Our Mission
Our vision Gajanan Maharaj American Devotees Parivar (GMADP) is a non-profit advocacy organization for the Gajanan Maharaj Devotee community in the United States. Our Vision is to provide direction, consulting and funding to various Gajanan Maharaj Devotee groups in the United States to establish Gajanan Maharaj Meditation centers and to conduct regular activities, Workshops and in-depth discussions on Gajanan Maharaj teachings.
Our mission is to connect Shri Gajanan Maharaj devotees across the globe who are living away from the mother land and spread HIS teachings. Hand-over this legacy to new generation who is growing up outside of India, so they can enjoy their life by applying HIS teachings. So far, we are able to connect devotees from Australia, UK, USA, Singapore, Middle East and South Africa.
To connect devotees by all means, we have created
Facebook Group : Gajanan Maharaj America Devotee Parivar
Twitter Group : @gajananmaharajG
A Group of Devotees, for Devotees and by Devotees
Our mission is to connect Shri Gajanan Maharaj devotees across the globe who are living away from the mother land and spread HIS teachings. Hand-over this legacy to new generation who is growing up outside of India, so they can enjoy their life by applying HIS teachings. So far, we are able to connect devotees from Australia, UK, USA, Singapore, Middle East and South Africa.
To connect devotees by all means, we have created
Facebook Group : Gajanan Maharaj America Devotee Parivar
Twitter Group : @gajananmaharajG
A Group of Devotees, for Devotees and by Devotees
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Gajanan Maharaj Devotees Parivar (Structure)
Founder Member
Seema Rishi Mudgal : Seema is a staunch devotee of Maharaj. She is a hand-picked devotee by Maharaj through a dream. She chose Maharaj's seva as full time seva and dedicated her entire time for this cause. GMADP is her vision and effort. By her effort, she could bring more than 2000 devotees under GMADP umbrella and impacted many lives.
Our Directors
Arvind J. Dandekar : Shri Arvind Dandekar is President and CEO of Fastek International Ltd. (Fastek), a software and test equipment product company based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Arvind co-founded Fastek in 1997. Prior to founding Fastek, Arvind held several senior management positions at Rockwell International in engineering, marketing and business development. During his twenty-seven year career at Rockwell, Arvind was given assignments to develop new concepts, technologies, products and markets.
Arvind’s first contact with Shri Gajanan Maharaj was in 1954 when he went to Shegaon with his mother on a Thursday. Arvind’s mother was an ardent devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Dandekar family lived in Akola from 1954 – 1957. Arvind’s mother went to Shegaon from Akola on as many Thursdays as she could manage. When Gajanan Vijay Granth became available, Arvind’s mother was reading one chapter of the Gajanan Vijay Granth every day. After Arvind’s mother passed away, Arvind and his wife Swati Dandekar have continued the tradition of reading one chapter on the Gajanan Vijay Granth every day and of fasting on every Thursday.
Arvind’s first contact with Shri Gajanan Maharaj was in 1954 when he went to Shegaon with his mother on a Thursday. Arvind’s mother was an ardent devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Dandekar family lived in Akola from 1954 – 1957. Arvind’s mother went to Shegaon from Akola on as many Thursdays as she could manage. When Gajanan Vijay Granth became available, Arvind’s mother was reading one chapter of the Gajanan Vijay Granth every day. After Arvind’s mother passed away, Arvind and his wife Swati Dandekar have continued the tradition of reading one chapter on the Gajanan Vijay Granth every day and of fasting on every Thursday.
Rishi Mudgal : Shri Rishi Mudgal is an IT professional working with Deloitte as a Manager. Rishi’s first contact with Shri Gajanan Maharaj was in 1981 when he visited Shegaon along with his two friends during the summer time. But he fully devoted to him later in 1999 after his marriage with Seema, she was attracted by Shri Gajanan Maharaj through a dream in 1995. Rishi & Seema came to the USA in 2007 with dream and vision to bring Shri Gajanan Maharaj (Shegaon) devotees together, create a "Gajanan" community” and pass our spiritual legacy to the next generation (born and grown up outside India).
