http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pune/Pune_set_to_host_Brahmin_convention/articleshow/3026761.cms
Pune set to host Brahmin convention 10 May 2008, 0623 hrs IST,TNN PUNE: The Joshis, Pandyas, Vajpayees, Kalmadis, Iyers and Chattopadhyays may have different names and reside in different states but they have common Brahmin roots. And, all of them will likely converge on Pune next January for the fifth multilingual Brahmin convention. Over 4 lakh Brahmins are expected to attend the convention in 2009. Organised by the Maharashtra Brahmin Sabha, Pune, on January 24 and 25, 2009, this unique convention will witness the participation of Brahmins from the Marathi as well as Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Gujarati and Malayalee communities. They will discuss various issues pertaining to the overall development of the Brahmin community in the country. The multilingual convention will also turn out to be a solitary platform for Brahmins from different communities to share their views and feelings. Sources in the organising committee said that the community was disturbed because of the increasing reservation and the fact that Brahmin students did not get admission to desired courses, despite securing in excess of 90 per cent marks. Addressing a news conference here on Friday, Moreshwar Ghaisas who chairs the organising committee said, "With the participation of over 2 lakh Brahmins at recent conventions, this time, we expect the number to reach the four lakh figure." "This is a unique opportunity for the organisation as Pune is hosting the convention for the first time," he added. Ghaisas said, "At present the Brahmin community was getting fewer and fewer opportunities at various levels. Therefore Brahmins need to redefine their roles in the changing scenario. They will have to create their space in the community they live in and grab emerging opportunities. The convention will be a good platform throw light on these issues." Explaining the various pre-events outlined for the convention Ghaisas said, "The city will be hosting the entrepreneurs meet on May 12 at Yashvantrao Chavan auditorium. About 1,000 Brahmins will participate. It will have discussions on emerging career opportunities in the entrepreneurship filed. Prominent entrepreneurs such as Deepak Ghaisas, Rajendra Prabhudesai, Subhash Dandekar and Meenal Mohadihave will participate." Ghaisas stated that the process for defining the outline of the convention was still underway and pre-event meets would prove useful in making the convention a grand success. He said the organisers were on the lookout for an appropriate location for the Pune meet. "We will need at least a 100 acre plot and are currently shortlisting some spots," he said.
