₹5 Crore Sanctioned for ‘Maharashtra Bhavan’ in London – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Mumbai, Aug 2025 : A long-pending demand of the Marathi community in London to have their own cultural center is set to become a reality. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the Government of Maharashtra has approved a fund of ₹5 crore for the Maharashtra Mandal, London, to purchase a building owned by the Church of England and establish a ‘Maharashtra Bhavan’ there. On the occasion of Ganeshotsav, this initiative is seen as a special gift from the Maharashtra Government to the Marathi diaspora. The Maharashtra Mandal, London, has expressed gratitude to Deputy CM Pawar for this support.

The Maharashtra Mandal, London, founded in 1932 by Dr. N.C. Kelkar, personal secretary to Mahatma Gandhi, is one of the oldest Marathi organizations outside India and the UK’s foremost Marathi institution. Since its inception, the Mandal has aimed to unite Marathi people in and around London through social and cultural activities. For 93 years, it has been organizing festivals, cultural events, and social initiatives.

Currently, over one lakh Marathi-speaking people in London and surrounding areas are associated with the Mandal. However, since its establishment, the Mandal has operated from rented premises, and the community had long desired a permanent cultural center of its own.

Just last week, representatives of the Mandal met Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in Pune and requested financial assistance from the Maharashtra Government to establish Maharashtra Bhavan. Pawar responded positively and directed that a proposal be submitted immediately. With the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the State Government has sanctioned ₹5 crore for this purpose. This fund will be used to purchase and develop Maharashtra Bhavan, which will finally provide the Marathi community in London with a permanent cultural and social hub.

Deputy CM Pawar expressed confidence that Maharashtra Bhavan will serve as an important platform for strengthening bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and Maharashtra. It will also promote cultural exchange through Marathi literature, dance, music, and festivals. Additionally, the Bhavan will host language classes, workshops, and international conferences to encourage the global spread of the Marathi language, thereby enhancing its presence and strength at an international level.