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Meet Our Board
The Manollasini Cultural Collective is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to advancing our mission of promoting Indian classical and contemporary arts. Each board member brings unique expertise in music, education, nonprofit leadership, and community building. Together, they provide vision, governance, and support to ensure our programs remain inclusive, artistically rich, and impactful. Their collective leadership helps shape Manollasini’s growth, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.
Learn more about the individuals behind the scenes who make our journey possible.
Founder, Chairperson, Artistic Director
Manasa Khandrika
Manasa Khandrika is the founder of Saraswathi Sangeetha Kalakshetra (SSK) Karnatic Music School, established in 2013 in Millburn–Short Hills, NJ. Through SSK, Manasa has nurtured students of all ages in the rich tradition of classical Karnatic music, inspiring them to learn, perform, and carry forward a living art form.
🌐 www.sskmanollasini.com
Building on this vision, the original Manollasini platform has now evolved into Manollasini, Inc. — a broader cultural collective that preserves tradition while embracing new forms of artistic expression. Under Manasa’s leadership as Founder, Chairperson, and Artistic Director — together with a dynamic Board Members and community — Manollasini, Inc. brings together diverse programs, collaborations, and projects that keep artistic heritage alive, evolving, and relevant for generations to come.
President
Sapna Gupta
Sapna Gupta is an integral member of the Millburn–Short Hills community and currently serves as Vice President of the Friends of the Millburn Free Public Library, where she leads strategic initiatives in social media engagement and public outreach. A seasoned graphic designer, she has executed impactful design projects for various local organizations.
Well-known within the MSH Desi community, Sapna is recognized for her extensive volunteer work and is often the first point of contact for newcomers seeking guidance and support. She is passionate about community building and cultural integration.
For more than a decade, Sapna served as a board member and creative director for MSHDC. She spearheaded and oversaw the operations of countless community events. Her efforts drew together people from all over the community to collectively celebrate their culture.
A trained Kathak dancer, Sapna is looking forward to rekindling her artistic practice through the Manollasini Cultural Collective. In her role as President, she is committed to fostering a greater appreciation for Indian classical and contemporary arts across Millburn–Short Hills and the surrounding region.
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Secretary
Rajeev Laghate
Rajeev Laghate has been associated with SSK Karnatic Music School for over a decade as a freelance tabla player, contributing regularly to student recitals, cultural programs, and collaborative performances. In addition to his musical involvement, Rajeev has supported the school in various creative and operational areas — including website management, program design, promotional materials, videography, and photography. He has built meaningful connections with local and regional music communities, enabling students to showcase their talents in broader cultural settings beyond school programs.
Professionally, Rajeev is an angel investor and a mentor to AI-driven startups, guiding them on go-to-market strategies and the development of technology ecosystems across global markets. His unique blend of artistic sensitivity and entrepreneurial expertise brings valuable insight to his role as Secretary of Manollasini Inc.
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Treasurer
Anirudh Khandrika
Anirudh Khandrika is a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan, Annarbor with a strong interdisciplinary interest in music, technology, and creative production. A lifelong student of Carnatic music, he has trained for over 15 years in classical vocal, violin, and viola, and has also coached young children in Indian classical singing. Beyond tradition, Anirudh is currently exploring contemporary R&B, adding depth to his evolving musical journey. He also applies his technical skills as a content automation developer for a YouTube content creator, combining efficiency with creative storytelling.
As a Finance Intern at La Casa, Anirudh played a key role in organizing and managing budgets for large-scale cultural events, including the Latin Culture Show. He was responsible for applying for grants, securing funding from on-campus organizations, and allocating budgets across various departments and acts. His work included supporting choreographers with cost planning for costumes, props, lighting, and sound, ensuring financial clarity and success across the production. This hands-on experience sharpened his skills in budget management, collaborative planning, and operational support within a diverse cultural environment.
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Cultural Ambassador
Vijay Nambiar
Vijay Nambiar has been an active community leader for many years, dedicated to celebrating our culture and passing it on to the next generation. He currently serves as Vice President of the Kerala Association of New Jersey and has also held leadership roles with organizations like MANTRAH. Outside of community service, Vijay works at Goldman Sachs, where he leads fraud strategy and analytics for the Asset and Wealth Management division. He lives in Short Hills with his wife and their two children.
Director of Memberships
Vandana Sahni
Vandana Sahni is a devoted community advocate who passionately works to promote cultural awareness and foster a strong sense of togetherness through various initiatives and events.
As a board member of MSHDC, she has played an integral role in driving the organization’s vision and community engagement. She has been actively involved in planning and organizing cultural programs that highlight India’s rich heritage. Through her leadership and dedication, Vandana has helped strengthen community bonds and create meaningful platforms for cultural expression and celebration.
Vandana Sahni is a seasoned Finance professional , holding a Master's degree from Pace University, NY, and a Chartered Accountancy (Inter) qualification from ICAI,
Outside of her professional career, Vandana is passionate about the arts, with a deep interest in Kathak dance and music. She is also committed to community welfare, actively engaging in non-profit initiatives. A resident of Short Hills, NJ, for over 10 years, she maintains a perfect balance between her career, family, and cultural pursuits.
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Director of Development & Grants
Dr. Sai Jambunathan
Dr. Sai Jambunathan is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at New Jersey City University, specializing in appropriate teaching practices, financial literacy, and the integration of AI tools in early childhood education. She is deeply committed to empowering her students and colleagues to reach their fullest potential. With experience in advocacy and community engagement, Dr. Jambunathan is looking forward to promoting awareness and appreciation of India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
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