INDIAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA (ICAM)
Board Members (2026)
Ajay Singh - President
I work in US Bank as Vice President, Technology Portfolio Management. My wife, Shailaza works in IBM, son in college and daughter working in Minneapolis. I have lived in Rochester, MN since 2005 and have volunteered in various organizations and served as board member in Hindu Samaj Temple and past president of Project Management Institute, Rochester Chapter. My passion is volunteerism and helping the community in the best possible way. My role as President will be setting the strategy and direction of the Association to help meet organization goals to connect, collaborate and educate people on cultural values India brings to the greater Rochester area.
Connect with Ajay at president@icamn.org
Verna Simon - Vice President
I am excited to be the vice president of ICAM. At this moment in America, it is extremely important for us to appreciate all the ways we contribute to this country. We should simultaneously celebrate our cultural heritage even as we connect with friends and neighbors from various other backgrounds. ICAM was created to facilitate these celebrations and these connections. I am thankful to be a part of this endeavor. I am a Genomics Researcher at Mayo Clinic, and I stay active in the community (volunteering at the People’s Food Co-op; helping out with my home owners association). I am a vegetarian who enjoys cooking and entertaining. I love classic cars and can be seen driving my 1966 Pontiac LeMans around town. I also regularly do Pilates, Yoga, Middle Eastern dance, and Classical Indian dance.
Connect with Verna at vicepresident@icamn.org
Namrata Tomer - General Secretary
I was raised in Pune a beautiful city in the western ghats of Maharashtra and moved to France in 2003 to pursue my PhD. I spent the next several years working in Germany, Canada, and a few cities in the United States and finally settled down in Rochester in 2011. All this traveling has made me learn about different people, cultures, and traditions making me a very adaptable and compassionate person today.
I live in Rochester with my husband and a 10-year-old son. I currently work at Mayo Clinic as a Scientist developing new lab tests. I love traveling, gardening, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with my family and friends. I have been involved with the Rochester Hindi School since last year. I am excited and honored to be a part of the ICAM board.
Connect with Namrata at gensecratery@icamn.org
Ram Kadirvel- Treasurer
I am honored to serve as treasurer of ICAM and bring a strong commitment to the community service and responsible financial stewardship. Rochester has been my home for more than two decades and I value the sense of community outdoor life and Midwestern sprit that make it special. I have managed a federally funded, an industry, supported projects, ensuring careful, allocation of resources, regulatory compliance, and a fiscal accountability. Beyond my professional responsibilities, I remain deeply invested in community and engagement and mentorship, supporting educational initiatives and helping and profession develop leadership skills. As treasurer, I focus on maintaining financial transparency, strengthening internal processes and promoting sustainable growth, so ICAM can continue to serve its members and broader community effectively.
Connect with Ram at treasurer@icamn.org
Sarika Pandey - Director (Cultural Events)
I am grateful to be part of ICAM team and have enjoyed connecting with Rochester community in capacity of volunteer and Education director over past years. I like to share and learn about diverse cultures and am enthusiastic about music and dance. I am looking forward to using the art, music, dance, and cultural humility to spread joy and sense of belongingness in Rochester community. I am excited to serve on ICAM board as cultural director and contribute to the ICAM mission to connect, collaborate, and educate people regarding Indian culture.
I was born and brought up in the rich cosmopolitan culture of Mumbai, India and moved to the USA in 2008. I have been resident of Rochester, MN, for 9 years with my husband and two daughters. I enjoy cooking, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Connect with Sarika at culturalevents@icamn.org
Rashmi Das - Director (Education)
My name is Rashmi Das. I moved to the United States in February 2005 and relocated to Rochester, Minnesota, in February 2006. I have resided in Rochester ever since and proudly consider it my hometown, as I have spent most of my adult life here.
I was raised in India, where I earned my bachelor's degree in accounting. After my marriage, I moved to the United States while my husband pursued his master’s degree. He later began his professional career here, and together we established our family life in Rochester.
We are blessed with two children. After dedicating several years as a stay-at-home mother, I chose to further my education. I attended the Mayo School of Health Sciences and earned certification as a Histology Technician. I have been employed at Mayo Clinic since 2014, where I continue to work with dedication and professionalism.
In addition to my professional career, I am deeply committed to preserving our cultural heritage. My involvement with Hindi School began as a parent when my daughter enrolled. Inspired by the meaningful connection it created for our family, I began teaching in 2023. As both a parent and educator, I understand the importance of heritage-language education and strive to make learning Hindi engaging, supportive, and enriching for students. I also value the strong sense of community built through our dedicated volunteers and families, and I remain committed to strengthening and supporting our programs.
