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महाराष्टर् मंडळ िशकागो वषर् 39 अंक दसराु

गुढी पाडवा ÔरचनाÕ

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kotkr baMQau jvaolasa- saaonao caaMdI maaotI AaiNa ih-yaacao vyaaparI

p%ta: 2 SyaamavaaDI ranaDo raoD

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Amaoirkot Aa^D-r krta

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Tel: (630) 963-0903 Fax: (630) 963-1034

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Namaskar Mandali, This year’s Sankrant, the first program of the year, had some notable First’s in Mandal history: Patron: This is a new “membership” category that was proposed and approved during the General Body meeting last year. It is my pleasure to report that Vrushali and Milind Panat received the honor of being the First Patron. They will be the First forever. Life Member: Three new life members in one evening. Wow! That beats the last 38-year average by a 3:1 margin. Nametags: It was a suggestion by one of the members, Sunanda Gokhale. It is a very simple and (cost) effective way to get to know new people in a social gathering. Everyone liked the idea, and they proudly wore their nametags. Loot: Up until now, it was the God given right of women only to “loot”. This year we, the men on the committee, challenged it on behalf our brothers and argued “why not us?” The women committee members, faced with the possibility of losing it altogether, decided to let the men have a piece of the loot. But as you might have noticed, they chose the item for us… A Dove bar soap (instead of a Life Boy!) that they knew very well was only going to be used by them. Very smart! Tilgul, and Halwa Dagine Competition: It ended up being Tilgul competition only. We had to drop the Dagine category due to shortage/ unavailability of halwa in the Indian grocery stores… Does anyone know how to make halwa anymore? Anyway, all the tilgul entries were unique and delicious (trust me on this one). The winning recipe is published in this Rachana. Committee Members: The way the entire program was put together and executed, you would not have believed that 80% of the committee members were First timers, and it was their First experience in arranging a social program like this. Everybody in attendance had nothing but praise and admiration for the way these First timers carried themselves. The future is bright, folks. All they need is your support and encouragement. Attendance: This is one First that I would not call notable but it sure was quite noticeable. The attendance, 103 people, was well below the average of 150 that we had planned for. I am sure you will show up in large numbers for the future programs and set the First All Time High Attendance record. I mentioned the Firsts first because the main event, Pu La Jeevangatha, did not need any special mention from me. Also, there is a very well written report on the program that you will find in this Rachana. There is another First I had not planned for. The committee is losing 2 of its members, Shilpa and Sandeep Mujumdar, our Rachana publisher/editor. They will be moving to Ohio by the end of March. We will miss them and their contributions. On behalf of all the members of MMC, I wish them the best. See you all at the Padwa celebration, Shyam

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Maharashtra Mandal Chicago Presents

On the auspicious occasion of “Gudi Padwa” Music from Inner Soul

By Smt. Devaki Pandit

Accompanied by: Kumar Karandikar (Harmonium)

Kedar Pandit (Tabla) Shrimati Devaki Pandit is one of the top performers of classical, semi-classical, light and devotional music of India. She is well known for her classical music, including devotional light classical forms such as bhajans and abhangs. In addition, she has been very successful in commercial film music as well. She is very well known to the public as a judge on the famous TV show ‘Idea SaReGaMaPa’ televised by Zee Marathi. Kumar Karandikar, disciple of great Veteran Pandit Appasaheb Jalgaonkar, has performed in many prestigious Musical concerts across India & abroad, and has accompanied many talented artists like Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar, Devaki Pandit, Shownak Abhisheki and others. Kumar has given numerous stage and television performances for light vocal music. Kedar Pandit, disciple of late Pt. Yeshwantrao Kerkarji of Ajrada Gharana and his elder brother Gurubandhu, Pt. Shreedhar Padhye, has shared stage with classical greats like Pt Jasaraj, performed with renowned music directors like Naushad, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Uttam Singh, Jatin-Lalit and many others. Kedar has produced more than 150 albums for companies like Times Music, Sony Music, Tips Music, Venus, and others. When: Saturday, April 19th 2008 At: 5.00 PM Where: Balaji Temple 1145 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL Music has no language barrier…...Non Maharashtrian music lovers are most welcome!!

