MAIYTRA

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MAIYTRA, the Maharashtrian Association of Indian Youth Together Representing America, is a biennial convention that provides an environment that reinforces Maharashtrian cultural beliefs and values. It creates a forum for young adults from around the country and internationally to meet others who have similar values, backgrounds, and most importantly, who share an interest in maintaining their Marathi roots during these changing times. The MAIYTRA convention is a cultural conference for those who identify with the state of Maharashtra in India.

Started in 1994 in an effort to preserve Maharashtrian culture among Marathi youth, MAIYTRA was born as a subset of the larger BMM (Brihan Maharashtra Mandal) of North America.

BMM was set up in 1981 to coordinate the needs of increased Marathi settlers in North America. They began hosting biennial conferences to bring together Marathi speaking people to gather around familiar faces and customs and to celebrate their heritage. By 1994, attendance at these conferences rose from hundreds to thousands, making it difficult to provide for the individual needs of each age group within BMM.

Then came MAIYTRA. MAIYTRA was formed to cultivate this rich heritage among the second generation. Following in the tradition of BMM, MAIYTRA has also been hosting biennial conventions for Marathi-Americans aged 18-35, and setting up networks among members.

Over the years attendance has grown to almost 500 and has included Maharashtrians from all over the world.

Being Marathi means different things to different people. Some identify being Marathi with having Marathi parents, having lived in Maharashtra, being married to or friends with a Marathi, or speaking Marathi. MAIYTRA conventions provide a comfortable, social atmosphere in which Marathis can explore various questions and concerns they have about their community and its role in their lives and in the world.