Founding Board of Directors
Dr. Arun Lakhotia, President, is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is a 1st generation Indian American who splits time between New Orleans and Lafayette. As the President of Acadiana Indian Association in Lafayette he founded the Lafayette Holi Festival which in 2023 completed its 10th celebration.
Raj Shah, Treasurer, has recently stepped into the leadership of Metairie’s International Market. A 2nd generation Indian American, he hails from the New Orleans region, steadfastly upholding his grandfather’s legacy by overseeing the family business—a bustling hub renowned for its diverse array of ethnic foods and a meeting place of cultures.
Nikhil Akkaraju, Director, is in the Financial Services industry. He is a 2nd generation Indian American, born and brought up in Lafayette. He and his parents have served the Acadian Indian Association for more years than any other family. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Festival International de Louisiane and currently serves on its Production Committee.
Dr. Jignesh Patel, Director, is a physician with Ochsner in New Orleans. He is a 2nd generation Indian American, schooled and raised in the Lafayette area, and now settled in New Orleans. He belongs to a family that has been very active in the Acadiana Indian community.
Manish Patel, Secretary, is an entrepreneur in the hospitality business. He is a 2nd generation Indian American, born and brought up in New Orleans. He started Tava Indian Street Food to celebrate his passion for cooking, embrace his Indian culture and share it with others.
Special Thanks to DJ Shivvy & DJ Pavan and DJ Jazz
PHOTOGRAPHERS
- Allen Boudreaux (FB Link)
- Candy Nandi
- Fernando Lopez (FB Link)
- IG Flowers Photo (FB Link)
- Jennifer (Amazon photos)
- The Party That Never Ends (FB Link)
PERFORMANCES
- Anjali Niyogi
- Aparna Srinivasan
- Arun Nayar
- Asha Matthew
- Kevinn Lauren Pouree
- Monica Dhand
- Radhikeswari Devi
- Ruby Pal
VOLUNTEERS
- DaMarcus Shaw
- Desmond Fernando
- Durand Louis
- Ed Salavarria
- Jason Marina
- Laura Salmeron
- Maren Trevino
- Miguel Lopez
- Seshagiri Prabhu Narasimhan
- Urvi Patel