social activities, etc. This is how the idea of having a separate Thana Maheshwari Mandal emerged.

The first meeting with this purpose was held at Swami Samarth Mandal, Thane in somewhere in first half of 1978 and all the residing Maheshwaris in Thane were called for the meeting. About 45-50 people attended the meeting. Individuals like Shri Puranmalji Mundra, Shri Amarchandji Baheti, Shri Bhalchandraji Mundra, Shri Jugalkishorji Mundra, Shri Narayandasji Rathi, etc. spoke on this occasion. Everyone felt the necessity of forming an organization by the name of Thana Maheshwari Mandal. The main objects of the organization decided in this meeting were as: 1) Sewa, 2) Sahayog, 3) Sanghatan.

Periodic meetings started taking place at the residences of various families. Two years down, they started feeling the need of having a separate Hall for conducting meetings; various small festivals get together, etc. After a long search of about 2 years, in around 1984, a hall was finalized for acquisition to be used for the activities of the mandal in building known as ‘Gautam Deep’in Vishnu Nagar area of Thane at the cost of Rs. 765,000=00.

We had a major contribution of Rs. 251,000=00 from Shri Thiranji of Kores India Ltd., Rs. 51,101=00 from Shrimati Yashodabai Puranmalji Mundra and Shri Ayodhyabai Jaskarankji Mundra each. Appeal was made to every Maheshwari family to contribute atleast Rs. 2000=00 for this cause. Even after collection from the members, there was a shortfall of approximately Rs. 280,000=00. Then a souvenir booklet was printed and advertisements worth Rs. 210,000=00 were collected. Builder was kind enough to give the possession of the premises even when we were short of approx. Rs. 70,000=00. This we paid the builder later in a short span of time.

Shri Satish Pradhan, the mayor of TMC at that time inaugurated this Mandal Hall in a grand opening ceremony which was held in 1984.  Same day morning a Satyanarayan Puja was conducted by Shrimati Yashodabai & Shri Puranmalji Mundra.

The constitution was framed and registered as a Charitable Institute with the Charity Commissioner, Thane. Efforts were made to give the donors of the Thana Maheshwari Mandal benefit under section 80G from the Income Tax Commissioner, Pune and these efforts succeeded. An appeal was made to Thane Municipal Corporation for making the property tax NIL on our Mandal Hall and with the support of all we managed to get full exemption from the payment of Property Tax. This facility we are enjoying till date.

Thana Maheshwari Mandal is a Charitable Trust and Social Organization with a focus on Social Service to the Society at large and with the Maheshwari community at its core. It is active in the city of Thane since almost last 40 years. The Mandal conducts various activities throughout the year for the Members. The structure of Thana Maheshwari Mandal is as under:

Nyasi Mandal is a parent body who has founded the Thana Maheshwari Mandal, purchased the property and has framed rules and regulations of the Mandal to facilitate its smooth working towards achieving the goal of social service to the society. As per these rules and regulations framed, a Karyakarini Samiti was formed, a constitution was framed and the working of Mandal has started accordingly.

The work of the Nyasi Mandal is to maintain the property, to renovate, to buy new property, to sell, to give on rent or to take on rent any property for doing the activities of Mandal. In short, this trustee boards have full control on immovable and movable property of the Mandal.

Under the guidelines of this Trust Board, the Karyakarini Samiti functions and the other three Samitis work under the supervision and guidance of the Karyakarini Samiti. All the different Samitis conduct various activities throughout the year focusing on specialized events.

The main focus of the Karyakarini Samiti is to enroll new members, make them participate actively in various mandal functions. The next focus is on to promote the activities of social welfare for the members and the society at large and act as a Co-ordinator among the various Samitis

The Prominent Activities of the main Samiti are:

1. Participate in the Annual Gudi Padwa:

Nav Varsha Swagat Yatra organised in the city. The Mandal keeps the stall of Cold Drinks for all the participants in the Yatra. This is the Celebration of the Gudi Padwa.

2. Mahesh Navmi Celebrations:

Mahesh Navmi is celebrated every year by organizing different events like Satsang, Processions, Pooja etc. Lord Mahesh is the Fore father of the Maheshwari Community. The event is celebrated with lot of fervor and reverence.

3. Diwali Celebrations

On the occasion of Diwali and Hindu New Year, every year an event is organized where all members of the Samaj participate to wish each other and celebrate this festival. An Annakut (56 Bhog) is organized so that all families can participate in this. A Cultural Programme is arranged where artists from the families of members perform dance, plays, skits etc. A Bhajan programme is also arranged for the benefit of members followed by a community lunch.

4. Holi Celebration:

Holi is one of the most awaited festivals among the members of the Mandal. Holi is a Festival of Colors and Music. To celebrate the Festival for all the Community Members, a common programme is arranged for all to play with colors. A cultural programme is also arranged along with snacks, thandai and lunch so that Members can enjoy playing Holi with the entire Mandal Family.

The Mandal is also actively involved in other activities like supporting education activities of needy students, supporting patients with medical needs, supporting matrimonial activities, supporting the community in any natural calamity, etc. In various natural calamities, like the Latur earthquake, Kerala floods, Sangli floods, Mandal members have always been in forefront in contributing towards flood relief to the affected families in that area.

In the month of September 2019, a Community Water Fountain was inaugurated at the hands of Mayor of Thane for the general public and was dedicated to the city in Thane East. All the expenses were borne by the Mandal by voluntary contribution from members and funds were also collected for the regular upkeep of the same on a permanent basis. There is Continuous Endeavour on behalf of the Mandal and its members to work towards the well-being of the community and the society at large and all the members of the Mandal strive towards this objective which is well reflected in the logo of the Mandal.