Leadership &
Governance
Experienced leaders, policymakers, academics, and professionals united in their commitment to strengthening Australia–India relations.
Founder
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OAM JP
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
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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.
Secretary & Head of India Operations
Kamala Kanta Dash
An accomplished academic and administrator with expertise in governance and organisational leadership, ensuring the Foundation operates with transparency and integrity.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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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.
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.
Supports the organisation through strategic leadership and governance across internal audit, risk management, compliance, and internal controls. Brings extensive experience in assurance and corporate governance, working closely with senior executives to strengthen organisational resilience, accountability, and ethical conduct. Contributes a forward-looking perspective shaped by expertise across financial, operational, IT, and compliance risk, supporting the organisation’s long-term vision and sustainable growth.
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.
Honorary Patrons
Supports the vision and community objectives of the AusInd Bridge Foundation in an honorary capacity, including stronger community and people-to-people connections between Australia and India.
Supports the vision and community objectives of the AusInd Bridge Foundation in an honorary capacity, including stronger community and people-to-people connections between Australia and India.
Supports the vision and community objectives of the AusInd Bridge Foundation in an honorary capacity, including stronger community and people-to-people connections between Australia and India.
Supports the vision and community objectives of the AusInd Bridge Foundation in an honorary capacity, including stronger community and people-to-people connections between Australia and India.
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Supports the vision and community objectives of the AusInd Bridge Foundation in an honorary capacity, including stronger community and people-to-people connections between Australia and India.
Honorary Patrons support the objectives of the AusInd Bridge Foundation in an honorary capacity only. These roles do not carry governance, voting, financial, operational or decision-making authority on behalf of the Foundation and do not constitute endorsement by any government, parliament, political party or public authority.
Commitment to Governance & Transparency
The AusInd Bridge Foundation operates with strong governance principles, transparency, and accountability. Our Executive Leadership and Advisory Board uphold integrity, inclusivity, and long-term impact across all initiatives, with the valued support and honorary association of our Honorary Patrons.