Meet the Board of Directors

At Radha Krishna Mandir & Cultural Centre (RKMCC), our journey is guided by a dedicated Volunteer Board of Directors, individuals who bring passion, expertise, and a profound commitment to the spiritual and cultural enrichment of our community in the Region of Waterloo.

Collaborative Leadership for a Vibrant Future:

Our Board of Directors operates on the principles of collaboration, inclusivity, and shared vision. Regular meetings, open communication channels, and a commitment to the well-being of our community define their approach. Together, they aim to steer Radha Krishna Mandir & Cultural Centre toward a future that reflects the teachings of love, harmony, and cultural appreciation.

Get Involved:

Would you like to connect with our Board of Directors or learn more about their vision for our community? Perhaps you’d like to share your own vision too? Feel free to reach out, and let’s work together build a spiritually enriched future together. Meet our Board of Director team elected for 2023-2026 and join us on this incredible journey of growth, spirituality, and cultural celebration.

 

Mr. Dwarka Persaud
President (Director)

Mrs. Jean Persaud
Director (Vice President)

Mrs. Indro Denobrega
Director (Secretary)

Mrs. Pamela Ram
Director (Treasurer)

Mrs. Kalpna Sharma
Director (Assistant Treasurer/Secretary)

Mrs. Nalini Prashad
Director

Mr. Andre Jatindranauth
Director

Mrs. Laura Rooplal
Director

Mrs. Sunita Sharma
Director

Mrs. Radha Persaud
Director

Mr. Dwarka Persaud, President

Meet Dwarka Persaud, the President of Radha Krishna Mandir & Cultural Centre (RKMCC) — a seasoned leader whose life and career exemplify a profound commitment to community and environmental stewardship. Originally hailing from post-colonial Guyana, Dwarka immigrated to Canada in 1969 to attend Radio College of Canada and later University of Waterloo, bringing with him a strong belief in the equality of all humans, shaped by his experiences in Guyana.

Dwarka’s  journey with industry commenced in 1971 at Butler Polymet, where his dedication and innovative approach earned him a full-time position. His plastics environmental career took flight, focusing on recycling scrap materials from automotive parts. In 1987, Dwarka co-founded Norwich Recycling, pioneering Toronto’s first bottle recycling program. The company later specialized in PVC materials, successfully reclaiming and recycling them. Under Dwarka’s leadership, Norwich Plastics has diverted an impressive one billion pounds of plastics from landfills.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dwarka’s commitment to community service is epitomized by the RKMCC in Cambridge, Ontario. Established as a testament to his gratitude for the support he received, the center hosts cultural festivals and provides services for Vedic believers. Moreover, as the President, he possesses an unwavering passion for leading the vision to ensure that the new mandir, currently under construction, will be brought to fruition for the benefit of the younger generation.

Additionally, Dwarka played a pivotal role in the creation of the Federation of Hindu Temples of Canada in 1999. His involvement reflects a shared vision of providing a national united voice and lobby for Vedic faith organizations across Canada.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dwarka if you are interested in contributing to fundraising, participating in the new building committee initiatives, or if you have any strategic direction you’d like to explore for RKMCC. Your input and involvement are highly valued.Contact at president@radhakrishnamandir.ca

Ms. Jean Persaud, Vice President

As a highly regarded community advocate, our  Vice President, Jean Persaud  plays a pivotal role in championing the Board’s vision in supporting our mandir operations, fostering collaboration across our mandir. She is been at the forefront, spearheading the planning of numerous major fundraising events and overseeing our social media initiatives. Contact at vp@radhakrishnmandir.ca

Mrs. Indro Denobrega, Secretary 
With an enduring commitment dating back to the 1980s, Indro Denobrega has been a dedicated volunteer, undertaking various roles at RKMCC. Currently serving as the Secretary on the Board, Indro has the responsibility of being the gatekeeper of records and resolutions. In this role, she preserves the decisions, actions, and milestones achieved by the Board. Her efforts stand as a testament to the assurance that our cultural heritage is not just maintained but preserved for both the present and future generations.  Contact  her at secretary@radhakrishnamandir.ca

