Until 1994, there were very few Maharashtrian families in Kansas City and surrounding towns like Lawrence and Topeka. The number might be within 15 total. The families were celebrating our festivals like Diwali and occasions like New Year`s day at someone`s house or in club house. Since 1994, due to the improvement in the technical field in Kansas City, more and more people especially in software engineering field started coming to Kansas City. Some of them came directly from India and some moved from other states.

Due to the increase in the number of Maharashtrians in the last couple of years, it became impossible for the person who was hosting the function, to invite everyone for celebrating festivals like Diwali. Mrs. Manda Shuke felt very bad F leaving many people uninvited to our festivals. She decided to do something about this and started circulating the idea of forming Maharashtra Mandal in Kansas City. Later in early 1995 at Mr. Pravin Kulkarni’s house where Mr. and Mrs. Shuke were invited for dinner along with other friends, Mr. and Mrs. Shuke and Mr. Pravin Kulkarni discussed to establish Maharashtra Mandal. Mr. Kulkarni immediately greeted the idea . Afterwards Mr. Limaye, Dr. Chhatre and Mr. Sane were among others to welcome the thought of forming a mandal. They suggested that Mr. and Mrs. Shuke take leading part in organizing the mandal. Later when requested by Mrs. Shuke, Mr. Sanjiv Shelar agreed enthusiastically to join us and shared the responsibility of being the treasurer for the mandal. Mr. Pravin Kulkarni worked as an active member in the committee until he left for Toronto, Canada in 1997. A working committee was formed and Maharashtra Mandal was established on a very auspicious day of Maharashtra , GUDI PADWA in 1995.

In the mandal, there never had been any formal election. All the committee members have the equal status. They all work together and take the decisions jointly. This tradition is still continued. In forming Maharashtra Mandal, Mrs. Manda Shuke played a key role. She worked hard and patiently organized the menu and refreshment in all our programs especially in 1995, 1996 and 1997. She has been giving valuable suggestions , encouragement and advice in all our entertainment programs. Her dedication is really appreciated.

However every member whether in committee or outside committee has contributed in forming the Mandal successfully. Ladies are working hard in preparing food at every occasion.

Our Mandal is affiliated to Brihan Maharashtra Mandal of North America. We are member of Brihan Maharashtra Mandal since May 1998. Our Mandal is also registered as Non Profit Organization with Kansas State and Johnson County since 1997.