Jagdish Trivedi is a respected Sydney-based business and community leader and Chairperson of AFDR. Having worked in the Corpoate Business World in New Zealand and Australia, he combines entrepreneurial experience with a strong commitment to service and humanitarian values. Actively involved with various Social, Cultural and broader multicultural community, Jagdish has contributed to major community initiatives in Sydney. Through AFDR, he is committed to bringing people together to support communities affected by disasters with compassion, dignity and collective action.
Board and Advisors
- Chairperson
Jagdish Trivedi
- Vice Chairperson
Sewa Singh
Managing Director & CEO, Reliiance Group | National President, Association of Haryanvis in Australia
Sewa Singh is a finance professional, entrepreneur and community leader with over 23 years of experience helping families and investors achieve their property and financial goals. As Managing Director & CEO of Reliiance Group and National President of the Association of Haryanvis in Australia, he combines business leadership with community service. Sewa has led major initiatives, including the International Gita Mahotsav, bringing together over 60 organisations to promote collaboration, social cohesion, cultural values and stronger multicultural communities across Australia.
- Secretary
Jigish Purohit
Jigish Purohit is an experienced finance professional with over 23 years of experience across the financial services, technology, payments, data analytics, and property sectors. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of leadership, sales, account management, and business development roles with leading organisations, helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. Beyond his professional career, Jigish is passionate about community engagement and has been actively involved in organising and supporting numerous charitable, cultural, and community events. He believes in bringing people together, fostering meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for like-minded individuals to share experiences, support one another, and grow as a community.
- Treasurer
Samir Mehta
Samir Mehta, FCPA, CA, GAICD is a senior finance and governance executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience across financial management, audit, treasury, risk management, corporate governance and strategic planning. He currently serves as Group Controller at the University of Sydney, with responsibility for financial control, compliance and governance oversight.
Samir is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a Chartered Accountant (India) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is actively involved in professional and community service, having served as Chairman of the Sydney Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India during 2022–2023 and currently serving as an Advisory Board Member, supporting governance, leadership development, mentoring and community engagement initiatives.
- Joint Secretary
Srinivasa Rao
Born and raised in Mysuru, Srini (Srinivasa Rao N M) moved to Sydney in 2014 and now serves as Managing Director at a Consulting firm in Australia. A dedicated community volunteer, he plays an active leadership role with Sri Venkata Krishna Vrundavana Sydney, contributing to the mission of building one of the largest Krishna temples in the Southern Hemisphere. Beyond his professional and community commitments, Srini is a theatre artist, singer, photographer, and trekker (Everest Base Camp, 2022) - bringing the same energy and dedication to every space he's part of.
- Director
Ajay Kumar Dhull
Ajay Kumar Dhull is a Sydney-based finance professional and community leader with over 15 years’ experience in mortgage and financial services. An MBA-qualified and MFAA-accredited broker with Reliiance Financial Solutions, he is widely valued for his integrity, approachable nature and commitment to helping others. Ajay also serves as Treasurer of the Association of Haryanvis in Australia, contributing actively to community initiatives. He brings to AFDR strong financial stewardship, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving communities in need.
- Director
Smitha Karki
Smitha Karki is a Sydney-based senior corporate and community leader with over 20+ years’ experience in strategic programs, digital transformation, M&A and organisational change. A executive leader at Woolworths Group, she brings extensive experience in delivering complex, high-impact business transformation. Smitha is also President of Sydney Kannada Sangha, and Secretary of United Indian Associations, reflecting her deep commitment to community service and multicultural engagement. She brings to AFDR strong leadership, strategic insight and a genuine passion for supporting people and strengthening communities.
- Director
Amardeep Malik
Amardeep Malik is data analytics professional with an extensive experience in banking and financial services. Focusing on financial modelling, portfolio forecasting, and mortgage remediation programs. He successfully transitioned from an IT career to property finance, bringing a blend of analytical and customer-focused financial expertise. He represents Australia in Masters Athletics at the Oceania and an accredited Level 1 Athletics Coach. He serves as Vice President Association of Haryanvis in Australia (NSW Chapter), volunteers with NSW SES. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage and passing on strong values to future generations through service, leadership, and community engagement.