As Director of Education, I hope to strengthen programs, empower teachers, and help every child stay connected to their cultural roots.
Connect with Rashmi at education@icamn.org
Jagadeesh Subramanian - Director (Communications)
It is a privilege to serve as the Director of Communications for ICAM. Originally from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, I have called Rochester home for 25 years, and I am committed to the cultural tapestry that defines our community. I believe that effective storytelling is the bridge that preserves our heritage while strengthening our local connections.
My journey in community service includes leadership roles with the Gateway Science Fair, the India MERG, and the Hindu Samaj Temple. These experiences taught me that clear, thoughtful communication is the key to building trust and fostering participation. I look forward to using my background in strategic outreach to amplify ICAM’s mission, ensuring our vibrant culture continues to thrive and inspire for generations to come.
Connect with Jagadeesh (Jag) at communication@icamn.org
Alka Mehra - Director at Large
I have been a proud resident of Rochester since 2015. With a passion for cultural exchange and community service, I'm excited to be part of the Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota (ICAM). Originally from India, I was raised with strong cultural values that emphasize giving back to the community. ICAM's mission resonates deeply with me, and I believe it offers a fantastic platform to make a positive impact. I have served as a board member in the past in different roles and I have joined the board again to contribute my skills and experience to ICAM's endeavors, promoting cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and harmony within our community.
Connect with Alka at atlarge@icamn.org
Prasaad Ayyanar - Director (Outreach)
Prasaad Ayyanar (aka Piku) traces his roots to Tamil Nadu, India, where strong cultural values and a spirit of service shaped a lifelong commitment to community. A resident of Rochester, Minnesota since 2008, Prasaad has actively served in leadership roles, including board positions at the local temple. He currently serves as the General Secretary of the Tamil Board and General Secretary of MERG India, and is excited to serve as Outreach Director, focused on strengthening community connections and cultural engagement. Cooking and serving food to the community is a deep passion, rooted in the belief that sharing meals brings people together.
Connect with Prasaad at outreach@icamn.org
Board Members (2025)
Ajay Singh - President
I work in US Bank as Vice President, Technology Portfolio Management. My wife, Shailaza works in IBM, son in college and daughter working in Minneapolis. I have lived in Rochester, MN since 2005 and have volunteered in various organizations and served as board member in Hindu Samaj Temple and past president of Project Management Institute, Rochester Chapter. My passion is volunteerism and helping the community in the best possible way. My role as President will be setting the strategy and direction of the Association to help meet organization goals to connect, collaborate and educate people on cultural values India brings to the greater Rochester area.
Connect with Ajay at president@icamn.org
Verna Simon - Vice President
I am excited to be the vice president of ICAM. At this moment in America, it is extremely important for us to appreciate all the ways we contribute to this country. We should simultaneously celebrate our cultural heritage even as we connect with friends and neighbors from various other backgrounds. ICAM was created to facilitate these celebrations and these connections. I am thankful to be a part of this endeavor. I am a Genomics Researcher at Mayo Clinic, and I stay active in the community (volunteering at the People’s Food Co-op; helping out with my home owners association). I am a vegetarian who enjoys cooking and entertaining. I love classic cars and can be seen driving my 1966 Pontiac LeMans around town. I also regularly do Pilates, Yoga, Middle Eastern dance, and Classical Indian dance.
Connect with Verna at vicepresident@icamn.org
Namrata Tomer - General Secretary
I was raised in Pune a beautiful city in the western ghats of Maharashtra and moved to France in 2003 to pursue my PhD. I spent the next several years working in Germany, Canada, and a few cities in the United States and finally settled down in Rochester in 2011. All this traveling has made me learn about different people, cultures, and traditions making me a very adaptable and compassionate person today.
I live in Rochester with my husband and a 10-year-old son. I currently work at Mayo Clinic as a Scientist developing new lab tests. I love traveling, gardening, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with my family and friends. I have been involved with the Rochester Hindi School since last year. I am excited and honored to be a part of the ICAM board.
Connect with Namrata at gensecratery@icamn.org
Subhankar Bhattacharya - Treasurer
I was born and brought up in West Bengal, the 'cultural capital' of India. SInce my childhood, I have been exposed to Tagore's poetry, Ray's films, Nanadal Bose's paintings, Manna De, Kishore Kumar's singing and everything that qualifies as Fine Arts !In spite of my natural exposure to this cultural atmosphere, I did not fully understand the spirit of 'Indianness' until I left India. In the Middle East, where I worked for a few years, I came across people belonging to the different states in India. This was a liberating experience as I felt and figured out the invisible knot which binds us all together. It is indeed a miracle that we are so different in languages, culture, cuisine, preferences, and yet all so close and identical.My intent to join ICAM is in line with this very experience. I wish to stay connected with this spirit of togetherness which is unique in terms of variety and richness.I have tried to capture some beautiful moments of this harmony within us, thanks to ICAM for making it so easily accessible. I believe my association with ICAM will be a fulfilling one.
