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What is Mahaparishad ?
Mahaparishad is an apex federal body of Lohana Community Institutions to co-ordinate and harmonise all activities of Lohana Mahajans world over. Mahaparishad literally translated means "Great Gathering" ( Maha = Great, Parishad = Gathering )
Who are members of Mahaparishad ?
All Lohana Community Institutions - Mahajan, Mahila Mandal, Youth League, Hostels for Boys and Girls and such bodies with simmilar functions or objectives are all members of the Mahaparishad. The membership of the Mahaparishad is more or less automatic for all these institutions so long as they serve broad interest of the community.
What are the Aims and Objectives of Mahaparishad ?
Primary objectives of the Mahaparishad are to co-ordinate, encourage and promot social, cultural, educational, religious, and commercial interaction, welfare and co-operation within the community members. It also aims to strengthen community bonds by creating welfare bodies like Hospitals and Educational Establishments. It plays a pivotal role in UNITING the community members towards a common goal.
Is Mahaparishad a registered Body with a Constitution ?
YES Mahaparishad is duly constituted body with its own Constitution. It has its Registered office in Mumbai at :
Mahaparishad Bhavan
Khetwadi, 4th Lane,
S. V. P. Road,
Mumbai : 400 004.
How is Mahaparishad managed, run and funded ?
Managing Committee headed by the President is responsible for planning, programming and budgeting for implementing Central Supreme Council's policy and solutions.
The Registered Office of LMP is at Mumbai and Central Administrative office at Ahmedbad (as referred above) with total infrastructure with full time staff for all routine correspondence and communication with the Mahaparishad.
Mahaparishad has no regular source of income but like of most of our Mahajans and other community institutions, is funded by voluntary donations and contributions from the well wishers - fortunately our community is blessed with many.
How is Managing Committee elected ?
The Central Supreme Council elects the President for a term of Five Years. The Central Supreme Council is composed of elected or nominated representatives from the each centre. For every 1500 adult member there is one representative - (minimum one maximum 30) nominated to be a member of the Central Supreme Council - Madhyastha Mahasamiti.
The President nominates his Managing Committee from the members of Central Supreme Council. There are 91 members in the MAnaging Committee including 7(Seven) Vice- Presidents from the various provinces in India, 6(Six) Vice- President from overseas i.e. Africa, USA, U.K.,Canada, Middle East and Far East.
Managing Committee meets once every 3 months.
Mumbai being central the Managing Committee generally meets in Mumbai at one of the Mahajan's Hall or at any convenient venue.
Is Mahaparishad is limited to Lohana's in India only ?
No. Mahaparishad membership and facilities are open to all community members world over. In fact it is the current President Shri Ravindrabhai Vaghani's dream to globalise the Mahaparishad and Promote meaningfull interaction between all Mahajans in India and Overseas for mutual Social and Cultural benefits.
When was Mahaparishad formed ?
The Mahaparishad originated as the "PARISHAD" in 1910.
It was a one man dream and a strugle by Pujya Shri Kanjibhai Odhavaji Hindocha, fondly known as "HINDOCHA BAPA". It was his dream that Lohanas should have an Umbrella Body which can promote social and cultural welfare of the community members.
Pujya Hindocha Bapa travelled on foot without shoes and Head gear for THREE YEARS from village to village and town to town to create awareness and mobilise support for the PARISHAD. ( He had vowed not to wear shoes and turban until the first Parishad was organised ).
During the World wars One and Two and the independence struggle period in India, Mahaparishad activities were somehow passive/marginalised/shelved. In 1950/1951 it was Shri Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh fondly remembered as Pujya CHHAGANBAPA who struggled once again to revive the Mahaparishad. He even travelled to East Africa to mobilise moral and financial support to launch the First post Independence Adhivation in 1952.
What is Adhivesan ?
Adhivesan is a gathering of representatives and observers from all Mahajans to review and discuss major policy issues concerning the community at large. Besides meeting of committee and sub-committees Adhivesan is also a social and cultural get-together for 3/4 days. It is an experience of a life time promoting fellowship and enlightment.
When and where Adhivesans have taken place ?
Since its birth in 1910 Adhivesan has taken place regularly except of course during the World Wars and the Independence Movement. Dates are as follows :-
SHREE LOHANA PARISHAD
First Parishad in Mumbai 1910
Second Parishad in Rajkot 1912
Third Parishad in Karachi 1914
Fourth Parishad in Bhavnagar 1916
Fifth Parishad in Mandavi 1919
WORLD WARS AND INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
SHREE LOHANA MAHAPARISHAD
First Adhiveshan in Mumbai Dec. 1952
Second Adhiveshan in Rajkot May. 1956
Third Adhiveshan in Mumbai Dec. 1974
Fourth Adhiveshan in Bhuj Jan. 1978
Fifth Adhiveshan in Culcutta Dec. 1989
How do we know more about Mahaparishad's activities ?
Mahaparishad publishes a monthly news letter called "SHREE RAGHUKUL VISHWA". It has all the news of various activities by the member Mahajans and the Mahaparishad. It is in Gujarati but a page summarising all important news in English in now included.
The subscription for Life Membership for INR. 1000.00 for India and INR 4000.00 Life Membership for Overseas Lohana Families.It is a very good value for money. Send your name, address and payment to The Editor at Administrative Office of Mahaparishad at Ahmedabad .
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