- Director
Dr Jyothi Marry
Dr Jyothi Marry is a respected Western Sydney Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and a Fellow of RANZCOG, with extensive specialist training in Australia and New Zealand. A dedicated community leader, she has held leadership roles across professional bodies, prominent cultural and community organisations, including Dharma Community of Australia and JET Australia Sydney Chapter. Known for her compassionate approach and commitment to service, Dr Marry brings to AFDR strong leadership, empathy and a genuine passion for supporting people and strengthening communities.
- Director
Arjun Mehta
Arjun Mehta is a Sydney-based technology executive and community leader with over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors. Known for his people-centred leadership, he brings expertise in digital transformation, governance, stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership.
As Vice President of the Hindu Council of Australia (NSW) and President of the Gujarati Brahman Samaj of NSW, Arjun has a strong track record of community service, cultural engagement, and supporting migrants, seniors and families. He brings to AFDR proven leadership, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to serving communities with compassion, integrity and purpose.
- Director
Dr Sunil Vyas
Sunil is a General Practitioner serving SW Sydney since the early 1990s.
Outside of medicine Sunil is very active in community and philanthropic service. Over the years he has been privileged to serve as President and in Executive roles for Australian Indian Medical Association (AIMGA), Gujarati Brahman Samaj of NSW (GBSON) and United Indian Associations (UIA) as well as an Executive member of Universal Humanitarian Services (UHS).
Sunil is very proud of Australia's multicultural ethos and values.
- Advisor
Dr Maurice Lionel Newman AC
Business Leader | Corporate Chairman | Economic and Public Policy Advisor
Dr Maurice Lionel Newman AC is one of Australia's distinguished business leaders, with more than five decades of experience in investment banking, corporate governance and public affairs.
He has served as Chairman of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Deutsche Bank Australia and New Zealand, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), as well as Chancellor of Macquarie University. He also chaired the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council and the Federal Treasurer's Financial Sector Advisory Council.
In 2002, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his outstanding contribution to Australian business, financial policy, international trade relations and the community. He was subsequently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business by Macquarie University in 2009.
Dr Newman continues to contribute to corporate advisory, investment and international business initiatives, including Australia–India commercial engagement. His involvement spans senior advisory and board positions across business, finance and community organisations, reflecting his longstanding commitment to economic development and institutional leadership.
- Advisor
Dr Jayker “Jay” Dave
Dr Jayker “Jay” Dave is a respected Sydney orthopaedic surgeon and passionate humanitarian with a longstanding commitment to giving back to the community. Beyond medicine, he actively supports charitable initiatives, community organisations and causes assisting people experiencing hardship, including homelessness and domestic violence. A strong advocate for service and collective responsibility, Dr Jay brings to AFDR compassion, medical expertise, community connections and a genuine commitment to mobilising support for vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
- Advisor
Munish Grover
Munish Grover is a Sydney-based Chartered Accountant, business advisor and community contributor with extensive experience in accounting, taxation, audit and financial management. Founder of GM & Co. Chartered Accountants, he has advised businesses, professionals and not-for-profit organisations across diverse sectors. Beyond his professional career, Munish has contributed extensively to the Association of Haryanvis in Australia and other community organisations. As Joint Treasurer of AFDR, he brings financial expertise, integrity and a strong commitment to responsible stewardship and community service.
- Advisor
Sunil Gautam
Writer | Communications Strategist | Creative Consultant
Sunil Gautam is a Sydney-based communications professional with extensive experience in writing, branding, advertising and strategic communications. Through Wordsworth Creative, he works with businesses and organisations across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, helping them articulate their ideas, strengthen their brand positioning and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
His work spans corporate communications, brand development, digital content, advertising and creative direction. With a strong interest in education, community engagement and cross-cultural communication, Sunil brings together creative thinking and practical business understanding to develop communication that is purposeful, credible and relevant.