The Marathi Bhashik Mandal has been providing service to the Marathi households living in the Greater Toronto (and surrounding) Area for over 50 years. As years went by, many of the first settlers started retiring from active service. This created a realization that the seniors in the community have special needs for discussing issues of common interest and for social get-togethers. This resulted in the creation of the MBM Seniors Forum in May 2014. This Forum has been actively functioning ever since.
Up until early 2020, the Forum members have been meeting once a month in a community center. Many seniors spent the winter months in India. Those who did not, preferred not to drive long distances during winter months. As a result, the activities were limited to the period April/May to November of each year. Beginning from May 2020, due to Covid-19, face-to-face meetings could not be held. As a result, the Forum has switched to zoom meetings. These have continued even during winter months. As we move ahead, even if having face-to-face meetings becomes feasible, the zoom meetings are likely to continue.
The monthly activities have consisted primarily of presentations by experts in different fields – medical, dental, physiotherapy, legal, financial planning, retirement living, nutrition, physical and mental fitness, etc. In addition, entertainment programs, picnics and lunches are also included.
The activities of the Forum are managed by a separate Executive Committee consisting of nine members.
Any senior in the community is welcome to join the Forum. The Forum uses age 65 as a broad criterion to become a Forum member – but, if any individual under age 65 is interested in the Forum’s activities, he/she is welcome to join the Forum. Senior parents of Toronto residents who are visiting Toronto are also welcome to join during their stay in Toronto.
For more details – Email queries to – Shriram Mulgund mbm.seniors.forum@gmail.com