Large Funding of INR 5 Crores Approved for the 'Maharashtra House' in London

The Marathi community in London is set to have a permanent cultural and social hub, as the Maharashtra Bhavan project has received approval from the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.

The historic building currently used by the Maharashtra Mandal London, one of the oldest Marathi organisations outside India founded in 1932 by Dr. N.C. Kelkar, will be acquired for the project. The Church of England is selling the building due to insolvency.

The Maharashtra Bhavan will be purchased for Rs five crore, significantly less than its market value of Rs 20-22 crore. The state government has sanctioned Rs five crore for the project.

The building will be formally owned by Maharashtra Mandal London and will be named Maharashtra Bhavan in recognition of the state government's support. Both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar have given their approval to the project.

In the initial stages, the Maharashtra Bhavan will be used for cultural programs and community gatherings. It will also provide accommodation facilities for visiting delegates from Maharashtra.

Moreover, the Maharashtra Bhavan will host language classes, workshops, and international conferences aimed at promoting Marathi globally. In the long term, it is expected to function as an incubation and investment center for Maharashtrian entrepreneurs and visitors exploring business opportunities in the UK.

The Marathi community in London has been advocating for a cultural centre of their own for years. In January 2023, members of the Maharashtra Mandal submitted a formal request to then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, seeking financial assistance to purchase the property. Representatives of the Maharashtra Mandal reiterated this request during a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Pune last week.

The Maharashtra Bhavan will promote cultural exchange through Marathi literature, dance, music, and festivals. It will serve as an important platform for strengthening bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the Government of Maharashtra.

With more than one lakh Marathi-speaking individuals in the UK associated with the Maharashtra Mandal London, the Maharashtra Bhavan is expected to become a significant hub for the Marathi community in London and beyond. The renovated building will undoubtedly become a beacon for Marathi culture and a testament to the strong ties between Maharashtra and the UK.

Large Funding of INR 5 Crores Approved for the 'Maharashtra House' in London