Committee Members

Current Leadership & Management Committee

 

  • HEMA | President – from 2023

Profession: Quality Developmental Officer, National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)

Inspired by the Tamil philosophy of ‘Aram Seiya Virumbu,’ which translates to ‘Desire to Do Good’, has been the guiding principle that has shaped Hema’s passion for helping those in need!

For nearly a decade, she has been dedicated to uplifting communities as a founding member of Australia Tamilargal (AT) since its inception in 2015. She has played a vital role in driving meaningful initiatives while collaborating not only with AT members but also with the broader Tamil community. Through these efforts, she has fostered enduring bonds rooted in shared values and a collective vision of creating positive change.

Despite challenges that tested her resolve, Hema remains steadfast in her mission to drive transformative efforts. She takes immense pride in contributing to projects that provide education support for underprivileged students, particularly first-generation graduates, helping to shape brighter futures. Her commitment extends beyond initiatives, as she actively volunteers to support Tamil people and preserve Tamil culture. “With a deep passion for Tamil heritage, she takes great joy in performing South Indian folk dance and dedicates herself to mastering the ‘Parai,’ a traditional Tamil percussion instrument steeped in cultural significance.

Respected within the local Tamil community, she exemplifies the spirit of empowerment and the pursuit of lasting positive change!

  • JAGANAATH JAYAKUMAR | Secretary – from 2023

Profession – Application Security Specialist

Represents the Australia Tamilargal Association in the Tamil Consortium of Victoria. A driving force behind an online Tamil academy. For his oversees humanitarian initiatives, he was honored with the Humanitarian Award at AusTamil TV’s Agni Siragugal event in 2024. Previously served as an Educator and Program Coordinator for HCL’s CSR Committee, organizing social impact events and educational programs to support school students in their curriculum and raise awareness.

With a deep commitment to education, Jaganaath has supported underprivileged students since 2013, viewing it as a transformative way to uplift communities. He has led over 20 child abuse awareness programs and organized coaching sessions in Delhi and Noida schools, and he led the Clean India Drive in Noida and Gurgaon regions, transforming public spaces and converting junkyards into playgrounds for children through the Right to Playgrounds initiative. Additionally, he collects used laptops and computer accessories to provide underprivileged students with resources for learning computer skills and advancing educationally. 

He is an ardent advocate for Tamil language, Jaganaath is a key stakeholder of an online Tamil academy (www.TheOnlineMaster.com) to teach the language to students abroad, creating employment for over 35 homemakers in Tamil Nadu, many earning for the first time. Through this initiative, they are teaching Tamil language to kids in over 18 countries and providing internships and part-time roles for underprivileged college students, broadening their career prospects.

  • AJITHKUMAR VENKATESAN | Treasurer – from 2023

Profession – IT System Engineer

Active member and co-treasurer of Melbourne Tamizhargal, Naam Tamilar Australia. Also, an active member of Australia Tamizhargal Welfare Association.

Ajith loves travelling across the world and contributes in organizing a wide range of social events happening at Melbourne.

  • YAMUNA VELUSAMY

Profession : IT – Integration Specialist

Yamuna, one of the founding members of Australia Tamilargal is deeply passionate about Tamil culture and community. Driven by her belief in unity and service, she actively volunteers and contributes to initiatives that support and celebrate the Tamil people.

Raised in a farming family, with her mother’s expertise in mushroom farming, Yamuna has a unique understanding into the challenges faced by farmers. This connection to agriculture has instilled in her a heartfelt commitment to uplifting and supporting the farming community in meaningful ways.

Motivated by a shared vision for a stronger Tamil community, Yamuna joined forces with like-minded individuals to establish a non-profit organisation dedicated to serving Tamil people. This collective effort gave rise to Australia Tamilargal, which has since become a thriving platform creating positive, lasting change.

Inspired by Tamil art forms like Karakattam, Oyillatam, and Parai, Yamuna embraces every opportunity to perform and share her cultural heritage and Passionate about painting and hosting Tamil events.

As a proud member of Australia Tamilargal, Yamuna remains steadfast in her commitment to uplifting her community, ensuring her contributions create a lasting impact. To her, volunteering is more than just an activity; it’s a powerful way to give back to the land and people that have guided her journey.

  • MELWIN 

Profession – Data Engineer

Member of Vizhuthugal group (A Tamil community group which brings Tamil culture and language to school children through various initiatives, they also host community walk every weekend at Jells park). Melwin enjoys spending his leisure time in his garden reading books

  • AUGUSTINE PAUL AROCKIADAAS

Profession – Senior Quality Analyst

President of Western Eagles Sports club and member of Australian Tamizhargal group. His hobbies include playing cricket on weekends and reading books.

  • NIRMALKUMAR APPANDAIRAJAN

Profession – IT Consultant

Member of Australian Tamizhargal over the last 4 years. Actively volunteered for various fundraising events and support activities for Tamizh community across Victoria.

Has great interest in gardening and is someone who is passionate about self-development. He volunteers in spending time with kids and helps them in building things with Lego blocks.

  • ARVIND DHANARAJ

Profession – Design Engineer (Manufacturing)

Active Member and acting Secretary of Melbourne Tamizhargal Inc. and active Member of Australia Tamilargal Welfare Association Inc. Has high interests in sports and organizes social and cultural events around his community.

  • Subbu
  • Aashath