Houston to Host International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention; Nov. 24-27

By Trusha Chandak

HOUSTON: The International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention (IMRC 2022), a bi-annual flagship event of the Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America will be held at Marriott Marquis Houston from  24-27 November. The convention’s overarching goal is to unite Rajasthani families, foster relationships with people from other Chapters, and present and share our rich culture, cuisine, traditions, and art with young people. This goal is particularly important for the second and third generations of Indian Americans who are growing up in the United States. It is also an occasion to highlight and spread awareness of MMNA’s efforts, as well as to raise awareness of the issues  facing the community and work toward overcoming those challenges. The Maheshwari/Rajasthani community is recognized as one of the most successful communities both in business and charitable work.

MMNA was established in 1983, and today it has more than 5000 registered members in 10 different Chapters. The MMNA seeks to establish relationships with all Maheshwaris residing in the USA and to represent the Rajasthani community and its culture. It also sponsors charitable endeavors and plans conventions. The MMNA is currently presided over by Mrs. Abhilasha Rathi. Maheshwaris have historically found greater success in the fields of medicine, education, engineering, and politics, and the new generation continues to do so too.

MMNA has a youth-focused group called RAYS, or Rajasthani’s Abroad Youth Samaj. To help Marwari youngsters connect with peers and understand Marwari culture on a meaningful level, RAYS has organized several regional and national events across the nation. The IMRC team and the Rajasthani Abroad Youth Samaj (RAYS) are working hard to ensure that there are entertaining events for the 200+ enrolled participants in the age groups of 21-35 and 13-20 (RAYJS). Together, they intend to learn more about our culture, expand their professional networks, and, of course, have fun at IMRC 2022.

IMRC 2022 is being held under the guidance of Convenor Sharad Mantri along with co-convenors Sanjay Jajoo and Archana Bhakkad and Houston Chapter President  Pramesh Maheshwari. Core team members include BOT member Narendra Zamwar, NEC member Swapnil Chandak, Sushma Pallod,  Nandkishore Lohiya, Mrs. Triveni Mantri.

The theme for this year’s convention is “Ristey, Reeti, Riwaj” where the goal is to cherish existing and make new “Ristey” (relations), celebrate the “Reeti” (traditions) of rich Rajasthani culture and heritage, and present children and future generation with the unique and colorful Rajasthani “Riwaj” (way of doing things). IMRC 2022 is a simulating 4-day program that will keep each age group engaged and entertained along with some innovative ideas like: MMNA Mahesh Tank (bring your entrepreneur dream to fruition with the help of successful Maheshwaris), Mahasangram (Kid-Parents-open heart-to-heart conversation), Anand Mela at George Ranch (Fun-Fair), Sajan Ghot and Ghoomar(Rajasthani Dance). It promises to be an action-packed event filled with cultural performances, breakout sessions, matrimonial opportunities, education loan opportunities, philanthropy, professional networking, activities for Sakhi, RAYS, seniors, children and more importantly an avenue to collaborate with like-minded Maheshwari/Rajasthani from across the globe.

Many dignitaries, spiritual and social leaders, artists, and members from India, and other countries will be attending the convention.  Among the guests of honor are Dr Ruma Devi who is a symbol of women empowerment, a master artisan, a social activist, a renowned designer, and a recognized craftpreneur.

Shailesh Lodha is a very popular poet, actor, comedian, and writer in India. While he is a regular on Indian Television, he is best known for portraying Taarak Mehta in the Hindi sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Kartikeya Baldwa is the Founder and C.E.O at Ixoreal Biomed Inc, a company based out of Los Angeles and Hyderabad. Baldwa is the recipient of the “Young Entrepreneur Award 2015”

Emphasizing the importance of the event, Convenor Sharad Mantri has this to say: “IMRC 2022 is an essential destination where we all gather to celebrate our Rajasthani culture and heritage. It is a place where we renew old friendships, make new ones, and expand our network and horizon.”

More information for the event can be found at: https://imrc.mmna.org