Thara Narasimhan resident of Houston since 1981. Held several leadership roles in the Houston community. She is the Past President of Bharathi Kalai Manram Houston, and Past President of the “Samskriti Society of Indian Performing Arts”. She is associated with “Voice of Sanatan Hinduism”, Radio Program for the past 27 years. She has been part of Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH) since inception and currently serve as its President. She holds a master’s degree in Microbiology and worked as Medical and Radiology Technologist for the past 45 years both in India and Houston. She is married to Dr. N.D.Narasimhan Ph.D (Texas A&M). They have a son Kirthi Narasimhan married to Dr.Rashmi Narasimhan.

Sanjay Jain a volunteer at-large started his involvement with the events planning Hindu Youth Awards, 2014 when HGH hosted Hon.Tulsi Gabbard. He was later inducted to the board from the Arya Samaj Greater Houston. He worked as the Board of Directors of HGH and Hindu Youth Awards 2016-2017 and as the Treasurer, also helps with HGH website and communications and Vice-president for HGH years 2019 & 2020. He is married to Renuka Jain and have 2 sons Ashish Jain and Aditya Jain.”

Hemant Jadhav, is currently the Secretary of HGH. He has been volunteering with Hindus of Greater Houston since 2004. He is a dedicated volunteer and supports various organization in the Houston area. He also volunteers for the National MS society’s MS150 ride and has been associated with them since 2005.He volunteers for the Houston Community College and is a member of their International Business Advisory Board. In his free time, he likes to bicycle around the trails in Houston area. He is married to Rajashri Jadhav and has a daughter Tanvi Jadhav.

Tupil Narasiman has been residing in Houston since 1990. Now engaged in International Tax and Finance consulting following his retirement from ExxonMobil after working in the Tax area for over 35 years. Professionally, he was the president of the local chapter of the Tax Executive, a leading national tax organization. He has been actively involved with the Sri Meenakshi Temple (“MTS”), being on its board for over 8 years and also served as the Chairman of MTS during 2012-2013. He has been involved in many community organizations such as Bharathi Kalai Manram (“BKM” – President 2016), Classical Arts Society, Hindus of Greater Houston (Treasurer- 2021). He is married to Ranjana and they have three children and five grandchildren.

Vijay Kumar Pallod Active with HGH for past 30 years. He has been the Public Relations and Media Outreach Director for Hindu of Greater Houston and the spokesperson for the Hindu community locally and nationally for the past 35 years. He is married to Sushma Pallod and blessed with three kids Kavita, Bharat and Namita. He is blessed with two grand kids Veer and Tegh. In his leisure time, he likes to play ping pong, Swim, and bike riding. He has been at the forefronts of many a tirade that Hindu of Houston had to take to defend their faith and value system. He is also active with the Interfaith community in Houston and Sugar land. His passion is to work with Youth.

Partha Krishnaswamy has been with HGH since 2008 initially serving as Vice President and Event chair for all the Grand annual Janmashtami celebrations held at the George R Brown Convention Center until 2018. He was the President of HGH from 2016 till 2018. Partha is currently the Secretary of Sri Meenakshi Temple, an iconic temple in Pearland. Partha is also the founder member of the Katy Indian Cultural Association. He is a part of the organizing committee that has been celebrating Navarathri Garbha. Partha also served as the President of Bharathi Kalai Manram. Partha also was seen managing the stage at several events of Charitable organizations such as “Udavum Karangal”, as well as any significant project such as the “International Yoga day” etc. Professionally, Partha is engaged in deep-water Offshore Technology in the Oil and Gas sector. He is married to Indrani Parthasarathy and are blessed with two sons who are graduates from Texas A&M University and are currently working in Houston.

Sharad Suryakant Amin Retired Engineer, resident of Houston metro area since 1973. Past president of Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH). Co-ordinated and represented HGH at International Day of Yoga since 2018. Swayam Sevak of Hindu SwayamSevak Sangh (HSS), responsible for Seniors group (Praudh Shreni) nationally. He is involved with many Hindi organizations, and is the initiator in starting Hindu Youth camp World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) in 1985. At present also active with the camp which is organized by Hindu of Greater Houston (HGH). Hobby is doing Surya Namaskar daily, Walk, and serve the society through Sewa International family services and project: “Know your Healthy SELF”. Sharad Amin is married to Amita and have 2 children Sujatha and Arpan S.Amin.

Girish Naik has been associated with many organizations in the sprite of community service. His belief is “Service to Mankind, is service to God”. When he came to Houston, he served in the Executive committee of Gujarati Samaj of Houston for 3 years and later its President and now a Trustee. Girish along with his wife Hina Naik are closely associated with the Hindu Heritage camp for many years through Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and Hindus of Greater Houston. He is currently the president of VHP of America – Houston Chapter for the past 10 years. He is the first president of Hindus of Greater Houston and coordinated the grand Janmashtami celebration for few years. He was the Director in ICC for 2 years. He enjoys doing Drama and has played many roles in local plays. For 6 years he participated in the MS 150 – Bike ride from Houston to Austin to support research on Muscular Sclerosis.