Mrs. Pamela Ram, Treasurer

Pam has over two decades of membership and played a pivotal role in the formative years of RKMCC, contributing as a volunteer in various capacities. In December 2023, after a hiatus, Pam rekindled her journey with RKMCC leadership team, bringing with her a wealth of financial acumen. Currently serving as our Treasurer, she takes on the responsibility of overseeing RKMCC’s fiscal matters. In this role, Pam ensures transparency and accountability, safeguarding the organization’s financial well-being. Contact at treasurer@radhakrishnamandir.ca

More details Coming Soon!

Mrs. Nalini Prashad, Director

Since the inception of RKMCC in the 1980s, Nalini has been a steadfast volunteer, wholeheartedly supporting RKMCC in every capacity. Her journey as a volunteer from inception culminated in her election to the Board of Directors in 2020, a testament to her unwavering commitment. Nalini brings congeniality to the forefront, fostering a warm and welcoming environment always. Her contributions extend across multifaceted skills, proving crucial to various practical aspects of RKMCC operations. Whether orchestrating seamless events, managing the intricacies of the kitchen, or coordinating volunteers for sanitation, Nalini’s diverse skill set enriches the fabric of our RKMCC community and ensures the smooth functioning of our Mandir.

Andre Jatindranauth, Director – Board of Directors

Andre Yurendra Jatindranauth has been a member of the Radha Krishna Mandir Cultural Centre (RKMCC) for many years. He previously held the role of Assistant Kirtan Coordinator with the RKMCC Kirtan Mandali. In July 2026, Andre joined the RKMCC Board of Directors as a Director, with responsibility for overseeing and supporting the Mandir’s Information Technology (IT) operations and initiatives. A software developer at OpenText Corporation, he brings his professional technology experience to this area of the Mandir’s operations. Andre is also the father of three girls involved in the RKMCC Kirtan Mandali and continues to support the Mandir and its community.

Sunita Sharma, Director

Sunita Sharma currently serves as the Director of Fundraising & Development at RKMCC, bringing her professional experience in IT, strategic thinking, and passion for community service to support the Mandir’s growth and long-term sustainability.

She is actively involved in Mandir activities, including Sunday Satsang, volunteer coordination, community events, and Prasad and kitchen support. In her leadership role, Sunita focuses on building meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, community members, and partners while developing opportunities for fundraising, sponsorships, grants, and community engagement.

Beyond fundraising, she contributes her technology expertise to support our Mandir’s operations and initiatives. Happily married and blessed with two children, Sunita is committed to serving the Mandir and the wider Hindu community. She believes that seva is not simply an activity, it is a way of life and a way of fulfilling one’s purpose.

Sunita welcomes fundraising ideas, partnership opportunities, and community connections. To share an idea or explore ways to support the Mandir, please contact her at ssharma@radhakrishnamandir.ca

Mrs. Radha Persaud, Director 

Mrs. Radha Persaud serves as the Director of Youth Programming and is a passionate advocate for empowering the next generation through involvement, participation, teamwork, and leadership. She is dedicated to creating supportive spaces where young people can grow spiritually, explore their cultural roots, build confidence, and take an active role in mandir and community life.

Radha provides oversight across a wide range of youth programs and initiatives, including Bal Vihar, youth group activities, Summer Camp, Outreach, music and dance classes. Her approach is rooted in collaboration and teamwork. Rather than simply leading, she works closely with youth, volunteers, teachers, and families, encouraging young people to share their ideas and helping bring their creative visions to life. Her goal is to ensure that every program is engaging, meaningful, welcoming, and shaped by the voices of the youth themselves.

As a parent of three, Radha is especially inspired by seeing her own children actively involved in mandir life, whether participating in age-appropriate programs and youth groups or stepping forward as youth volunteers. This personal connection strengthens her passion for creating opportunities where all young people can discover their strengths, serve their community, develop leadership skills, and thrive. If you wish to connect with Radha, please email  her at (rkmcc_dir5@radhakrishnamandir.ca).