Vidya Joshi

Established in 2014 under the guidance of Maharashtra Mandal, Chicago (MMC), Chicago Marathi Vidya Mandir is a knowledge hub committed to imparting Marathi language, culture, history, and art to the second generation of Marathi children. This valuable initiative is a part of the larger Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal of North America (BMM), an organization with a wide network of over 46 schools across the North American continent. I am grateful to Niteen Joshi, a member of the BMM committee in 2014, and Kedar Navkal, the president of MMC in 2014, for providing the opportunity to initiate this venture.

The brainchild of BMM, the Chicago Marathi Shala project, strives to empower children by honing their abilities to read, write, and communicate in Marathi. Additionally, the program aims to provide exposure to Marathi culture by immersing students in various traditions and celebrations at school and MMC festivals.

Operated as a non-profit organization, Marathi Shala serves children aged 5 and above, with branches in Naperville, Schaumburg, and Buffalo Grove. The curriculum, carefully crafted in collaboration with Bharati Vidyapeeth, is designed to meet the unique needs of NRI children. It spans five levels of Marathi study—Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced—placing a 60% emphasis on oral communication and 40% on reading and writing skills. The program goes beyond language proficiency by integrating elements like shloka chanting, Marathi kavita, drawing, crafting, CMV dhol tasha, and more to offer a comprehensive cultural experience.

Classes are conducted once a week for one and a half hours, with sessions held during the Fall (Sep-Dec) and Spring (Jan-May) semesters. The official start of Marathi Shala is scheduled for the Sunday following Labor Day weekend.

Chicago Marathi Vidya Mandir is a registered and ISBE-approved Ethnic language School, with operations across three locations: Aurora IL, Schaumburg IL, and Wheeling IL. Presently, the institution accommodates 240 students learning Marathi. Marathi, being a widely spoken regional language in India and beyond, holds immense significance. The school diligently prepares students for Marathi Language exams conducted by Bharati Vidyapeeth Pune, India.

Furthermore, the achievement of state accreditation in 2016-2017 stands as a significant milestone, enabling the recognition and attainment of the State Seal of Biliteracy. The journey to incorporate the seal of biliteracy in schools and the ongoing endeavors have been made possible through the dedicated efforts of the team. I extend my sincere gratitude to all volunteers, children, parents, and MMC for their selfless support throughout this enriching journey. Additionally, I commend the hard work and dedication of the current team under the leadership of Vaidehi Deshpande and extend my best wishes to them for their continued success.

मला शिकागो मराठी विद्या मंदिर संस्थापक आणि माजी समन्वयक म्हणून या प्रवासाकडे मागे वळून बघताना काही कवितेच्या ओळी सुचतात त्या अशा.

मराठीचा ठेवा, जरा जपूनी ठेवा...
आपल्या मराठीचा गर्व, अभिमानाने फुलवा...
धन्य माझी माय माऊली, जिने मला वाढविले .
गौरव माझ्या मराठीचा, साऱ्या जगाने जाणिले...
मानते माय माऊली, अशी माझ्या मराठीची बोली...
रसभरी, मधुभरी वाणी, माझी माय मराठी गायली...
सदैव राहील प्रेम आमुचे, माझींया माऊलीवरती...
सर्वोच्च शिखर गाठील, माझी माय मराठी एकेदिवशी...
गौरवाने गाते गीत आपल्या मराठीचे...
मधूर वाणी लाभली आम्हांस भाग्याने
जन्मापासूनी नाळ जोडली, आपली या मातीशी...
नेऊ तुला शिखरावरी देतो वचन आम्ही
तुझ्याचं गर्भात रचिला आम्ही आयुष्याचा ठेवा...
आपल्या मराठीचा गर्व, अभिमानाने फुलवा...
आपल्या मराठीचा वारसा देते तान्हुल्या भातुकलीच्या हाता...
जोपासा माझ्या माऊलीला जिने गौरविल्या, घडविल्या लाख लाख पिढ्या...
ज्या कुशीत विसावला साऱ्या मानवतेचा ठेवा...
वास्त्यल्याचा ठेवा, जरा जपूनी ठेवा...
आपल्या मराठीचा गर्व, अभिमानाने फुलवा...
आपल्या मराठीचा गर्व, अभिमानाने फुलवा, अभिमानाने फुलवा....

विद्या जोशी
शिकागो मराठी विद्या मंदिर संस्थापक आणि माजी समन्वयक
Vidya Joshi (Ex-President, BMM Of North America 2019-2022)