Keeping Marathi Alive in Canada: Madhavee Daptardar’s Inspiring Initiative

By Vandana Gadia
Staying connected to our cultural roots fosters a sense of belonging, instills moral values, and imparts life skills through engaging traditions and festivals. And what better way to stay connected to our heritage than by learning the language of our homeland?

Many Indians living in the Western world dedicate their time and effort to passing on their art, traditions, and language to the next generation, ensuring they remain connected to their cultural identity. One such individual is Madhavee Daptardar—a dedicated corporate executive and devoted mother from Pune, Maharashtra—who has made remarkable contributions to keeping the Marathi language alive in the Greater Toronto Area.

Speaking to The Inspired Indian, Madhavee is quick to acknowledge those who paved the way before her. “The entire credit for starting this initiative in Toronto goes to Sunanda Tumne, who singlehandedly began teaching Marathi in her basement back in the 1960s,” she shares.

“When I arrived in Canada in the ’90s, I had friends whose children attended her classes. They would come home with beautiful artwork—like miniature Tulsi vrindavans and Diwali-themed crafts. That was my first introduction to Sunanda Maushi’s incredible efforts,” Madhavee recalls, her eyes lighting up as she reflects on the creative ways Marathi culture and language were being preserved.

What began as a small initiative in a basement soon expanded into a larger movement. Sunanda Tumne worked tirelessly to introduce Marathi into international language programs offered by local school boards. “Each school board has a department that provides international language programs for elementary and secondary students. She secured approvals from multiple boards, and today, we have Marathi classes in Toronto, Peel, York, Kitchener, Milton, and Burlington. We’re now looking to launch one in Hamilton as well,” Madhavee explains.

Beyond securing approvals, Sunanda Tumne also developed a structured curriculum, which was later accredited by Bharati Vidyapeeth in Pune—widely regarded as the heartland of the Marathi language. “Thanks to her efforts, we even have formal language exams now. She didn’t just start this initiative; she actively encouraged others to expand it. She has been a tremendous advocate for preserving Marathi for decades,” Madhavee says with deep admiration.

Her own children had the privilege of learning from Sunanda Tumne. “We used to travel all the way to Highway 10 and Dundas for classes, and I’ll always be grateful to her for giving my kids this opportunity,” she says. However, the long commute eventually led Madhavee to consider an alternative. “Driving to Mississauga every week was quite a challenge, and when COVID hit, I thought—why not start something in Halton?”

With the support of the Halton District School Board and the resources at Garry Allan School, Madhavee began the process of setting up Marathi classes in the region. “This was a team effort. Sanjivini Dhaygude was instrumental in helping me navigate the school system. Since we were both doing this for the first time, we needed someone to brainstorm and bounce ideas off each other,” she shares.

Initially launched as virtual classes during the pandemic, the program has since expanded to in-person sessions at two locations—Burlington and Milton. Today, nearly 50 children benefit from these free Saturday morning classes. “It’s been four years now, and teaching these kids every Saturday is truly the highlight of my week,” Madhavee says with enthusiasm.

Her teaching approach is interactive and activity-based. She incorporates real-life applications of the language and engages students with fun games like “Simon Says” to reinforce learning. As a tech executive, she has also integrated technology and social media to enhance her lessons and spread awareness about the program.

But the initiative goes beyond just language instruction—it fosters teamwork, organizational skills, and leadership among students. At the end of each academic year, the children celebrate Marathi Din (Marathi Day) with performances, and an annual picnic further strengthens their sense of community.

“This year, our students staged a play about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shaiste Khan. They started with Vakratunda Mahakaya, wrote their own script, performed with confidence, and concluded with the Rashtrageet. I was incredibly proud of their hard work and creativity. The parents were equally appreciative of the effort our team put in,” Madhavee beams.

Thanks to the dedication of individuals like Madhavee Daptardar and the foundation laid by Sunanda Tumne, the Marathi language continues to thrive in Canada, allowing future generations to stay connected to their roots in a meaningful and engaging way.