Dr. Padmaja Tummala is a distinguished immunologist and researcher based in Canberra, Australia. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and has made significant contributions to the fields of immunology, pharmacology, and toxicology.
Dr. Tummala is affiliated with the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University (ANU), where she has been
involved in various research projects. Her work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, contributing to advancements in understanding autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Tummala is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Telugu language and culture. She has volunteered as a Telugu language teacher at Canberra Telugu Badi for over a decade, serving as a cultural coordinator and committee member, ensuring the next generation stays connected to their heritage. Additionally, she actively participates in costume and prop design for Telugu cultural events.
Dr. Tummala is also passionate about community service. She recently began volunteering with the Red Cross Aged and community Care volunteer program, dedicating time to supporting elderly residents at Goodwin Residential Care, a personally rewarding experience that allows her to connect with and learn from their life experiences.
Sri Murali Sagi PSM FACS, is a distinguished senior executive with over 30 years of experience spanning IT, law, engineering, and public administration. He holds qualifications in electronics and communications engineering, computer science, law, and management, and has served in senior roles across both government and private sectors.
Notably, Murali was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in the 2007 Queen’s Birthday
Honours for his exceptional contributions to public service. He has held significant positions, including Deputy Chief Executive and Acting Chief Executive of the Judicial Commission of New South Wales, where he led initiatives in judicial education, sentencing research, and governance.
In the technology sector, Murali is a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and currently serves as the Chair of the ACS NSW Fellows Committee, recognising distinguished professionals in the ICT field . He is also an Industry Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, contributing to research and innovation in data-intensive digital ecosystems.
Beyond his professional achievements, Murali is deeply committed to community service. He has assisted in administration, audit, compliance, and governance matters for the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Sydney. Murali’s multifaceted expertise and dedication to both his profession and community make him a respected leader and mentor in various fields.
Dr. Clara Chow is a distinguished Australian cardiologist and academic leader, renowned for her pioneering work in cardiovascular disease prevention, digital health innovation, and community-based cardiac care.
Currently, Dr. Chow serves as the Academic Director of the Westmead Applied Research Centre (WARC) and Academic Co-Director of the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC) Westmead at the University of Sydney. She is also a Professor of Medicine at the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health and holds the position of Clinical Lead for Community-Based Cardiac Services at Westmead Hospital.
Additionally, Dr. Chow is a member of the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Governing Board. As part of her early public health research, Professor Chow undertook significant volunteer work in rural Andhra Pradesh, India, where she developed and implemented preventive cardiology programs for low-income communities. Working in settings with limited infrastructure and healthcare access, she helped establish clinics and deliver community-based education. These experiences were instrumental in shaping her long-term commitment to affordable, accessible healthcare solutions for underserved populations worldwide.
In recognition of her significant contributions to medicine and research, Dr. Chow was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2023 and was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences in the same year . She has also been honored with the Telstra Brilliant Woman in Digital Health Award in 2022 and was a finalist for the NSW Women of the Year Award in 2020.
As a trailblazer in her field, Dr. Chow continues to lead transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health outcomes through collaborative research and the integration of digital health solutions.
Sri Sai Paravastu is a distinguished community leader and technology professional based in Sydney, Australia. With over two decades of experience in enterprise data strategy and system development, he is the Founder of Business Analytical Reporting (BAR360), specialising in enterprise information management and big data solutions.
In addition to his technological expertise, Sai Paravastu is deeply committed to community service. He serves as the National Secretary and Director for Community Services at the Hindu
Council of Australia (HCA), a prominent national organisation representing the Hindu community across Australia. He also holds the position of Multicultural Ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation of Australia, where he advocates for mental health awareness and support within multicultural communities.
Since 2015, Sai Paravastu has managed Karma Kitchen, an initiative that provides freshly cooked meals to homeless individuals and those in need in Western Sydney, including areas such as Parramatta, Blacktown, and Toongabbie. His leadership extends to various cultural and spiritual initiatives, including participation in the Spiritual Care Australia Conference and the Sanskrit Conferences organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute.
