Executive Committee 2020-21 – Federation of Indian Associations of ACT Inc

Left to right: Mr Kanti Jinna OAM, Mr Manohar Vemuri, Mr Joe Bailey, Mr Krishna Nadimpalli OAM, Mrs Sunita Dhindsa, Mr Jacob Vadakkedathu, Mr Shanti Reddy and Mr Roshan Menon

President

Dr Sunita S Dhindsa

Representative – Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association Inc

Secretary – FINACT (2017-18)

Dr Sunita S Dhindsa is a strong advocate for multiculturalism, social cohesiveness, empowerment, and embracing and celebrating diversity.

With a PhD in genetics, Sunita also completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management from Macquarie University, North Ryde. After working in various roles, Sunita’s aim is to support the Indian-Australian community in becoming integrated and productive members of the Australian society, be empowered, and contribute constructively to the Australian environment and economy.

Sunita is a member, founder member, patron and life member of various community organisations and has held various positions. Sunita is ex-Secretary of FINACT (2017-18), President of FINACT (2019-20) and Founder/ex-Coordinator of AusIndia Fair. Sunita’s current objectives are: to continue advocating for a community hall with a sitting capacity of over 1000 and more; a culturally respectful aged care facility; and supporting individuals, particularly women and youth with their empowerment journey.

Sunita’s passion is to work for and with people, enable meaningful interactions, encourage respectful empowerment while fostering constructive and harmonious outcomes at all levels. Sunita’s vision is to make Canberra region more progressive, inclusive, culturally/environmentally vibrant and economically strong.

Vice President

ChittiBabu Divi

Representative – Indian Australian Association of Health and Well-being (HAWAAI)

Mr Divi was born in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Guntur is considered as education hub of Telugu states and is also well known for its commercial crops like Chilli, cotton, tobacco etc.

Mr Divi has been a social activist since his higher education days, lead various student unions, cultural & sporting committees as a student. Mr Divi is a double post graduate with a masters in earth sciences & a master of engineering in spatial sciences.

Mr Divi moved to Australia in the year 2000 and called Canberra home in 2003. Since then he has been an active community volunteer, particularly amongst the Indian diaspora. He served as a secretary of Telugu association of Canberra for many terms, also served as FINACT EC member several times including as general secretary for 2 years.

Mr Divi has a special interest in health and wellbeing of elderly and kids. This made him the founder member of HAWAAI. Mr Divi is a qualified junior Badminton coach, delivering his services voluntarily to enthusiastic kids and elderly. He is also a qualified technical official in Badminton, served in number of international tournaments over the years, such as Australian Open Badminton Super Series, 2018 Comm Games etc. He welcomes opportunity to volunteer at any level or platform in ACT.

Secretary

Ajmal PN

Representative – Canberra Malayalees Association (CMA)

Mr. Ajmal PN is an entrepreneur, an enthusiastic researcher in quantum physics and pre-service secondary teacher, specialised in mathematics and physics. He has submitted his PhD dissertation in physics from UNSW Canberra and awaiting graduation. He has been keen on education particularly the prevalent social and economic contexts.

Mr. Ajmal PN is a passionate community worker and currently the secretary of Canberra Malayalees Association, one of the major associations in Canberra. He has been working with many other scientific, literacy, sports and charitable organisations.

Mr. Ajmal PN is a strong advocate of promoting multiculturism, equity and diversity.

Treasurer

Ragini Santhanam

Representative – Mandir School of Music (Founder & Principal)

Cultural Secretary – Australian Tamil Cultural Society (ATCS)

Mrs. Ragini Santhanam is the principal of Mandir School of Music. The music school conducts concerts and programs showcasing performance by its students annually; the school also actively participates in the local community events such as multicultural festival, Diwali mela, Indian community celebrations etc.

In addition to classical music, Ragini offers abacus (soroban) training to children and also runs school holiday programs under ‘Vriksha-The Learning Tree’ banner.