Connect with Subhankar at treasurer@icamn.org
Sarika Pandey - Director (Cultural Events)
I am grateful to be part of ICAM team and have enjoyed connecting with Rochester community in capacity of volunteer and Education director over past years. I like to share and learn about diverse cultures and am enthusiastic about music and dance. I am looking forward to using the art, music, dance, and cultural humility to spread joy and sense of belongingness in Rochester community. I am excited to serve on ICAM board as cultural director and contribute to the ICAM mission to connect, collaborate, and educate people regarding Indian culture.
I was born and brought up in the rich cosmopolitan culture of Mumbai, India and moved to the USA in 2008. I have been resident of Rochester, MN, for 9 years with my husband and two daughters. I enjoy cooking, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Connect with Sarika at culturalevents@icamn.org
Shital Aranake - Director (Education)
I grew up in Pune city in Maharashtra, India where I completed my graduate degree in commerce and finance. After graduation, I studied Japanese language for three years at Pune University and received the prestigious scholarship from the Japanese Government, to visit Japan, and to further study Japanese language and culture. I returned to Japan after marriage and found an opportunity to teach English to elementary school kids, thus identifying my passion for teaching.
We moved to Rochester in 2016 after spending 8 years on the east coast. I have been working at Mayo Clinic in Finance department since 2020. My husband is a scientist at Mayo Clinic and daughter is in High School. As a mother, it is very important for me to teach my daughter our Indian languages and culture.
For the last 2 years, I have been a part of Hindi School and am honored to serve as an ICAM board member as well. Hindi School provides me with opportunity to stay connected with my Indian roots and to revisit my love for language studies, while also giving back to the community and make new friends.
Contact with Shital at education@icamn.org
Sarika Gupta - Director (Communications)
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, I am a Pathologist with deep passion for my profession and the community I serve.
After spending a decade in Iowa City, we moved to Rochester, Minnesota as a family in the summer of 2022. Naturally, eager to make new friends and participate in the community, we attended our first cultural event UTSAV within a week of moving into this beautiful city. That was the beginning of my association with ICAM as a volunteer at different levels and in many different aspects. This year I am very excited that I get to continue this association as Director of Communication and work alongside an exceptionally talented and dedicated team, for the betterment and meaningful engagement of the community.
As someone who believes in the importance of giving back, I have found that community service not only enriches my life but also strengthens the bonds between us all, while nurturing our connections to our Indian roots. I am excited to be a part of and to continue working for ICAM.
As a working physician and mom to two energetic elementary school kids, most of our free time is spent traveling as a family, exploring new places and cultures and meeting and making new friends.
Connect with Sarika at communication@icamn.org
Vijaykumar Kittuswamy - Director at Large
I am a proud resident of Rochester since 2007. With a passion for cultural exchange and community service, I'm excited to be part of the Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota (ICAM). Originally from India, I was raised with strong cultural values that emphasize giving back to the community. ICAM's mission resonates deeply with me, and I believe it offers a fantastic platform to make a positive impact. Personally, I live with my wonderful wife, who works at Mayo Clinic, and our son, who attends Byron Middle School. Professionally, I serve as the Director of Operations Engineering and Automation at McNeilus Truck Manufacturing. I'm eager to contribute my skills and experience to ICAM's endeavors, promoting cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and harmony within our community.
Connect with Vijay at atlarge@icamn.org
Pranav Kaila - Director (Outreach)
I was born and raised in the Foothills of the Himalayas, in the revered land of Dehradun, known as Dev Bhoomi (The Land of Gods) and the education capital of India. This unique heritage has instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and a strong belief in the power of community.
Since making Rochester my home in 2021, I’m privileged to serve as the Director of Outreach at ICAM, a role I approach with passion and dedication. My focus is on building robust and lasting relationships between organizations and the communities we serve. I believe that effective outreach is the cornerstone of trust, collaboration, and transformative change. With a proven track record in relationship-building and community engagement, I am committed to further strengthening our organization’s connections with local communities and government stakeholders alike.
In my personal life, I am driven by a deep appreciation for meaningful conversation, the joy of cooking, and the timeless ritual of sharing ideas over coffee. I believe that the bonds over good food and thoughtful discussion are some of the most enduring connections we can make.
As a part of ICAM, I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation—principles that guide both my professional and personal life.
Connect with Pranav at outreach@icamn.org