RSVP AT:

Shyam Anturkar: 847-397-7039 Kalpana Neklikar: 312-281-1786

karyakarini@mahamandalchicago.org www.mahamandalchicago.org

Admission: $22 – Non Members (Includes Dinner)

$17 – Members (Includes Dinner) $7 – Child (Includes Dinner)

$10 – Students (Includes Dinner)

RSVP Please, Seats are Limited.

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Inner Soul by Smt. Devaki Pandit

Devaki Pandit received initial training of music from her mother Smt. Usha Pandit and advanced training from Pt.Vasantrao Kulkarni, Padmabhushan Smt.Kishori Amonkar, Padmashree late Pt.Jitendra Abhisheki. Presently she is learning from known vocalist Pt.Babanrao Haldankar. She started performing at the age of nine and did her first recording at the age of twelve. Since then she has not looked back. Born with melody in her voice and charm in her persona, this young singer has created magic in the world of classical music. She has not only given performances in India, but has undertaken concert tours all over the world at the invitation of prestigious institutions. She has also sung for various films, with renowned music directors, but her attention remains focused on Hindustani Classical music. Devaki has developed her own style of singing and has won many hearts through her performances.

Here are some of the compositions of Devaki Pandit which are very dear to all: 1) "Daayi Aankh Bole" from the film "Daayra" 2) "Phir bhor bhayee jaaga madhuban" from the film "Saaz" 3) "Raag Baageshri" from her classical album named "Inner Soul" 4) Bhajan "Sai Se Lagan Kathin Hai.." from "Inner Soul" 5) The ghazal "Aankhonse Baatein..." with Hariharan in the album "Halka Nasha" 6) "Krishna Jal Mein.." & "Shyam Ki Ratt Ab Lagi..." from her album Vrindavan, music composed by Shrinivas Khale 7)"Sanwaren Rang raanchi.." & "Bhayee Hun Baawaree.." from her album "Mohane man Harayu".

Apart from this, she has also sung bhajans by Ramdas Swamiji in the album "Shyam Rang"; shlokas in "Upanishad Amrut";along with Shankar Mahadevan (music by Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma). Her other films include "Kabhi Haan, Kabhi Naa" with Jatin-Lalit, "Betaabi" with Vishal Bharadwaj, "Guddu" with Naushadji. She has recently released an Album called "Aradhana Mahakali", the music of which is composed by herself. She has also sung for "Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia in his album named "Krishna Utsav".. Devaki's talent is also honoured by the prestigious awards bestowed upon her. She is the only

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recipient of the prestigious Kesarbhai Kerkar Scholarship for two consecutive years. She won the Maharashtra State Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1986 for the film Ardhangi. She also received the Maharashtra Government's Best Female Playback Singer award in the year 2002. Apart from these awards, she is the recepient of the Alpha Gaurav Puraskar, consecutively for the year 2001 and year 2002, and Mewati Gharana Award for the year 2002. Devaki Pandit gave an enthralling performance in "Ninaad", a Classical music program on the Star Plus channel. Sa Re Ga Ma, a musical contest on ZEE TV, was privileged to have her as their judge for the children's Mega-final held in November '98 . Her participation in Marathi Saregamapa as judge has given a different dimension to her career. One can go on and on in describing her talent, but her music will speak for itself...... let’s gather together to listen to her performance on April 19th, 2008.