Their efforts turned into a global mission with the name as “Gajanan Maharaj America Devotees Parivar”. They were also instrumental in establishing first-ever Temple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj in Atlanta at the beginning of the year 2016, and after that worked with devotees to established few more temples in the USA (Dallas, Seattle, Houston, Los Angeles,Chicago, New Jersey)
Their tireless effort bore the fruit and now entire Gajanan Community is connected with each other’s and celebrating HIS pragat utasav at 10-12 different locations as a BIG memorable event. They have established a uniform meditation process (Naam Japa) that has been adopted across the United States as well as the UK. In their guidance and initiative, many Gajanan Maharaj Parivar started at various location (Chapters) and some of them separated out from the one Umbrella due to the difference in principles.
Their efforts turned into a global mission with the name as “Gajanan Maharaj America Devotees Parivar”. They were also instrumental in establishing first-ever Temple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj in Atlanta at the beginning of the year 2016, and after that worked with devotees to established few more temples in the USA (Dallas, Seattle, Houston, Los Angeles,Chicago, New Jersey)
Their tireless effort bore the fruit and now entire Gajanan Community is connected with each other’s and celebrating HIS pragat utasav at 10-12 different locations as a BIG memorable event. They have established a uniform meditation process (Naam Japa) that has been adopted across the United States as well as the UK. In their guidance and initiative, many Gajanan Maharaj Parivar started at various location (Chapters) and some of them separated out from the one Umbrella due to the difference in principles.
Executive Members
New Jersey (NJ)
Anita Pandit: Anita Pandit is an entrepreneur and owner of "GMS Distributors LPC" - Importer of Indian food and brand in USA. Ready to do anything for Maharaj, always takes out Time from her 24X7 busy schedule and offer Seva.
Dallas (TX)
Pallavi Thatte : A home Maker lives in Mckinney, TX is an ardent devotee of Gajanan Maharaj. Born and brought up in Nagpur, Maharashtra. She started her pothi in middle school and since then regularly offering one chapter per day. Mother of two young sons, she always finds time for Maharaj Seva.
Houston (TX)
Nitin Shinde : Nitin an example of Maharaj Grace and leela. He was hand-picked by Maharaj for HIS Seva. Only one Monthly mediation (Naam Japa) changed the entire Bhakti path for Nitin. Now the entire family is devoted to Shri Maharaj. A Senior Manager in IT firm.
Ishwar Patil : Since his teen age, Ishwar is devoted to Maharaj. "Maharaj ke liye Kuchch bhi karega" is his attitude. A mechanical engineer and true devotee. Entire family (Wife and two kids) are dedicated to Maharaj.
Los Angeles (CA)
Sangeeta Chaudhary : A pioneer member of GMADP. Many first are in her credit e.g. first Meditation session (Naam Japa), First Palakhi, First booklet and many more. She connected with Maharaj in 2007 (first time) and now her whole family (including in-laws, siblings) become devotees of Maharaj. A true representative of Maharaj.
Sanjay Patil : Sanjay Ji is from Buldana (Maharashtra) - near to Shegaon. Currently lives in Corona , CA. Work as Director of Rehabilitation in nearby hospital. A dedicated devotee with a legacy of devotion of Gajanan Maharaj
Praveen Shankar: Praveen is from Bihar, and instrumental in two times establishing meditation groups in Los Angeles. His two daughters are offering Seva to Maharaj regularly and always ready to participate in any event related with Maharaj.
Dr Sanjay Deshmukh : A Medical professional and an ardent devotee. He was first expose to Gajanan Maharaj through his parents and has continued to stay involved because he values spirituality and staying connected to his roots. He has been involved with Gajanan Maharaj since his childhood and an instrument in success of GMADP California Chapter.
Philadelphia (PA)
Ojasweeni Jog: Ojasweeni is Shri Gajanan Maharaj Devotees since her childhood and pioneer to established the Philly pariwar. She is a social worker and where ever go for Social work in any community, always carries Maharaj with her.
Steve Vibhute : Steve Vibhute is an unique devotee of Maharaj. He carries Maharaj in his thoughts and actions. He is a technology leader and believes in improving the lives of all living things with the help of technology.
Annirudha Potnis: Aniruddha Potnis has been an ardent devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj since childhood. Growing up in Mumbai, his parents took him and his sister to seek Maharaj’s blessings every year when Maharaj’s Palkhi arrived at Vile Parle, Mumbai. Several experiences over the years cemented Potnis family’s deep faith in Maharaj. Aniruddha works as the Head of Global Marketing Research at a biotech company in Philadelphia.
