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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.

Executive Leadership

Prof. Kamala Kanta Dash Secretary

Prof. Kamala Kanta Dash

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

Prof. Sucheta Priyabadini Vice Chairperson

Prof. Sucheta Priyabadini

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

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.

Advisory Board

Sujeet Kumar MP
Policy Advisor
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 (Upper House) — Current
Chairman, Committee on Petitions (Rajya Sabha) — Current
Dr. T. Sumathy
Legislative Leader
Dr. T. Sumathy (Thamizhachi Thangapandian)

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

Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha (Chennai South) — Current
Deputy Chairperson, Tamil Nadu Legislative Council — Former
Sulata Deo, MP
Policy & Governance Expert
Sulata Deo, MP

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

Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (Upper House) — Former
Iwan Walters MP
Victorian Parliament Member
Iwan Walters MP

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

Member of Parliament, Victoria (Greenvale) - Current
Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria - Current
Parliamentary Secretary for Disability - Current
Acting Speaker, Victorian Legislative Assembly - Former
Luba Grigorovitch MP
Parliamentary Leader
Luba Grigorovitch MP

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

Minister for Youth — Current
Minister for Carers and Volunteers — Current
Member of Parliament, Victoria (Kororoit) — Current
Parliamentary Secretary for Outdoor Recreation — Former
Dr. Tien Kieu
Public Service Advisor
Dr. Tien Kieu

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

Victorian Legislative Council Member (South Eastern Metro, 2018–2022) — Former
Chair, Economy and Infrastructure Committee — Former
Deputy Chair, Legal and Social Issues Committee — Former
Prof. Srinivas Subbarao
Academic Leader
Prof. 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.

Visiting Professor, Curtin University — Current
Prof. Harpinder Sandhu
Sustainability & Agribusiness
Prof. 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 & Innovation), Federation University — Current
Director, Agribusiness and AgTech Research Hub — Current
Lead Author, UN IPBES Assessments (Pollination & Asia-Pacific) — Former
Dr Raju Adhikari
Research Scientist & Academic
Dr Raju Adhikari

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

Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO — Current
Adjunct Associate Professor, RMIT University — Current
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.

Non-Executive Board Member & Advisor, AIBF — Current

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.

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