Our Team

We are excited to share that Namaste Charleston is now a tax-exempt entity under IRC section 501(c)(3) Nonprofit charitable organization in 2022.
Our organization has six Board of Trustees and two Board Advisors to execute our philanthropic agenda.

My name is Lakshmi Vardhani Kasi, and I am a Clinical Pharmacist at Centene. I’m a mother of two amazing children who inspire me every day to live with gratitude. I’m very thankful for a supportive husband, a physician at MUSC Children’s, who encourages me to aim higher and pursue meaningful goals.

After years of moving, our family finally made Charleston our home in 2015. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Volunteer Pharmacist at a Free Medical Clinic, contributing as an IAGC Executive Committee member, and organizing cultural gatherings that celebrate our rich traditions. I’ve also had the joy of leading a kids’ summer camp at our temple for two years, where kids explored yoga, practiced shlokas, discovered their creativity through art, and had fun playing games. Being part of the Charleston community has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

As Secretary of Namaste Charleston, I am driven by the belief that by uplifting others, we uplift ourselves. What began as a simple effort to connect people through social media has blossomed into a nonprofit that helps students check off the essential tech checklist for college-bound seniors.

Together, we are building something truly meaningful and look forward to many more possibilities—and I am honored to be a part of it. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, honorable, compassionate, and have it made some difference that you have lived and lived well”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Vardhani Kasi

Shadha Shah

My name is Shradha Shah. I hold a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a focus on supporting individuals with special needs. Over the past 16 years, I’ve worked as both a classroom teacher and a curriculum coordinator in India, and I’m currently a proud member of the team at Legacy Traditional Schools in Arizona. I’ve also worked as a book editor and illustrator for a leading publication and hold copyrights to some of my creative works.

Beyond my professional life, I’ve been happily married for over 12 years, and my husband and I are blessed with a wonderful daughter who is truly the center of our world. I’m a passionate foodie (the spicier, the better!), and I love to doodle, craft, cook, and bake—creative outlets that I find both fun and therapeutic. Traveling is another passion of mine, and I’ve already checked a few countries off my bucket list. Giving back to the community is very important to me, and I’m always eager to contribute.

 

I am Dr. Randhir Makkar, I am from Dehradun, India. I am a Ph.D., a Senior Scientist, bringing extensive expertise in bioscience and biotechnology to my work. Since moving to the United States in 2000 for advanced training, I have proudly been a member of the Charleston community since 2002. My early education at a school with roots in British-era India shaped my disciplined approach and strong belief in the power of individuals to make a positive impact on society. I have a very supportive wife, and we have two wonderful Children, Harnish and Muskaan.

Throughout my time in Charleston, I have had the privilege of serving in leadership roles, including as president of the India Association of Greater Charleston and the Hindu Temple of Charleston from 2011 to 2019. I remain actively involved as a board member of several key community organizations and councils, including the India Association, Charleston Interreligious Council, and the Mayor’s Clergy Council. My dedication and vision continue to inspire me to support positive growth and collaboration within the Charleston community.

Dr. Randhir Makkar

Peyush Dwivedi

My Name is Peyush Dwivedi. I am originally from Bhopal, India, the beautiful city of lakes and gardens.

I have called Charleston, South Carolina, my home since 1995. In 2007, my wife Preeti and I started Sunfield Inc., a textile wholesale business based in Ladson, which we continue to own and operate. Together, we are raising our two wonderful daughters, Tanya and Aditi.

Community service has always been close to my heart. I served as the Founding Secretary of the Board of Charleston’s first Hindu Temple, which opened in 2009. I partnered with Regal Cinemas in 2013 to bring Indian movies to our area, giving the community access to Indian films of all languages that celebrate our culture.

From 2016 to 2021, I served on the Hindu Temple Board (STCC), where I helped lead a volunteer team that served more than 4,500 meals to school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also had the privilege of leading a volunteer team for the installation of beautiful new marble idols (Vigraha) called the Murthi Stapana Project in 2017.