Gopal Aggarwal has been a Board member of Hindus of Greater Houston for over 20 years. He is the CEO of Tara Capital, Real Estate Investment Creating Value in Multifamily Assets Company and Oversees acquisitions, entry/exit strategies, investor relations, and long-range planning. The company leads property level operations to increase efficiencies, minimize vacancies, and ensure timely property renovations. Over 25 years of multi-faceted real estate experience across apartments, hotels, and retail businesses. He is actively involved at all Janmashtami and major events celebrated by Hindus of Greater Houston. His entire family has been involved HGH activities in many ways. His wife Uma Aggrawal helps with Children’s costume contest. His children Raghav, Supriya and Neeraja.

Partha Sarathi Chatterjee is a digital transformation and technology strategy leader with almost 30 years of experience in United States. An IIT Computer scientist and gold medalist in USA, he came to USA on a NASA scholarship in 1987. He currently leads Data and Analytics for Shell Energy at Trading and Supply IT. Partha has held technology leadership positions at many companies. He has been awarded Distinguished Service Award for his lifetime services by IIT Kharagpur. He is the Founding Trustee and ex- President of Houston Durga Bari Society and life member and Board member of Tagore Society of Houston. Ex-president of IIT Kharagpur Alumni in Houston, steering committee member of IIT 2013 Global Conference, Board of Directors of IIT Foundation, General Secretary of North American Bengali Conference, among other charitable organizations. Partha holds a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) (Kharagpur) in India. He has a master’s degree in computer science from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from Texas A&M University, specializing in Finance and Management Information Systems. He enjoys sports and music with his wife, Arpita and children, Ishaan and Trisha.

Kesava Chakka Resident of Greater Houston since 1996. Kesava has been active in the Indian American community and has served as Treasurer of ICC and SACC previously. Currently he is an active member of Katy Hindu Community (KHC) and serves on the board of Sri Vasavi Association of Houston (SVAH) as Secretary. He is married to Radhika and blessed with two daughters Sushmitha and Keerthana. His hobbies include running, workouts, and travel. He is passionate to serve the at-large community.

Bhagwan Bhutada by profession Engineer & working with Star Pipe as Purchasing Manager & Senior Cost Analyst. He joined Hindu Swayamsevak since childhood and help in volunteering activities. He is currently a Director in HGH and have been volunteering in HGH for more than 15 years. He also is a volunteer in HAF, VHP, and MMNA He volunteers to help and serve others. His wife Sangita Bhutada is a Director and part of management in a Montessori school which we own. She is also an artist and has achieved a Limca Book of World Records and attempted a Guinness Book of World records for the largest rangoli drawn single-handedly. She has also drawn Rangoli for HGH for 12 years and at other events. His two sons are Mayuresh and Hriday, volunteer at HGH and other Organizations.

Bashist “Bash” Sharma is Attorney at Law & Mediator, Juris Doctorate, December 1993, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. Bachelor of Science in Economics, May 1991, University of Houston,Texas. Attorney & Litigator since March 1994 to present, Sharma & Associates, P.C. This law firm, which comprises of 4 attorneys (Mr. Sharma & his 3 daughters) takes pride in providing quality, aggressive, legal representation in State and Federal courts with an emphasis on litigation. President & CEO, October 1985 to August 1991, Certified Auto Repairs, Houston, Texas. He is the Legal Advisor, to several non-profit and Presented /lectured to several bar association groups on topics of Criminal law & Immigration law. His hobbies include Equestrian Ranger at Houston Bush Airport and Golfing.

Mark Ram Samarpit Kumar (dedicated monk) with Brahma Kumaris for 30 years. Raja Yoga Meditation Instructor. Native Texan. Mark Ram serves as Board member of Hindus of Greater Houston for almost five years. He has been actively participating in the International Day of Yoga since 2014. Mark Ram holds Online Training sessions on” How to meditate on You Tube along with other sessions on Spirituality and Health.

Saumil Manek A Restorative Yoga Certified Teacher with 200 HR-RYT and a guide a restorative yin-inspired, spiritual meditation. He embodies YOGA as a lifestyle and and practicesvarious types of yoga around the world. His extensive knowledge, much of which was picked up during my own personal journey has reinforced his commitment to teaching. He is also a powerhouse jewelry designer, my conscious designs are Yoga inspired and will weave my natural YIN energies through your daily YOGA practice. He will guide you to see your own strength and flexibility – on and off the mat. His mantra is “When you silence your mind, you awaken your soul”. My classes enhance your ability to live with more presence, patience, gratitude, and courage – letting go of fear, indecision and that which no longer serves you. I combine singing bowls, peaceful movements, and meditation to create a sweet, gentle, and spiritual experience. You can reach Saumil at maneksaumil@gmail.com to discuss private sound bath or yoga sessions. He is part of insight timer. #1 meditation and sleep app.