Adwait Palsule: Gajanan Maharaj Seva and Bhakti is the family tradition of Adwait Pulsule. Growing up in Thane attracted him toward the famous Thane Gajanan Maharaj temple. His devotion towards Maharaj is so strong that it pulled his family (Spouse and kids) towards Maharaj. The entire family is an integral part of Philly Gajanan Maharaj initiative. Adwait works as Business Unit Manager at Panacea Technologies
Austin (TX)
Yashashri Mohile : Dental Director at CHCSCT and works as Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. Her devotion to Shri Maharaj is unparalleled. She has travelled to Atlanta from Austin for Murti Sthapana and instrument to start the Austin Chapter.
Vancouver, BC (Canada)
Gayatri Agarakar: Gayatri is an ardent devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Her dedication to Maharaj brought the first ever place of Maharaj in Vancouver, BC (Canada). She was instrumental to establish Gajanan Majaraj Sthan in Seattle (WA), and her move to Canada brought the sthan in Canada. A very good communicator and multi talented personality is able to go along with devotees.
India (Offshore)
Shri Shravan Pande: A Scholar and awesome devotee of Maharaj. Born and brought up in Shegaon , Shravan Ji takes care of all meditation process, Bhartiya Tithi, Major festivals timing and daily sharing of beautiful flyers. All offshore help and guidance comes from Shravan Ji.
Shri Ishwar Laddha : Ishwar Laddha Ji is an ardent devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj and a successful industrialist in Pune. He visits Shegaon every month (Varikari). He is always looking for an opportunity to serve HIM. A great support for GMADP from India.
We are closely observing other locations (e.g. Chicago, St Louis, Phoenix, etc) and work performed by devotees so we can request them to join our Executive team for expanding the horizon of our seva.
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FAQ
Q. Do we have any Gajanan Maharaj Temple in USA
Ans: Yes, we have 8 (Eight) temples of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. These temples are run by local temple authorities and GMADP doesn't own these temples
(Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Sunnyvale, New Jersey, Florida and Chicago)
Q. Do I need to pay any subscription fee for joining this group
Ans: No we don't ask for any monetary support or subscriptions. All the activities are organized by devotees and coordinated by devotees
Q. Are you associated with any place or temple in India
Ans: GMADP is not associated with any person or Institute in India. However, we are devoted to and inspired by work done by Shegaon Samsthan. We are NOT requesting any monetary support from India.
Q. What Seva do you offer as Parivar
(a) Guided Meditation - Increase focus and strengthen the inner power to overcome obstacles in life
(b) Anna Daan at various places in the United States as well as in Shegaon– Coordinating and funding the anna daan drive
(c) Education Support– GMADP is planning to support OR adopt a girls school.This Year (2021) our GMADP is planning to support OR adopt a girls school (preferred Primary Girl School) in and around Shegaon. This support may include various activities as well as items depending on the need of school. A group of observers (consist of devotees) will finalize the need and items. If any devotee has any idea or input about any needy school, kindly let us know so GMADP can explore it further.
“If you educate a woman, you educate a family. If you educate a girl, you educate the future”
(c) Daily Meditation (Naam Japa) - Devotees from all over USA and Canada participate in this activity and join the session (5 to 30 min) through Web conferencing. Devotees can join from anywhere (workplace, shopping, Home etc.).
(e) Weekly Global Parayan – Devotees from different geographies (India, US, New Zealand, UK to name a few) participate in this activity and complete a parayan of ‘Shri. Gajanan Vijay Granth’ in a week’s time by reading the chapter allocated to them by moderator during any time convenient to them during the week.
(f) Online Quiz – A fun-filled way of re-iterating/re-visiting understanding about HIM based on the content of Shri. Gajanan Vijay Granth. Quiz activities are usually conducted around important celebration like ‘Pragat-din’ ‘Samdhi-din’, ‘Guru-Pournima’ etc. that help devotees on focusing on HIM during that period and enjoy HIS blessings.
(g) Experience Sharing on the web – This unique activity creates strong bonding among devotees and serves as a beacon to those devotees who feel like a stranded ship while passing through the tough times.
(h) Hosting discourses of HIS well-known devotees – Inviting HIS well-known devotees to address or explain about HIM or HIS teaching to North America devotees. This activity is conducted through Web Conferencing and Tele Conferencing
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See Some Examples of our Seva
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