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MAI launches U.S.Community Marketplace on Women’s Day
The proceeds from the store will fund nonprofit programs, including Marathi language education, cultural events, and activities.
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Rwittika Chakraborty - Mon, 09, Mar 2026
- 04:53 EDT
- 32
Team of MAI volunteers behind the store: Top (left to right): Ketaki Sathe (Vendor Manager), Sayli Natu (Co-Founder), Kashmira Puranik (Merch Designer) Bottom (left to right): Neha Joshi (Product Lead), Mrunmayee Patwardhan (Volunteer), Chaitrali Kale (Volunteer), Shrutika Sutar (Volunteer) / Courtesy Photo
The Marathi Aai Initiative (MAI) has launched the MAI Store, a community marketplace designed to support its cultural and educational programs across the United States, on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8.
The inaugural inventory debuted at a gathering in the Bay Area and was attended by about 100 community members and their families.
ALSO READ: FIA, Indian Consulate mark Women’s Day in NY
According to the organization, the launch aimed to demonstrate its commitment to fostering women’s empowerment, and the proceeds from the store will fund nonprofit programs, including Marathi language education, cultural events, and activities.
Co-founders of MAI, Dr. Sayli Natu and Kshitija Karmarkar, mentioned that several leaders and team members within the organization are committed volunteers as well as mothers of young children who balance family responsibilities while leading initiatives.
The MAI Store was envisioned and developed by Neha Joshi, a MAI community member and Product Lead for the store, working alongside volunteer teams across vendor relations, merchandise development, marketing, and operations.
Speaking about the initiative, Joshi said
“We’re building long-term sustainability from within our own community. Our goal is to create a recurringrevenue stream that strengthens MAI’s cultural and language programs for 1,500+ families nationwide.”
“A dedicated team of MAI mothers volunteered to build The MAI Store end-to-end, ensuring that every purchase directly supports MAI’s cultural and language initiatives for Marathi families across the country. It marks a meaningful new chapter for MAI and the store team,” she added.
The current version of the platform offers merchandise connected to the MAI community. The organization plans to expand the marketplace to include products from Marathi entrepreneurs and small businesses in the future.
Orders will be available nationwide through the organization’s online storefront.
According to the MAI, nearly half of the initial inventory was sold on the first day of sales following the launch event.
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