Sai Paravastu’s contributions were notably recognised during an emotionally charged gathering in Sydney, where he led a tribute to honour the victims of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, in April 2025. Through his multifaceted roles, Sai Paravastu exemplifies a strong dedication to both technological innovation and community welfare, making significant impacts in both sectors.
Dr. Saradhi Motamarri is an accomplished academic and community leader based in Sydney, Australia. He serves as a sessional lecturer at the University of Sydney, having previously taught at UNSW and the University of Wollongong. His academic interests encompass project management, big data analytics, services marketing, dynamic capabilities, and information systems.
Dr. Motamarri’s professional background includes roles as a Data Centre Operations Manager at NCS and a Senior Project Manager at IBM Australia . He has also contributed to the field of artificial intelligence, authoring the paper “Reflections on Artificial Intelligence – A Hermeneutic Journey”.
Beyond his academic and professional endeavours, Dr. Motamarri is deeply engaged in promoting Telugu language, literature, and culture. He is an active member of the Sydney Telugu Association (STA), serving as a broadcaster and organising committee member for STA’s TeluguVani programs on 2000 FM98.5 – Additionally, he has contributed to the cultural landscape through his writings and participation in various community events.
Dr. Motamarri’s multifaceted career reflects a commitment to both academic excellence and community enrichment, bridging the worlds of technology, education, and cultural advocacy.
Dr. Shalini Sunkara is a compassionate and skilled general dentist based in Sydney Olympic Park, Australia. She practices at Rainbow Dental Practice, where she is known for her patient-centred approach, treating each individual like family.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Sunkara is actively involved in the local community. She participates in various health promotion initiatives and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about oral health and hygiene. Her commitment to community service reflects her dedication to improving the overall well-being of her patients and the broader community.
Sri Livingston Chettipally is a dedicated community leader and local government representative based in Sydney, Australia. He has made significant contributions to community development, multicultural engagement, and public service.
Livingston Chettipally was elected to the Blacktown City Council in 2021, representing
Ward 5. His election marked his first term in local government, where he has been actively involved in addressing community issues and advocating for local needs. In 2024, he was re-elected to the council, continuing his commitment to public service and community development.
Chettipally is a passionate advocate for multiculturalism and community welfare. He has been involved in organising and promoting cultural events, such as the Deepavali Mela, to celebrate and share Indian traditions with the broader community. He has also participated in discussions and workshops focused on regional priorities, including housing, employment, and environmental sustainability, reflecting his commitment to addressing the needs of Greater Western Sydney Livingston Chettipally continues to be a committed public servant, working to enhance the quality of life for residents in Blacktown and the wider Sydney community.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish is a distinguished Indian-Australian physicist and materials scientist renowned for his pioneering work in semiconductor optoelectronics and nanotechnology. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Australian National University (ANU), where he established and led the Semiconductor Optoelectronics and Nanotechnology Group within the Research School of Physics. Additionally, he serves as the President of the Australian Academy of Science, a position he has held since May 2022.
As a leading figure in the field of nanotechnology, Professor Jagadish has authored over 1,000 research papers, holds seven U.S. patents, and
has co-edited several books. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including the IEEE Pioneer Award in Nanotechnology (2015), the Walter Boas Medal from the Australian Institute of Physics (2013), and the Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal from the Australian Academy of Science (2019). In 2016, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his eminent services to physics and engineering. He has also been recognised internationally, being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2025 and receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the Government of India in 2023.
Beyond his research, Professor Jagadish is committed to fostering global scientific collaboration. Together with his wife, Vidya, he established the Chennupati and Vidya Jagadish Endowment at ANU to support students and researchers from developing countries. He has mentored over 50 Ph.D. students and numerous postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to hold prominent academic positions worldwide.
Professor Jagadish’s work continues to influence the development of advanced materials and devices, with applications spanning optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and quantum technologies.
Sri Mallik Rachakonda is a seasoned community leader and educator based in Sydney, Australia, with a strong commitment to preserving and promoting Telugu language and culture. He has held significant roles within the Sydney Telugu Association (STA), including
serving as President during the 2009–10 term. In his capacity as the Convenor of Telugu Badi, the educational wing of STA, Mallik has been instrumental in strengthening Telugu language schools for children in Sydney and getting Telugu added as a recognised language in NAATI (National standards and certifying authority for translators and interpreters). His efforts have been recognised through various community awards for his passionate voluntary services.
