2007 convention started with a formal opening ceremony by Chief Minister of Mahrashtra, India Mr.Vilasrao Deshmukh on Friday 29th June 2007. The reason I said formal is because it is a tradition to have a business conference one day ahead of the cultural and entertainment events start. Which in this case was on the Thursday 28th June 2007. This convention was the second time Mr.Deshmukh has attended as a Chief Minister and expressed hopes that he will get another opportunity to attend the 2009 convention as a Chief Minister.

Along with prestigious businesses and small entrepreneurs, there were charitable organizations who presented their projects at the exhibition.  People were highly impressed by the great work being carried by dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers in remote parts of rural Maharashtra. One of such unique and less known project was of “Vasundhara Public Charitable Trust”.

Vasundhara was founded in 1995 as a Public charitable Trust with main objective of working in areas of rural reconstruction with special emphasis on Development of Scientific Attitude in rural masses and particularly upgrading the standard of Science & Maths education in rural schools. Nearly 1200 students from 90 villages are benefiting from this program. Shree C B Naik shared his experiences and enthusiastic response they receive from students. He also mentioned the success of his students from rural areas winning National Talent Scholarships.  

One of their projects is “Science on Wheels”. They reach various schools in rural areas with a mobile science laboratory, which can carry science instructors along with various laboratories equipments and material. Dr Anil Nerurkar of Philadelphia graciously donated funds for this project. Recently elected BMM President Mr. Girish Thakar promised to give visibility for such less known charities in rural Maharashtra at the BMM.

Hon. Shree Mohan Rawale, Five times elected Member of Parliament of India from Mumbai was also present for the business conference. He invited and promised full support for businesses in USA to explore growing potential in India and capture this opportunity. He specifically visited all the exhibitors who came from India to participate in the convention and encouraged them to expand their horizon and have a global vision. Mr. Rawale invited US business delegation to Mumbai and Delhi and has offered full support.

Travel for many of us, who were flying out of Philadelphia, started with bad weather and delayed flights. Some of us had to be in transit for over 24 hours before they could reach Seattle. During my travel to Seattle I met a few known and unknown people and they shared some of their previous experiences about attending BMM convention. Overall everyone I met were looking forward to this convention and I think the Seattle Marathi Mandal did their best.

I will not make you read too much because I believe "A picture is worth a thousand words" (I am not sure who has quoted this but ........) I had the opportunity to cover this event for MumbaiBuzz.com and I want to thank Mr. Jagdish Vasudev for honoring my request. During these three days I was able to speak with several dignitaries, guest and the "Marathi Manus". I always learn from such experiences and this was no different. Take a look at the vast picture gallery I have uploaded and you will get the complete story for 2007 BMM convention. I will try my best to title and write a little about the various programmes I was able to cover during these 3 days.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me at info@mumbaibuzz.com.

Enjoy the moments

SANJAY SHETYE