A multi-faceted personality, Ragini takes deep interest in enriching the lives of children through music, education and other cultural activities. Ragini is devoted to making a valuable contribution to the community through her talent, thoughtfulness and dedication.

In recognition of her contributions to the community, Ragini was presented with the ACT Children’s Week Award in October 2012 at a special ceremony organised at the Governor General’s residence.

Professionally, Ragini is a chartered accountant and a management accountant she also holds an executive master’s in public administration (ANZOG). She is a retired public servant.

Public Officer

Ravi Krish

Ravi Krish Representative – Australian Tamil Cultural Society of ACT

Ravi Krishnamurthy is the current Treasurer for Australian Tamil Cultural Society (ATCS) and has held other key positions in the past. Ravi is passionate regarding community work and has volunteered his time towards many causes including Tamil language school, Multicultural festival, Cancer council and Leukaemia foundation.

As a champion for learning Tamil language, he has worked tirelessly towards the development of Chennai Tamil School which now boasts around 90 students. As a volunteer coordinator, he has coordinated activities and supported the work of FINACT, ATCS, ACT CLSA, Hindu Mandir and many others. He is interested in creating good relationships and linkages with other organisations and promoting the great work carried out by the Indians in Australia.

Coordinators

Entertainment and Cultural Programs

Shahira Shaji

Shahira Shaji Representative – Mehak Punjab Di

Community Services

Mrs Sejal Kamlesh Kumar Patel

Representative – Gujarati Samaj of ACT

Mrs. Sejal Patel was born in Vadodara, formerly known as Baroda, the third largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city is famous as Sanskari Nagari and Kala Nagari (the city of art) of India. Sejal moved to Australia in 2008 and made Canberra her home in 2011.

Sejal is an aspiring community worker who has worked in a number of small-scale social initiatives. She is an experienced counsellor, teacher, mentor and a Disability Support Professional. Sejal has been working with individuals with disabilities for their rehabilitation in Australia for over 10 years now.

Sejal is a qualified psychologist and a counsellor and has had the privilege of serving her people in a wide array of roles in various programmes over the years and intends to keep working in this direction in all her years to come. Aspirations2live is her first organised company; which is registered with NDIS and with which she intends to pave way for generations of Disability Support Professionals to come.

Sejal is actively involved in all the programs organised by Gujarati Samaj of ACT and BAPS. After serving the community for years, Sejal believes its important to celebrate our cultural diversity and show mutual respect to everyone in Australia.

AusIndia Fair

Rattesh Gumber

Rattsh Gumber Representative – Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand

Vice President (FINACT) – 2017-18

Rattesh Gumber is an IT Project Manager and entrepreneur by profession. He is a dedicated and committed community worker and a strong believer and supporter of multiculturalism.

He is associated with social and charitable organisations like Bihar Jharkhand Sabha, Vision2020 & Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra. His charitable work delivered while serving these organisations have been commendable.

Some of the charitable projects delivered under his leadership include setting up a charitable eye cataract surgery centre and an infrastructure for making an entire village Open Defecation Free (ODF) initiatives.

Representatives

Women Representative

Sahithi Madhuri Paturi

Representative – Navya Andhra Telugu Association, Canberra.

Sahithi moved to Canberra in 2002 and since then she has been actively involved in local Telugu Community organisations in various key positions, to promote Telugu culture and language in Canberra. Sahithi has been instrumental in initiating; coordinating several major successful cultural events. Sahithi personally coordinated fundraising for Lukemea Foundation to support their research programs.

As a senior public servant in Information Technology, Sahithi believes women needs good support to overcome challenges they face, both physical and emotional to be healthy, happy and successful in life.

Sahithi earned Master of Electrical Engineering from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam and worked as Executive Engineer in Andhra Pradesh State government prior to moving to Australia. Sahithi is a nature lover and always enjoys spectacular sunrise and sunset views in Canberra.