Rajesh Bakshi Currently Board member of Hindus of Greater Houston and has been part of HGH since 2018. Living in Houston for the past 17 years Volunteering with HGH since 5 years and is also Associated with Sri Krishna Vrindavan Temple, Houston for about 10 years. He manages the Database with list of HGH Board members/Advisory Council and the Temples, Organizations and collects Data of all Hindus in our community to communicate latest developments through our Bimonthly newsletter.

Ranjana Vadhva was born and brought in Nairobi, Kenya. Her parents were Vedic missionary teachers from the Arya Samaj of India, her father a Vedalankaar (scholar of the Vedas). After a career in Mathematics and Computer Science in UK and USA, she taught at Duchesne Academy, a Catholic girl’s high school, introducing Indian cultural celebrations such as Diwali to non-Indians. Representing Hindus on the Houston Coalition Against Hate, she serves as a liaison for Indian interests and safety. Ms. Vadhva champions foster children’s’ causes in her role as a licensed Child Advocate for Harris County. She is fluent a purohit, licensed by Arya Pratinidhi Sabha America. She is married to a physician and has two adult children settled in Austin.

Manisha Gandhi has been a Houston resident since middle school. She is the chief anchor for TV ASIA USA for Houston. Passionate about fundraising for good causes, she has been working for non-profit organizations for the last 9 years. She was the candidate for Houston City Council, District E in 2007 – first Indo-American woman to run for Houston City Council. She has been serving the community for over 25 years via various boards, City of Houston, University of Houston, Indo-American Political Action Committee, India Culture Center, Indo-American Charity Foundation, and Hindus of Greater Houston among others.

Shital Rathi residing at Houston from 2003. She is accountant by profession. She is involved with HGH activities since the past 17 years and serving as Janmashtami coordinator for over 10 years. She has helped with Houston Heritage Youth Camp for several years. Also actively involved and supporter of many other social organizations, Ekal USA,MMNA & SEWA INTERNATIONAL. She has special interest in meeting people, socializing, and helping in any of the Hindu Organization, HSS as well as HGH. She is married to Girish Rathi, Former HGH Board member and mother of two children Shubh and Krupa.

Rachana Shah has been associated with Vallabh Priti Sewa Samaj for the last 30 years and with Vallabh Vidya Mandir for the last 14 years. Started with Vallabh Vidya Mandir (VVM) as a parent, was a Pre-K teacher at VVM for 2 years and then Principal for the last 11 years. As a Principal, I have hosted and organized many events. She is familiar with HHYC as my son, Rajit Shah has attended camp for 6 years as a student and was also a counselor on the leadership team last summer. Rajit was one of the awardees at the HGH Hindu Youth Awards this year. She holds a Master’s degree from India in Home Economics( M.S Univ) and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from University of Houston.

Somansh Agarwal is one of HGH’s youngest directors and responsible for HGH Newsletter, social media/web platforms. An avid reader, he is passionate about Hindu civilization’s importance in today’s world and how the dharma, culture and values and the need to be passed on to next generations. Among other temple organizations, Somansh is closely associated with Arya Samaj Greater Houston where he volunteers and teaches Hindi in DAV Sanskriti School. He is married to Neesha and have 2 children Stawya and Varenya.

Bijay Dixit is the founder and photographer of Unique Photo Images, a family owned-and-operated photography studio serving Greater Houston and the surrounding communities. With over 35 years of experience in both the United States and India, Bijay’s technical expertise, creativity, and passion for capturing the perfect moment continues to make every clients’ special day a dream come true. Bijay is a well known Houston community member and believes in Sanatan humanitarian equality, and self- responsibility as granted by the Creator of our Universe. Bijay has actively volunteered and participated in many community events, including Hindus of Greater Houston Janmashtami since 1998. He is honored to be one of the advisers for Hindus of Greater Houston in 2021 and looks forward to serving the organization with the utmost responsibility.

Anjali Aggarwal Joined in February 2021 as an Intern at Hindus of Greater Houston She has extensive credentials working and volunteering in many community leadership and organizations. She is Shadow/Intern SKG Heart Center (Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital), Co-Founder of Helping Hopes Greater Houston, Health Science Summer Crash Course, Founder Instructor. Science National Honor Society President of SNHS, she organize all SNHS events, as well as lead the honor society. Direstor of Merketing, Young Hindus of Greater Houston. Member of YLDP Houston (Youth Leadership Development Program of Houston), Fort Bend ISD Student Voices – Ambassador and Volunteers at the House of Amos- an Emergency Food pantry.