Mallik’s dedication extends beyond local initiatives; he has contributed to broader discussions on community language learning. Notably, he participated as a Telugu teacher in the ICLSPTC 2016 workshop organised by the Sydney Sanskrit School, focusing on strategies for teaching Indian languages in the Australian context. Through his multifaceted contributions, Mallik Rachakonda continues to play a pivotal role in fostering cultural understanding and education within the Sydney community.
Sri Sreenadh Brahmapuram is a Sydney-based professional renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a marriage celebrant, community volunteer, and healthcare advocate. Since 2014, he has been a registered Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant, specialising in crafting personalised and heartfelt ceremonies across Sydney and regional New South Wales. His services encompass weddings, vow renewals, baby naming ceremonies, and
memorial services, all delivered with a focus on warmth, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. Beyond his celebrant work, Sreenadh has dedicated over 15 years to assisting international students in Australia, particularly in facilitating the repatriation of over 500 students who passed away while studying abroad. His compassionate support has been instrumental in navigating the complex logistics and emotional challenges faced by grieving families.
In addition to his professional and volunteer endeavours, Sreenadh has been actively involved in various community organisations. He served as the Public Officer for the United Indian Associations Inc. in 2005 and has been instrumental in supporting fundraising efforts for individuals in need, such as assisting with medical expenses for a community member battling leukemia.
Through his diverse roles, Sreenadh Brahmapuram exemplifies a commitment to service, compassion, and community engagement, making significant impacts both professionally and personally.
Dr. Jyothi Marry is a highly experienced Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in Sydney, Australia. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG) and has received extensive
training in both New Zealand and Australia, including at National Women’s Hospital in Auckland, Westmead Hospital, and Liverpool Hospital. She is deeply empathetic and conscious of the various health challenges women may face throughout their lives. Her practice philosophy centres on compassion, consideration, and care combined with professionalism.
Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Marry is actively involved in community service and cultural preservation. She serves as the President of JET (Jeeyar Educational Trust) Australia, Sydney Chapter, where she has been instrumental in organising cultural and community events. Under her leadership, JET Australia hosted the 2024 Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Annual Meeting, focusing on community service and the preservation of Hindu culture.
Sri Vamsi Uppalapati is a Sydney-based entrepreneur and community leader, known for his strong commitment to both business and social causes. A founding member of the Sydney Siva Temple, he actively supports spiritual and cultural initiatives. Vamsi serves as a role model for young entrepreneurs and has provided employment opportunities to many students in need.
Sri Venkat Kantipudi is a Sydney-based entrepreneur and community leader, recognised for his contributions to both the financial services sector and the local community. Beyond his professional endeavours, Venkat is deeply committed to community service.
He exemplifies a blend of professional expertise and a deep commitment to community welfare, making significant contributions to both the financial sector and the broader Telugu community in Sydney.
Guru Venkata Ramana Karanam is a distinguished Kuchipudi dance exponent and the founder of Mayura Academy, a premier institution dedicated to the classical Indian dance form of Kuchipudi in Sydney, Australia. With a profound commitment to preserving and promoting Kuchipudi, Guru Ramana has significantly contributed to the cultural landscape of the Indian diaspora in Australia.
Under his leadership, Mayura Academy has become a beacon for Kuchipudi enthusiasts
in Sydney, offering classes and performances that showcase the rich traditions of this classical dance form. One of the academy’s notable productions is Sri Krishna Leela Makarandam, a traditional dance-drama choreographed by Guru Ramana, depicting the life and miracles of Lord Krishna. This production has been well-received by audiences and has contributed to the cultural enrichment of the community.
Guru Ramana’s contributions extend beyond the stage; he is actively involved in community service and cultural preservation. He has been recognised for his efforts in promoting Indian classical arts in Australia, receiving accolades such as the inaugural Sanskriti Samman Award, presented by Sanskriti School of Indian Performing Arts in 2024. This award acknowledges his dedication to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation through the medium of dance.
