Maratha Mandir, a charitable institution, was established in 1945 by a few men of vision who perceived that the forth coming Independance by itself would not bring back the glorious past of India. With over 80 percent of its populace living in rural areas without education, they recognised the need of the hour was to set up strong institution to educate the populous, to make them aware of the rights; what they can be and what they can do for the Nation. It was thus, decided that the institution of maratha mandir will be open to every one, irrespective of their religion, caste and language. The founders named this institution as "Maratha Mandir", the word "Maratha"  to mean all those who considered Maharashtra as their domicile and the word "Mandir" to signify the purity in human life.

Maratha Mandir over its fifty years of existence has carved a niche for itself in social, cultural and educational life of Mumbai City and the state of Maharashtra. Maratha Mandir has many branches and multi-prolonged programmes.

The Vidyavardhini Branch runs primary Schools, High Schools, Night Schools, Junior College, D.Ed. College and Vocational courses all over Maharashtra wherein more than 20,000 students are studying. Maharashtra Nyanapeeth Branch, conducts examinations in subjects such as English, Sanskrit, Marathi, Mathematics, Drawing and General Knowledge for students in Primary and secondary School. Till date more than 10,00,000 students have appeared for these examinations.

The Babasaheb Gawde Institute of Technology offers 2 Govermental recognised Diploma Courses, 4 part time Diploma courses, and 9 Certificate Courses, Abhyas Mandir, another branch, has dedicated a Study Room accommodating about 50 students at a time in its main building at Mumbai Central for the benefits of poor students.

Vanita Vishava, offers "Sansar Shastra" course to a house wife. To date more than 2500 ladies have completed this course.

Kala Kendra, seeks to promote better understanding of Indian classical music, dance and other type of Indian Art. Arogya Kendra, offers gynaecological care, consultation etc. It also promote infant care and family planning. Bekari Nirodhan Sangh deals the growing problem of unemployment. The Sangh has so far assisted more than 1000 unemployed youths.

Pragatik Sangh, the youth wing, promotes interests of the young in sports and healthy entertainment. It runs karate classes and Book Bank. The free Legal-Aid centre, offers free legal advice and assistance to the destitute and poor.

Late Shri G.G. Gawde, affectionately known as Babasaheb Gawde, was a man with total dedication, untiring zeal, bold vision and wide catholicity. During 1945, Shri G.G. Gawde, F.R.A.S.(London) was serving in Police   Department of British India. He gave up a promising career by resigning from service and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of Maratha Mandir. Shri Babasaheb established one of the earliest consultancy firm in Personnel and Industrial Relations and advised a vast clientele from all segments of Industries. Infact, Shri Babasaheb Gawde has a lion's share in the making of today's edifice of Maratha Mandir and the Institution remains in his debt for ever.