Home About Us Team
News Contact Us
Our People

Leadership &
Governance

Experienced leaders, policymakers, academics, and professionals united in their commitment to strengthening Australia–India relations.

Founder Executive Leadership Advisory Board

Founder

Deepak Vinayak OAM JP OAM JP
Founder & Chairperson

Deepak Vinayak OAM JP

Deepak Vinayak OAM JP is the Founder and Chairperson of the AusInd Bridge Foundation. He has played a significant role in shaping Australia–India engagement, including contributions aligned with Victoria's long-term India Strategy. His leadership reflects a commitment to inclusive growth, community empowerment, and strengthening people-to-people ties between Victoria and India. A visionary leader dedicated to fostering high-level engagement through strategic partnerships and inclusive dialogue.

Justice of the Peace, Department of Justice and Regulation, Victoria — 2008–present
Board Member, Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices — 2008–present
Australia Day Ambassador, National Australia Day Council — 2014–present
Regional Council Member, North Western Metropolitan Regional Council, Adult Community and Further Education Board — 2013–2014
People of Australia Ambassador, Australian Government — 2012–2015
South Asian Communities Ministerial Advisory Council Member, Victorian Multicultural Commission — 2014–2017
Regional Advisory Council Member, Victorian Multicultural Commission — 2012–2015

Executive Leadership

Prof. Kamala Kanta Dash Secretary

Kamala Kanta Dash

An accomplished academic and administrator with expertise in governance and organisational leadership, ensuring the Foundation operates with transparency and integrity.

Co-Founder, Kalinga Literary Festival — 2014–present
Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Sustainability, Sri Sri University — 2019–2023
Visiting Assistant Professor, Sri Sri University — 2019
Visiting Assistant Professor, National Law University, Odisha — 2016–2021
Visiting Professor of Business Communication, Sri Sri University — 2016–2017
Assistant Professor of Governance & Management Studies, Sri Sri University — 2014–2016
Founder Member and Assistant Professor, School of International Studies, Ravenshaw University — 2013–2014
Prof. Sucheta Priyabadini Vice Chairperson

Dr. Sucheta Priyabadini

A distinguished scholar and thought leader bringing expertise in strategic collaboration and community engagement to advance the Foundation's mission and impact.

Professor, Rama Devi Women's University — 2023–present
Sumit Wadhera Head of Non-Profit & Community Engagement

Sumit Wadhera

A senior leader with over 19 years' experience across hospitality, aviation, luxury and sales sectors. Lieutenant and Brigade Community Safety Coordinator with the CFA, driven by service, discipline and practical leadership.

Ishan Bansal Treasurer

Ishan Bansal

Brings a strong business and commercial background, with extensive experience across accounting, property development and the building sector. Commercial insight and strategic thinking support the Foundation's broader non-profit objectives.

Neha Gupta Head of Youth Engagement

Neha Gupta

A people-centric HR leader with over six years of experience at organisations including Google, GSK, and PhonePe. Specialises in engagement, retention and inclusive workplace cultures. Certified meditation coach with the Art of Living Foundation.

kaushika Jinna Head of Public Relations

Kaushika Jinna

Experienced in business growth, eCommerce, application and product development, with a strong focus on strategic communications, community engagement, and brand growth. Passionate about building meaningful connections, fostering collaboration, and driving positive impact through innovation, wellbeing advocacy, and strategic growth initiatives.

Advisory Board

Sujeet Kumar MP
Dr. Sujeet Kumar MP

Contributes legislative oversight and policy guidance across science, environment, and external affairs, strengthening bilateral engagement between India and Australia.

Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Odisha — 2020–present
Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, Rajya Sabha — 2024–present
Member, Standing Committee on Science, Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change — 2020–present
Member, Committee on Privileges, Rajya Sabha — 2020–present
Member, Committee on Information and Communication Technology Management, Rajya Sabha — 2020–present
Member, Committee on Official Language — 2020–present
Member, Committee on Rural Development — 2020–present
Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of External Affairs — 2020–present
Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of East Coast Railways — 2020–present
Member, Indian Council of World Affairs — 2020–present
Founder, Kalinga Kusum Foundation — 2011–present
Convenor, All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet — 2021–present
Co-Chair, Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) — 2021–present
Founding Member, Formosa Club Indo-Pacific Chapter — 2021–present
Chairman, Committee on Petitions, Rajya Sabha — 2020–2024
Member, Standing Committee on Home Affairs — 2020–2024
Member, Press Council of India — 2020–2024
Advisor, Special Development Council, Government of Odisha (rank of Chief Secretary) — prior to Parliament Special Secretary, Odisha State Planning Board — prior to Parliament
Special Secretary, Odisha State Planning Board
Dr. T. Sumathy
Dr. T. Sumathy Thangapandian MP

An accomplished public representative with experience in legislative leadership and community advocacy.

