The Anand Bazaar - 6th May 2001

The first programme arranged by the new committee led by President Shobha Banarse was held at the Mandal Hall on Sunday 6 May 2001. The Anand Bazaar was a resounding success with a record number of thirty six stalls and well attended by an estimated 250/300 members and friends.

After a welcome address by the President, the chief guest, the popular Sunrise radio presenter Sarita Sabarwal gave an account of her career at the radio station. At the suggestion of our senior member Vasant Joshi, she responded to a proposal for a weekly Marathi music programme with a recommendation that a petition to that effect be presented to the radio station. On the spot, the petition was raised and signed and safely handed to her for onward transmission to the managing director of 'Sunrise Radio', we will keep you informed of progress.

Besides the vast array of mouth-watering food and delicacies for the first time the tiny tots were not excluded. Thanks to our youthful EC members, a bouncy castle and balls pool were provided and enjoyed immensely - possible future members of the MML? Our gratitude goes to Sharad Sarangdhar and Vasant Joshi for jointly sponsoring the children's entertainment and all the stall members for their generous contributions. It was particularly heartwarming to see a large number of under 30's present. The tasty 'Panha' prepared by Sheela Kothare and sponsored by Shailatai Joshi was enjoyed by all. Our thanks to Kumar Talpade for his imaginative hall decoration and to Arvind Prabhu Desai, Jayant Gandhe, Leena Bhome, Manohar Pawar and Vasant Joshi for all their assistance.The Guinness Book of Records award winner Ash Kumar gave us an amazing illustration of the Art of Mehndi - Henna hand decoration. He holds the record for the highest number of decorations completed in an hour.

The evening closed with a showing of a popular Marathi comedy film "Ashi Hi Banwa - Banwi". Our thanks also go to the raffle prizes sponsors Ash Kumar, Sharad Dandawate, Shailatai Joshi and Nirmala Inamdar. Besides being an enjoyable social occasion the proceedings yielded a record collection of over £1,200 to Mandal's funds.

- Shobha Banarase, President, Maharashtra Mandal. London,UK

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