As the founder of Namaste Charleston, I have found an incredible team to support me. Together, we continue to focus on creating a stronger, happier, and more united community.

Outside of work and community service, I am an avid traveler, having flown more than 2.5 million miles worldwide. I love exploring new places, enjoying good food, sipping hot tea, and—most importantly—making time for rest.

I believe deeply that:

“A connected and united community is a better community.”

I am Ashok Prabhu, originally from Udupi, a historic temple town in Karnataka, India, I call Charleston my home for more than two decades. I currently reside in Summerville, with my wife, Yogitha, and our two sons.

I am a graduate of MIT Manipal with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  I have cultivated a successful career in Information Technology with over 27 years of experience managing IT infrastructure and enterprise applications. In 2019, I co-founded Trikaiser LLC, a company specializing in Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Software Development, eCommerce, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics.

Beyond professional accomplishments, I am committed to community services and philanthropy. Since 2012, I have been an active volunteer at the Hindu Temple, serving on its Executive Committee since 2017. I also provide support and expertise to Krishnanugraha, a fitness institute and special adoption agency founded by my brother in India, which provides care and support to over 200 orphans, abandoned children, and children with neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, I support my elementary school in Udupi, helping provide quality education to more than 130 rural children.

As Treasurer of Namaste Charleston, I combine financial stewardship with technical expertise, strengthening the organization’s initiatives and enhancing its impact within the community.

Ashok Prabhu

Vasanth

I am Vasant Chandorkar, originally from Nashik, the wine capital of India, with a master’s degree in Computer science, currently serving as the Director of IT Operations for the Charleston County Government. Having worked in multiple countries, I bring a broad global perspective and solid technical expertise to my role. 

Since moving to Charleston in 2002 with my wife, Sujata, and daughters Medha and Nidhi, I have been deeply committed to supporting and enriching the local community.

I have been honored to serve on the Board of Trustees for the India Association of Greater Charleston and the Executive Committee of the Hindu Temple, while also volunteering with local schools and the Lowcountry Food Bank. I value my involvement with Namaste Charleston and take particular pride in initiatives like the laptop donation program that help students pursue their college dreams. I encourage others to get involved, believing that small acts of service can create meaningful, positive change.

I am Pranav Shah, a Mechanical Engineer originally from India who spent over five years in Charleston before moving to Mesa, Arizona, to advance my career. I live in Mesa with my wife and daughter, but I am strongly connected to the Indian community in Charleston due to the many years I’ve spent there; it feels like my heart is always in Charleston.  I am driven by curiosity and a passion for innovation and enjoy working on projects that solve real-world problems and make a lasting impact. Outside of my professional work, I am an avid hiker, travel enthusiast, and podcast listener, always eager to learn and explore new ideas.

While in Charleston, I was elected to serve as an Executive Committee member of the India Association of Greater Charleston (IAGC) for two years, actively contributing to community and cultural initiatives. Currently, I manage accounts for Namaste Charleston, where I combine organizational discipline with creative thinking to support the organization’s mission. I value meaningful connections and encourage others to get involved with Namaste Charleston to help amplify its positive impact.

Pranav

Meenal Mehrotra

I am Meenal Mehrotra, originally from Lucknow, known as a city of the Royals in India. I moved to Charleston in 2006 from Connecticut, so I’ve been fortunate to call this area home for the past 19 years. Currently, I work as a Scientist at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where my research focuses on bone biology. My husband, Shikhar Mehrotra, is also a Scientist at MUSC.

We have two wonderful sons, our older one, Ishaan, just graduated from Duke University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science, and he will soon begin his career as a Data Analyst. Our younger one, Indrav, has just started his first year at Wando High School.

Outside of work, I also cherish time with our two beloved goldendoodles, Ira and Ivy, who are very much part of our family. I love plants and enjoy time in the yard.

In the Charleston community, I was actively involved with IAGC and the Hindu Temple.

I am now excited to be part of the Namaste Charleston Board and am looking forward to connecting more closely with this wonderful Charleston community.