From an avid fan………

________________________________

Here is something………………………………New

Dear all readers, Have you noticed a cover page of this edition? Isn’t it beautiful? It has been designed by Mrs. Pallavi Rajwade, a last time winner of ‘Tilgul Competition’. For enthusiastic readers and members like you all, we are very happy to present Rachana in the new form and with different content. With this ‘Rachana’ we have started two new concepts namely “Informative” and “Paksiddhi”. We plan to cater variety of topics through this. Rachana is for everyone, from grandchild to grandparent! Let’s make it better and better. We would appreciate drawings, paintings, poems, short stories, recipes and articles from all of you. Do send us achievements of your children in the field of education, sports, art etc, so that we all can share that joy through Rachana by publishing their names. Like we had “Tilgul Competition” during Sankrant function, we plan to have Souvenir/Memento design competition for our Padwa function. This keepsake would be a Ceramic Mug/Cup with Maharashtra Mandal Chicago emblem. We are inviting innovative designs for this competition. Emblem can be downloaded from the website. Do send us these designs on email at karyakarini@mahamandalchicago.org Waiting for your emails! Revati Oak (For , Committee 2008)

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कवयऽी शांता शेळक्यांची 'पैठणीवर' अत्यंत भावःपशीर् किवता……. फडताळांत एक गाठोडे आहे, त्याच्या तळाशी अगदी खाली

िजथे आहेत जनेु कपडे , कंुच्या, टोपडी , शेले, शाली , त्यातच आहे घडी करून जपून ठेवलेली एक पैठणी, नारळी पदर , जरी चौकडी , रंग ितचा सुदंर धानी.

माझी आजी लग्नामध्ये ही पैठणी नेसली होती , पडली होती सा-याच्या पाया हाच पदर धरून हाती , पैठणीच्या अवतीभवती दरवळणारा सआूम वास,

ओळखीची... अनोळखीची... जाणीव गढू आहे त्यास.

धूप कापूर उदबत्त्यांतून जळत गेले िकती ौावण, पैठणीने जपले एक तन... एक मन... माखली बोटे पैठणीला केव्हा पुसली ,

शेवंतीची, चमेलीची आरास पदराआडून हसली.

वषार्मागनू वषेर् गेली , ससंाराचा सराव झाला , नवा कोरा कडक पोत एक मऊपणा ल्याला ,

पैठणीच्या घडीघडीतून अवघे आयुंय उलगडत गेले, सौभाग्य मरण आले, आजीचे माझ्या सोने झाले.

कधीतरी ही पैठणी मी धरते ऊरी कवळनू , मऊ रेशमी ःपशार्मध्ये आजी भेटते मला जवळनू , मधली वषेर् गळनू पडतात कालपटाचा जळु्तो धागा , पैठणीच्या चौकडयांनो, आजीला माझे कुशल सांगा.

************************************************************************

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INFORMATIVE

(Internet a web of information) Dear readers, From this Rachana we are starting a new series called “Informative”. This is about information available on internet. We will try to mention new links of articles on different personalities, varied topics, politics, entertainment and lots more. We are a medium to connect you to the information you would like to read, we do not have any intention to carry away credit of the original authors. The first link is about a unique person, who is well known as “TOY MAGICIAN”. His name is Mr. Arvind Gupta; an IIT graduate, voracious reader, fond of children, passionate about child friendly scientific Toys and what not?

Well-known author in children’s literature and director of “Balbhavan” Mrs. Shobha Baghwat has written a fabulous article on Mr. Gupta. This was published in “Saptahik Sakal Diwali Ank- 2003”. I hope you all would like to read more about Mr, Gupta by clicking the following link. <http://ebooks.du.ac.in/edu-resources/Resources/books/Marathi/saptahiksakal2003.pdf>

________________________________

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Paksiddhi

Masala pasta Very tasty variation of pasta for Indian palate.

Ingredients

Directions

1 pack Pasta(any shape)

3 cups Vegetables(onions, peas, broccoli, capsicum, carrot, cabbage )

1 tsp. Garlic(paste) 1 tsp. Cumin Seeds

1 tsp. Green Chili Paste ½ cup Butter

1 tbsp. Vegetable Oil ½ tsp. Turmeric Powder

Spring Onion for garnishing Salt to taste

1. Boil pasta as per instructions on the packet

2. Cut all vegetables in long pieces.... 3. In a vessel, put oil and fry all the veg on

high flame for 2 minutes add a pinch of salt to taste and keep aside.