Guru Venkata Ramana Karanam continues to inspire and educate through his unwavering passion for Kuchipudi, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of Sydney and beyond.
Sri Gopala Krishna Gatiganti is a Sydney-based professional, entrepreneur, and respected community leader. He is a registered tax agent specialising in accounting, tax, and business advisory services.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gopala Krishna is deeply committed to social and cultural service. He is a founding member of the Sydney Siva Temple, playing a key role in establishing and supporting the temple’s spiritual and cultural activities that unite the Telugu and broader Indian community in Australia. He has actively supported numerous charitable initiatives, including fundraising drives for temple construction, education programs, and community welfare. Gopala Krishna is also known for mentoring young professionals and students, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, helping them navigate career and financial challenges in a new country.
Through his work, he exemplifies a strong blend of entrepreneurship, leadership, and grassroots community service— making a lasting impact on both the professional and cultural fabric of Sydney.
Dr. Mahesh Gantasala is a highly respected Specialist Prosthodontist with a Master of Dental Science (MDSc) in Prosthodontics from the University of Sydney. He became the first prosthodontist in Australia to receive a fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in the specialty field of prosthodontics.
Dr. Gantasala has over 15 years of experience as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Dentistry, where he mentored both
postgraduate and undergraduate students and co-supervised the Oro-facial Pain Clinic at Westmead Centre for Oral Health. His clinical expertise spans full-mouth rehabilitation, implant restorations, cosmetic dentistry, and the management of TMJ disorders.
Beyond his professional excellence, Dr. Gantasala is a dedicated contributor to the Indian and Telugu communities in Sydney. He regularly supports health awareness events and community dental outreach programs aimed at improving oral health literacy. He is a founding member of the Sydney Siva Temple and also an active supporter of cultural initiatives and nonprofit efforts that promote wellness and education among underserved populations.
Through a unique blend of clinical leadership, academic mentorship, and community service, Dr. Mahesh Gantasala exemplifies the values of compassion, excellence, and social responsibility, making him a highly regarded figure in both the dental field and the broader community.
Smt Aruna Chandrala is a distinguished community leader and social activist based in Sydney, Australia. Originally from Gowripatnam, Andhra Pradesh, she migrated to Australia in 1986 and has since dedicated herself to advocating for multiculturalism, women’s empowerment, and the welfare of migrant communities.
Smt Aruna has been a prominent figure in Sydney’s Indian diaspora, particularly within the Telugu community. She served multiple terms as President of the United Indian Associations (UIA), an umbrella organisation representing 26 Indian associations across New South Wales.
Her leadership was instrumental in fostering unity and collaboration among various cultural groups. Additionally, she has been actively involved in the Sydney Telugu Association, contributing to initiatives that promote Telugu language and culture. In 2019, Smt Aruna made history as the first Indian-origin female Senate candidate for the Australian Labor Party (ALP) from New South Wales. Her campaign focused on advocating for socially disadvantaged groups, immigrants, and policies supporting public education, free healthcare, and environmental protection. Although she did not secure a seat, her candidacy marked a significant step toward greater representation of women of Indian origin in Australian politics.
Beyond her political and community endeavours, Smt Aruna has been a passionate advocate for preserving and promoting Indian culture in Australia. She has been involved in organising cultural events and programs that celebrate Indian traditions and foster cross-cultural understanding. Her contributions have enriched the multicultural fabric of Australian society. Smt Aruna Chandrala continues to be a dedicated advocate for community welfare, cultural preservation, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on both the Indian diaspora and the broader Australian society.
Sri Ramabhadra Rao Abbineni is an active member of the Sydney Telugu community, contributing to various cultural and religious organisations.
Sydney Telugu Association (STA): Ramabhadra Rao Abbineni has been involved with STA, a prominent non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Telugu culture through literature, music, and performing arts. He has participated in the Telugu Vani radio program contributing to the dissemination of Telugu culture and language.
Mr. Abbineni also took an active role in the development of the Shiridi Sai Baba Temple, supporting fundraising, volunteer coordination, and event organisation. His efforts have made a lasting impact on the Indian-Australian spiritual landscape, strengthening inter-community unity and fostering cultural continuity for future generations.
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