Suneetha Alokam
Visionary leader with 15+ years of experience in nonprofit management and a deep commitment to fostering artistic expression. She is involved with teaching language classes, interviewing artists, conducting several Bharatnatyam and Kathak workshops and organizing dance and music recitals promoting multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. Her vision is to transform the organization into a regional hub for ethnic dance, music and language arts ensuring diverse voices are celebrated and a wide audience has access to impactful artistic experiences. Suneetha was honored with Mamdani Arts Leadership award for the year 2024 from Calgary Arts Development.
Sudeep Bhargava
Sudeep has been a vital part of growth in Indian Classical Music & Dance for over 25 years. He was a Past President of Raga Mala Music Society of Calgary in back to back tenures. He was the Director of Crime Stoppers from 2007 to 2023. Sudeep manages a successful public accounting practice in Calgary, providing services in financial accounting and tax advisory. He is a powerhouse asset to the Mantra exec team.
Sudha Menon
Sudha Menon has been a Calgarian since 1986, a teacher by profession, owned and operated Sandstone Child Learning Centre from 1996 to 2015. Sudha has been actively involved in the Indo-Canadian community and have served in the executive of several cultural and charitable organizations, including India Canada Association, Raga Mala Music Society, Hindu Society of Calgary, Calgary Multicultural Society and Folk Festival Committee. Now serving as one of the vice presidents for Mantra Arts she brings a wealth of experience for promoting classical and folk music and dance.
Shiva Goli
With a professional background in education and inclusive teaching, Shiva brings a passionate student-centered perspective to her role in promoting variety of art forms and languages to classrooms across Alberta, using workshops and artist residencies. Through her work with Mantra Arts and as a teacher with CBE board she strives to ensure that cultural expression and creative movement are accessible to inclusive classrooms — making sure that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of the arts. She is excited to contribute to Mantra's vision by expanding outreach into schools and communities
Vinod Chari
Associated with Arts Calgary for over 25 years. Past President, multiple times, for a non-profit organization that promotes Indian Classical Music & Dance. Working as a volunteer for Calgary Philharmonic, Calgary Opera, theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Project, Vertigo Theatre & Lunchbox Theatre. Worked for 45 years in Oil and Gas as an Executive in drilling related industry in Canada, USA & Asia Pacific.
Beena Ashar
An entrepreneur, social volunteer, marketing manager, mother of two and grandmother of 3 children! Beena has taken many initiatives to celebrate the creativity and hard work of local talent, building local pride. She brought spotlight on many talented and emerging musicians within Calgary through her monthly open mic events. She is a strong social media influencer advocating music and dance events through various TV and YouTube channels.
Bhanu Vedula
Bhanu has been passionate about language and the arts for many years. With over five years of experience teaching Telugu language to children, she is dedicated to helping young learners build confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Bhanu actively contributes time and energy to a variety of volunteer initiatives, reflecting a strong commitment to community service. Bringing together a love for language, education, and the performing arts, Bhanu is excited to support the mission of Mantra Arts in inspiring and empowering the next generation.
Event Programming & Sponsorship
Renu Dham
Renu moved to Calgary from London, UK in 1999. She has always been an avid Arts & Entertainment enthusiast. She enjoys variety of dance forms from Spanish Flamenco to Irish Riverdance, Indian Classical dance Kathak with Sitar and Tabla being her favorite instruments. She believes that Music enriches one's Soul & brings us all together and organizations like Mantra help in bringing diversity to our city. Being a part of Mantra Arts Society, she hopes to inspire all ages, all cultures & ethnicities in some way to be happier individuals.
Sadru Ladhani
Sadru moved to Calgary in 1982. Being a successful entrepreneur he developed versatile management skills and a strong connection to his community. He has had a lifelong interest in promoting Indian classical music and dance along with Qawwali and Sufi music. He has conducted various musical shows in Canada and East Africa bringing talented pool of artists from India, Europe and North America. Actively involved with Raga mala for more than 20 years and served as Vice President. Organized cultural tours to India and middle east with deep connection to arts.
Kulbhushan Tullu
Kulbhushan Tullu is a passionate supporter of language, instrumental, vocal music and dance. He has been working with arts groups in Calgary for over 25 years. His family is immersed in classical music. His son is a skillful Tabla player and his daughter is an accomplished Bharata Natyam dancer.
Michael Doyle
Michael Doyle is a Professional Geophysicist and Certified Corporate Director (ICD.D) managing clients in Canada and numerous other parts of the globe. He served as a past Chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Calgary and has extensive experience in a variety of advisory roles at the University level, including in the areas of Cooperative Education and the International Energy Business. He is past Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Latin American Research Centre (LARC) at the University of Calgary, where he also served as a member of the Regional Advisory Council for Mexico.
Jaya Deep Tunuguntla
With a professional background in engineering and medicine, Jaya brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective and expertise in technology to this role. He also teaches business analysis, project management, and pre-med courses, showcasing his commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals. He was drawn to the board by his personal interest in how the performing arts and language serve as a vital form of communication that broadens horizons and connects diverse cultures. Jaya has been instrumental in setting up the society's foundational technology platforms and is excited to support its growing online presence. He is excited about building a vibrant online community for Mantra Arts and connecting with people who share a passion for culture and the arts.