4. In a pan put butter....add cumin seeds fry for 1 minute.

5. Add green chilly and garlic paste. .fry for 1 minute. Optionally add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder for color.

6. Add pasta and vegetables. add salt to taste

7. Garnish with finely chopped greens of green onions and serve hot.

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Sankrant 2008 celebration of Maharashtra Mandal Chicago This year Maharashtra Mandal Chicago celebrated its Sankrant Mahotsav on Feb. 2nd, 2008 at Arya Samaj Hall. Makar Sankrant is one of the most important festivals of Hindu Calender. It is celebrated in the month of ‘Magha’ when sun passes through the winter solstice, from tropic of Cancer to tropic of Capricorn. Makar literarily means ‘Capricorn’. MMC celebrated this festival in a traditional way. All the women were greeted with ‘haldi- kunku’, i.e. by putting a yellow-red dot of kum kum on their forehead and were given a packet of bindis. Revati Oak, Manju Dawande, Kanchan Bhide and myself greeted all the women. Before that all the guests were welcomed by committee members Saurabh Neklikar and Sandeep Mujumdar who also managed front desk registration. In Maharashtra this festival is celebrated with sweets til-gul made up of sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gul). We also distributed these sweets. There was a competition of decoration of til-gul for ladies which got a great response. First prize was bagged by Prajakta Markandeya and the second prize went to Pallavi Rajwade. Congratulations to both the winners and thanks to all the participants. The main attraction of the celebration was a documentary based on the life of a renowned marathi litterateur Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, more popularly and affectionately known as PuLa. This film was produced to mark his 61st birthday. This film was made available to MMC by Shreedhar Damle. This film is all the more special as PuLa himself has narrated his life history in his own buoyant and witty style for which he is well known. Instead of writing an autobiography he preferred to unveil his life through this medium where he was a master of rendering. Innocence was the main quality of his personality which reflects in his humor. His worldview was marked by a certain innocence and nostalgia. His personality was always unspoilt by glamour or greed. PuLa is well known for his work in literature, music, theater and cinema. As a writer his work spans a variety of genres from short stories, essays to profiles and beautiful novels. Born in Mumbai on November 8th, 1919, he was educated at Pune’s Fergusan college and Willingdon college, Sangli. He worked as a lecturer and teacher before making his move into literature in 1940s. Bal Gandharva, the legendary actor/ singer, Ravindranath Tagore and P.G. Woodhouse have been the abiding influences on this writer. The range and resilience of PuLa’s creativity were reflected in more than 40 books. He has translated several noted works to produce absorbing Marathi plays. He liked to call his adaptations as Bhavanuvaad or ‘translating expressions’ rather than just words. His original works include some of the classics in Marathi literature. Even in today’s era of MTV, mobile and microchips, a PuLa play runs “House Full”. Apart from his literary contributions, PuLa also had a deep interest in Hindustani classical music and musical theater in Maharashtra. He was an ardent fan of Pt Mallikarjun Mansoor, the greatest musician of all the time. PuLa was greatly influenced by a special urgency and earnestness in his treatment of melody. PuLa used to play the harmonium and was a talented singer. He was a good music and film director as well as a great actor. This film covers his life span of 61 years which included his personal as well as professional life. In 1946 he married Sunita Deshpande nee Thakur, who is herself an acclaimed author. PuLa and Sunita have

