/2026 Executive Committee
President (Kalpana Karamsetty)
Namaskaram, Wichita.
Since moving to Wichita from Richmond, Virginia in 2019 with my husband Mallik and our son Krishna, this warm community has truly felt like home, thanks to your generous support and fellowship.
Having had the privilege of serving as Vice President in 2021 and as President in 2025 and 2026, I am deeply honored to welcome you to our Diwali celebrations once again. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
It serves as a meaningful reminder of unity, renewal, and the strength found within a connected community. As we gather to celebrate, may this Festival of Lights inspire us all to give, grow, and glow together. Our team has poured tremendous heart into organizing this event, and we hope you enjoy the festivities as much as we enjoyed creating them for you.
Treasurer (Perlekar Tamtam)
Namaskaram,
I am Perlekar Tamtam, a Staff Engineer at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation with expertise in electrical engineering, nuclear power plant systems and design engineering. After earning my Ph.D. in 2012, I dedicated myself to educating and mentoring the next generation of engineers as a Teaching Professor at Wichita State University for over 12 years.
Throughout my career, I have combined technical excellence, leadership, and a passion for learning to solve complex engineering challenges and support safe, reliable power generation. In 2023, I founded Tamtam's Robotics School in rural India to provide quality, technology-focused education to underserved communities. Today, the school serves about 400 students and continues to expand educational opportunities in the region.
In 2026, I established the nonprofit Tamtam Education Society to support students in India through scholarships and educational assistance programs. I have also been actively involved with the Cultural Association of India since 2014, serving in various leadership and volunteer roles. Through my professional, educational, and community service efforts, I remain committed to empowering individuals through education, innovation, and service.
General Secretary (Moukthika Padamati)
Hello and Namaskaram,
My name is Moukthika Padamati and I’m the General Secretary of the Cultural Association of India this 2026. I’m currently a sophomore here at Wichita State University. I’m on the Pre-med track, doing my Bachelor’s in Health Science and minors in Honors, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Public Health and Psychology. I also do Biomedical research in the DAISY lab.
In my free time, I love to dance! Specifically Bharatanatyam but any style is fun to me. I’m also into community service and it has been something that I have been doing ever since I was young. I’m proud to be part of a community where we can enjoy and spread our culture on a western platform where many people not know much about.
I hope you enjoy the Deepawali celebrations and that the deepams will light brightly just like our futures.