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Chennai South — 2019–Present
Member, Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology — 2019–Present
Member, Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports — 2024–Present
Member, Select Committee on the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 — 2025–Present
Member, House Committee — 2024–Present
Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Culture and Tourism — 2019–Present
Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment — 2019–Present
Member, Board of Governors, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) — 2019–Present
Sulata Deo, MP
Sulata Deo

Brings experience in public policy and community development, contributing insights on legislative affairs and governance.

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Sambalpur, Odisha — 1998–2004
Member, Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests — 1998–2000
Member, Committee on Petitions — 1998–2000
Member, Committee on Women’s Empowerment — 1998–2004
Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment — 1998–2004
Iwan Walters MP
The Hon. Iwan Walters MP

A serving Member of the Victorian Parliament, bringing legislative experience and a strong commitment to public service.

  • Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2021–present
  • Member for Greenvale, Victoria — 2021–present
  • Parliamentary Secretary for Disability — 2023–present
  • Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria — 2026–present
  • Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs — 2024–2026
  • Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers — 2023
  • Acting Speaker — 2024–present
  • Chair, Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee — 2023
  • Member, Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee — 2023
    • Luba Grigorovitch MP
    The Hon. Luba Grigorovitch MP

    Brings extensive experience in public policy and parliamentary leadership, supporting bilateral engagement initiatives between Australia and India.

  • Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australian Labor Party — 2022–present
  • Member for Kororoit, Victoria — 2022–present
  • Minister for Youth — 2026–present
  • Minister for Carers and Volunteers — 2026–present
  • Parliamentary Secretary for Outdoor Recreation — 2024–2026
  • Chair, Electoral Matters Committee — 2023–2025
  • Member, Electoral Matters Committee — 2023
  • State Secretary, Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), Victoria — 2016–2022
    • Dr. Tien Kieu
    Dr. Tien Dung Kieu

    Brings a strong background in public service with a focus on economic and infrastructure policy, supporting bilateral engagement initiatives.

    Chair, Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee — 2022

    Member, Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee — 2020–2022

    Deputy Chair, Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee — 2019–2022

    Member, Legislative Council Procedure Committee — 2019–2022

    Lecturer / Academic in Mathematics and Physics, University of Melbourne

    Researcher in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics

    Prof. Srinivas Subbarao
    Dr. Srinivas Subbarao

    A distinguished Indian academic widely recognised for pioneering work in fostering campus startup and innovation culture across India, with national recognition and a Government of India leadership fellowship at Cambridge.

    Professor, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad — 2024–Present
    Visiting Professor, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand — 2025–Present
    Visiting Professor, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia — 2025–Present
    Director & Professor, VJIM Hyderabad, Telangana, India — Jul 2023–Feb 2024
    Founder Director General, CITE, MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, India — 2023
    Dean & Director, School of Management, MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, India — 2021–2022
    Director, Sri Sri University Resource Centre on Climate Change and Sustainability Education and Practices, Cuttack, Odisha, India — 2019–2021
    Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha, India — 2017–2021
    Professor of Entrepreneurship and International Business, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha, India — 2014–2020
    Dean of Students Welfare, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha, India — 2015–2018
    Executive Registrar, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha, India — 2015–2017
    Professor of Management Studies, Vignan’s University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India — 2012–2014
    Professor & HOD, Department of Commerce & Management Studies, Maharajah's Post Graduate College, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India — 1994–2012
    Prof. Harpinder Sandhu
    Dr. Harpinder Sandhu

    A leading ecological economist with over two decades of experience in agriculture, rural development and research leadership. Contributes expertise in sustainable food systems, ecosystem services and inclusive economic development.

    Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia — 2026–Present
    Professor & Director, Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct (AJTP), Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia — 2021–Present
    Associate Professor, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia — 2020–2022
    Advisory Panel Member, Food and Agriculture Organization — 2015–2016
    Dr Raju Adhikari
    Dr. Raju Adhikari

    Widely respected for community leadership, he is a founding president of key Nepali-Australian organisations and a strong advocate for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and multicultural engagement.

    Associate / Adjunct Professor, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — 2015–Present
    Deputy Chair & Global Research Director, Emotional Well-Being Institute (EWBI), Australia — 2021–Present
    Research Director of Excellence, Smarth Health Global, Victoria, Australia — 2023–Present
    Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Manufacturing, Australia — 1995–2019
    Rajat Vinayak
    Non-Executive Board Member
    Rajat Vinayak

    Supports the organisation through strategic input and governance oversight. Brings a broad perspective informed by experience across business, investment, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to the organisation's long-term vision and impact.

    Commitment to Governance & Transparency

    The AusInd Bridge Foundation operates with strong governance principles, transparency, and accountability. Our leadership and advisory bodies work collaboratively to ensure integrity, inclusivity, and long-term impact across all initiatives.

    Send an Enquiry

    For enquiries only. Please fill out the form below.

    * Required fields. We respect your privacy and will only use your information to respond to your enquiry.