Niteen Joshi

Chicago Marathi Vidya Mandir is a temple of knowledge teaching Marathi language, culture, history and art to the second generation of Marathi children. Under the auspices of Maharashtra Mandal, Chicago (MMC) it was established in 2014. Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal of North America (BMM) has over 40 schools all across the American continent.

Vidya Joshi conceptualized this school. I was a member of BMM Executive Committee at that time and I wholeheartedly supported this idea.

Chicago area has a long history of Marathi Shala but those efforts were limited to smaller groups by visionaries like Late Dr. Ushatai Mahisekar and Ashwini Modak. This effort by MMC is commendable and very encouraging. I served as a Trustee of the school in first few years just making sure that the initiative runs smoothly. BMM has provided a curriculum designed by Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune.

There are multiple grades where students meet every Sunday for two hours and learn Marathi language. Over the years, the Chicago Marathi Shala as it is known everywhere has flourished very well. There are three branches currently run by volunteer teachers and parents whose selfless efforts have taken the school to new heights.

Vidya Joshi’s efforts to get accreditation from the Illinois Board of Education allow children who complete the curriculum to earn college level credits as well. The children not only learn the curriculum but have learned Marathi culture and art. Students have performed shows and recitals at many MMC programs and Shala’s Annual Day - Maharashtra Din. There is also a Dhol Tasha team whereby children perform the traditional Marathi percussion program. I am thankful to all the parents, teachers and organizers who have taken relentless efforts to make this happen and flourish.

As a founding member of Chicago Marathi Vidya Mandir, I thank Vidya Joshi, Sulakshana Kulkarni and Vaidehi Deshpande who have led this effort and today there are more than 175 students enrolled in three branches of the Shala. MMC has been very supportive of this activity by allowing it to operate as an autonomous body. I offer everyone involved in this initiative the best of my compliments.

Niteen Joshi (Member, BMM Board of Trustees 2019-2026)