Executive Committee 2025-26

President

Ms Divya Ravikumar 

Representative – Canberra Hindu Mandir (CHM)  

Born and raised in the vibrant and multicultural city of Bengaluru, Divya has long been passionate about community service and youth development. She was actively involved with Rotaract International (the youth wing of Rotary International), serving on various committees in India. Her passion for community service grew even stronger during these formative years.

After completing her Master’s degree in the UK, Divya moved to Canberra in 2009, which she now proudly calls home. A dedicated public servant, she has held leadership and committee roles across several community organisations, including the Karnataka Association of Canberra (KAC), Canberra Hindu Mandir, and the Hindu Council of Australia.

Divya has also contributed significantly through FINACT, where she previously served as Women’s Representative and Vice President, advocating for multiculturalism and strengthening community connections through a wide range of initiatives and events.

She continues to embrace opportunities to support community development, celebrate cultural achievements, and foster lasting friendships—building stronger ties within the Indian diaspora and the wider Australian community.

Vice President

Ms Sahithi Paturi

Representative – Navya Andhra Telugu Association (NATA)  

Sahithi is deeply passionate about Indian culture and is committed to giving back her time and energy to the community. Since moving to Canberra over 20 years ago, she has been actively involved in community service, leading initiatives that build community connections, promote youth and women’s empowerment, and strengthen cultural spirit. In recognition of her dedication, she was named a finalist in the ABC Community Spirit Awards in 2023.

Originally from Andhra Pradesh, Sahithi has lived in both Telugu states and takes pride in her cultural heritage. An engineer by training, she currently serves in senior management position within the Federal Government’s IT sector.

Secretary

Mr Yogesh Mulye

Representative – Rajdhani Marathi Mandal of Canberra (RMMC)  

Yogesh is a long-standing member of the Canberra community, a proud father of two, and a devoted husband. For nearly two decades, he has been actively involved with the Marathi Mandal, contributing to the organisation and coordination of cultural programs and Ganesh festivals that celebrate and strengthen the local Indian community’s traditions.

Professionally, Yogesh works in the IT sector. Outside of work, he is an avid runner who enjoys exploring Canberra’s bush trails, whether at dawn, during his lunch breaks, or in the evening twilight. A lifelong cricket enthusiast, he occasionally plays for the Canberra Tigers Cricket Club. Yogesh is also a Taekwondo black belt, demonstrating both discipline and perseverance, though he is known for his approachable and friendly nature.

More recently, he has embraced the traditional Indian sport of Kho Kho, often joining local players – including some who have represented Australia in the World Championship. Yogesh brings the same enthusiasm, energy, and collaborative spirit to his community role as he does to his sporting and professional pursuits.

Treasurer

Mrs Tess Manuel

Representative – Canberra Malyalees Association (CMA)  

Tess Manuel is qualified Chartered Practicing Accountant (CPA Australia) with a deep expertise in costing, financial modelling and business performance analysis. She has demonstrated capability in managing external and internal stakeholders and providing recommendations, reports and analytical insights to key decision makers.

Tess is an active member of Canberra Malayalees Association – acting as a committee member, organising teams to participate in cultural activities and choreographing dances. She has extensive board/committee experience with community and arts organisations including Koottukaaree, Craft + Design Canberra and Fitted for Work.

Tess finished her schooling in UAE and Kerala and completed her Bachelor in Technology ( Electronics and Communications) from TKM Engineering College in Kerala. Tess worked in UK and UAE and graduated with aMasters in Business Administration (Finance and Strategy) from Belgium before moving to Brisbane, Australia in 2008.

Having lived in multiple countries outside India, Tess is passionate about promoting multiculturalism and creating a harmonious community where everyone feels included.

Public Officer

Ms Radha Ravi

Representative – Australian Multicultural Action Network (AMAN)  

Radha Ravi is a prominent figure in several Canberra-based associations and initiatives. She is the Chairperson of the Australian Multicultural Action Network (AMAN), Co-Chair of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Network at her workplace, a longtime facilitator and coordinator at the Canberra Sanskrit School, and has been involved with FINACT’s women’s forum Sakhi since its inception.  She has contributed to initiatives such as Sakhi – Candid Conversations (about mental health and self-care), International Women’s Day and Suraksha (about women’s safety), organised by FINACT.

Beyond her organisational leadership, Radha has been an active and dedicated member of the Canberra community for over two decades. She firmly believes in building a society where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

She has led and supported work in areas including advocacy, mental health, senior’s health and training and serves on several panels and committees such as Maternity in Focus group with the ACT Health.

Outside of her professional and community leadership, Radha enjoys hiking, Indian classical music, reading, travelling, and philosophical discussions – interests that reflect her deep appreciation for culture, nature and learning. She is also a registered marriage celebrant. She volunteers her time at many local events including Floriade, the National Multicultural Festival, and the Nara festival, helping make them vibrant and inclusive.

Cultural Coordinator

Ms Sushmita 

Representative – Telugu Association of Canberra (TAC)

Sports Coordinator

Mr Sanjay Sharma

Representative –   Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association (IAMSA)

AusIndia Fair

TBA M

Representative –    

Community Co-ordinator

Ms Alina Noronha

Representative – Australian Ango-Indian Association of Canberra

Alina brings over a decade of experience in marketing and communications across global organisations, with a focus on creating meaningful connections through storytelling, events, and digital engagement. She has led marketing initiatives for leading companies in the Asia-Pacific region, specialising in strategy, brand building, and community engagement.

Originally from Mumbai, Alina recently relocated with her family to Canberra, embracing new opportunities and contributing to the local community. She is passionate about building bridges across cultures, supporting collaborative projects, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel connected.

Alina is also actively involved in volunteering at her local church and primary school, reflecting her commitment to giving back and strengthening community ties. Beyond work, Alina enjoys exploring Australia with her husband and two children.

Women Representative

Ms Radha Ravi

Representative – Australian Multicultural Action Networks (AMAN)

Current Public Officer ^

Senior Citizens Representative

Mr Venkatesh Bidarkal

Representative – Karnataka Association of Canberra (KAC)  

Youth Representative

Mr Sankeertan Badrinarayan

Representative – 

Past President

Mr Roshan Menon

Representative – Canberra Hindu Mandir (CHM)  

Roshan Menon is a seasoned IT Consultant with a deep passion for community service. As a dedicated and committed community worker, he plays an active role in numerous organisations and multicultural groups across Canberra. He is one of the founding members of the Canberra Malayalees Association, one of the largest cultural associations in the region, and has been instrumental in its growth and success. Additionally, Roshan is a founding member and a devoted participant in the Canberra Ayyappa Samajam, a Hindu religious group that fosters unity and preserves cultural heritage.

Guided by the universal teaching of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which embodies the belief that “the world is one family,” Roshan is committed to promoting and integrating Indian culture within the Australian multicultural fabric. He takes pride in fostering a harmonious blend of Indian and Australian cultures.

Roshan’s community involvement extends to several other social and charitable organisations, including the Hindu Council of Australia (Canberra Chapter), Canberra Hindu Mandir (CHM), and Chinmaya Mission-Canberra.

In addition to his professional and community roles, Roshan has completed a Master’s in Counselling. He has a strong passion for helping youth, elders, women, and families, particularly in managing mental health and social issues. His commitment to promoting mental health awareness and the importance of well-being in the community is a testament to his dedication to social betterment.