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made lot of donations to the charitable institutions and worked for a social cause. The best part is that they have always maintained a low profile on these things. Truly a couple with golden heart!! Sunita Deshpande also had an interesting story to tell about their marriage which was published in the year 2006 which was 6 years after PuLa’s death. Their marriage anniversary and PuLa’s death anniversary both fall on the same day, i.e. June 12 which was a strange coincidence. The Story was titled Aath Aanyatle Lagna (marriage in fifty cents). Theirs was a very simple registered marriage and the form was costing fifty cents, hence the name. During the program this story was read by Revati Oak who made it interesting by her narrating style. The whole program was made enjoyable by the comparing of MMC team members. Kalpana Neklikar, Revati Oak, Jaideep Deshpande, Manju Dawande and Kanchan Bhide had shouldered the responsibility of comparing and they did an excellent job. President Shyam Anturkar also addressed the crowd. No celebration is complete without a delicious food. After the film, a delicious Indian food was served by MMC committee members. On the flip side there was a bit of a delay of 10-15 minutes in the arrival of food. This delay was from the side of the caterer though the food was scheduled to come much earlier. Thanks to all the attendees who cooperated with committee members and everything went on smoothly. The whole program was started and ended on time. This program was telecast on Television’s TV Asia channel on February 5th at 9:30 pm CST and there was a repeat telecast on the next day at 10:00 am CST. Thanks to Vandana Jhingan from TV Asia who made it possible. Committee member Sujit Vaidya coordinated with Vandana on this. Those who could not attend the event could watch it on TV. Audio visual equipments for PuLa’s film were arranged by Shyam and Prakash Anturkar. Thanks to Niteen Joshi who provided support in getting it. Madhumita, Sucheta Akolkar provided timely help to the committee members at various stages. Trustee Nandini Vishwasrao provided her valuable support to MMC team. We are thankful to all those people who provided timely help and valuable support to MMC team which contributed in making this auspicious event a success. Attendees had all the praises for young and cheerful team members of MMC who worked hard under the capable guidance of president Shyam Anturkar and a senior member Prakash Anturkar to make this event a success. Now everybody is looking forward to MMC’s next celebration.

Shilpa Mujumdar

shilpa_vm@hotmail.com

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kaya-kairNaI 2008

AQyaxa Syaama AMturkr (847) 397 7039 ]paQyaxaa klpnaa naoklaIkr (312) 281 1786 ]paQyaxa jayaidp doSapaDo (337) 255 9800 saicava saujaIt vaOV (716) 560 9668 kaoYaaQyaxa saaOrBa naoklaIkr (312) 281 1786 saBaasad p`kaXa AMturkr,, saMidp maujaumadar, iSalpa maujaumadar, maMjau

dvaMDo, kaMcana iBaDo, rovatI Aaok, vaOSaalaI Samaa- ,,, ivaEvast idlaIp qa%to,, inatIna jaaoSaI, , naMidnaI ivaSvaasarava

vaaiYa-k kaya-k`ma 2008

Hold the date May 17th 2008 for Natya Mahotsav

by Suyog

Venue: Gorton Community Center

400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Kabaddi Kabaddi at 10 AM Love Story at 3 PM

kaya-k`ma tarIK kaya-k`ma tarIK makr saMk``aMt Sainavaar 2

foba,uvaarI (Saturday, 2

February)

gaNaoSaao%sava Sainavaar 13 saPToMbar (Saturday, 13 September)

gauZI paDvaa Sainavaar 19 eip`la

(Saturday, 19 April)

kaojaaigarI/ daMiDyaa ra~

Sainavaar 11 Aa^@Taobar (Saturday, 11 October)

sahla Sainavaar 19 jaulaO

(Saturday, 19 July)

idvaaLI Sainavaar 8 naaovhoMbar (Saturday, 8 November)

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AiQak maaihtI saazI http://mahamandalchicago.org/ laa AvaSya

BaoT Va.

आभार:

संपादकीय: ौी. ँयाम अंतुरकर

संकलन आिण मुिण: िशल्पा मुजुमदार, ,रेवती ओक,, सौरभ नेकिलकर, ,जयदीप देशपांडे ______________________________________________________