Ektaa Center is committed to creating an awareness and understanding of the traditional arts of India, using diverse medium such as dance, music, theater and other related arts to help build better communities in Southern California. Ektaa Center strives to foster cross-cultural exchange in this multi ethnic community. We believe education and knowledge of cultures creates better communities. At the same time, we strive to preserve ancient cultures through education, community involvement and sponsorship of the performing arts.
Founded in 1989 as the Arpana Foundation, our journey began with a vision to bring the vibrant arts of India to Southern California. Over the years, we have proudly presented more than 50 performances across the region, building a legacy of cultural exchange and artistic excellence. In 2003, we embraced a new identity as Ektaa Center, reflecting our broader mission: to celebrate not only classical Indian traditions but also the diverse cultural expressions of India in an inclusive, community-focused way. The seeds of this organization were planted in the mid-1980s, when a growing Indian community began to take root in Orange County. Like many immigrant families, they sought to pass on their cultural heritage—through music, dance, and values-based programs like Bala Vihar. Among them was Ramya Harishankar, a Bharata Natyam teacher who recognized the need for an organization that could connect local families with world-class artists from India. With the support of her husband, Harish Murthy, and a dedicated team of volunteers, the Arpana Foundation was born.
Our very first fundraising performance, Epics of India (1988), set the tone for what was to come—an ambitious program that brought legendary artists such as Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan and her dancers to Southern California audiences. Though just 125 patrons attended, the spark had been lit. Since then, our stage has hosted some of India’s greatest cultural icons—Sanjukta Panigrahi, the Dhananjayans, Sonal Mansingh, Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar, Kelucharan Mohapatra, and Birju Maharaj—alongside acclaimed U.S.-based artists like Mythili Kumar, Hema Rajagopalan, and the Cleveland Cultural Alliance. We’ve also given a platform to rising talents like Revathi Ramachandran and Mavin Khoo, ensuring that new voices have a place to shine. Our commitment to accessibility has taken performances to venues across Southern California— from intimate community spaces to proscenium theaters. where we now draw full houses of 750 enthusiastic arts patrons.
In 2004, Ektaa Center became a physical home for teaching, practicing, and celebrating Indian arts. For 15 years, it served as a cultural hub for Orange County, where children and adults alike immersed themselves in music, dance, and tradition. We also forged partnerships with leading institutions like UCLA, UC Irvine, and Loyola Marymount University, extending our reach and impact. Beyond performances, we’ve created signature community events: the “Nachle India” dance series, the “Ragaspirit” music festivals, and, for the past 11 years, the beloved “Diwali Fest.” Through these initiatives, we’ve not only entertained but also educated, inspired, and fostered cross-cultural understanding. Today, after more than three decades, Ektaa Center stands as a cornerstone of Indian arts and culture in Orange County—recognized by the City of Irvine and cherished by generations of families. We remain committed to nurturing lifelong learning, artistic excellence, and the celebration of cultural diversity.
Ektaa Center has been centrally responsible over the last 15 years to create awareness, educate, foster and showcase the cultural traditions of India in the Orange County area and has been recognized by the community and City of Irvine for its contributions. We believe that we have laid the foundations for lifelong arts learning, participation and exchange.
Executive Director, Ektaa Center | Director, Indo American Arts Management Harish Murthy has been a resident of Irvine since 1982, dedicating over four decades to advancing arts, culture, and community service. He co-founded the Arpana Foundation in 1989 which morphed into Ektaa Center in 2004, and has presented world-class Indian music, dance, and theater while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Under his leadership, Ektaa has produced S. California’s signature Diwali Fest, which now draws thousands of attendees each year. Beyond the arts, Harish has served Irvine in multiple leadership roles, including as President of the Rotary Club, a member of the Senior Citizens Council, and on the Mayor’s Advisory Council. He currently serves on the Board of Arts Orange County and as District International Service Chair for Rotary District 5320. Recognized as a Distinguished Citizen of Irvine, Harish continues to champion diversity, service, and community building.
Artistic Director, Arpana Dance Company Ramya Harishankar, a founding board member and protégé of legendary gurus, was named a Legacy Artist and awarded an Individual Artist Fellowship by the California Arts Council in 2023. Honored as a Distinguished Citizen and added to the Wall of Recognition by the City of Irvine in 2022, she is also the recipient of Kala Seva Bharathi (India, 2012), the Helene Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award (Arts Orange County, 2007), and is a two-time Choreographic Fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts (1994–1997). Her career has taken her across India, Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and North America, performing and teaching extensively. She and her company have been supported by grants from the National Endowments for the Arts, California Arta Council, and the Alliance for California Traditional Arts. Since 1989, she has been an artist on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Arts Teach roster, bringing her art to schoolchildren throughout Southern California. Her company, Arpana, recognized as a Los Angeles Treasure, has performed nationally and internationally, earning acclaim for its artistry and authenticity. Ramya’s contributions—local, national, and global—have enriched Southern California’s cultural landscape with depth, diversity, and vibrancy.
Program Director of SASA Preeti Singh holds a master’s degree in finance and has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her connection with Ektaa Center has been both personal and multifaceted, beginning as a participant, growing into a dedicated volunteer, and later serving as Facility Manager. She plays a key role in coordinating volunteers for Ektaa’s presence at major community events such as Global Village and the Diwali Festival. Most recently, Preeti has spearheaded the South Asian Senior Association (SASA), a service of Ektaa Center dedicated to senior engagement and cultural enrichment. As Chairperson and Program Director, she has led SASA to earn formal recognition from the City of Irvine for its impact on the community. In addition, Preeti serves as a commissioner on both the Orange County Older Adult Advisory Commission and the Irvine Senior Citizens Council, where she advocates for senior wellness, inclusion, and meaningful community participation across the region.
N. Prasad is a nationally acclaimed performing arts photographer with over three decades of experience. He served as Head of the Photo Department at PBS for 13 years, working with leading Hollywood celebrities, before spending the next decade photographing world-renowned ballet, opera, and Broadway companies, including American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet. His work has been widely published and exhibited at major venues across Southern California. Prasad has also photographed distinguished Nobel Laureates such as Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama. Deeply committed to cultural advocacy, he has played a vital role in promoting Indian culture through landmark events like Kaleidoscope and his long association with Ektaa Center. Based in Newport Beach, Prasad continues to specialize in performing arts, Indian classical dance, and portrait photography, capturing the artistry and spirit of his subjects with distinction.
Chandrika Kedhar has been a leading realtor in Orange County for over four decades. A founding member of Ektaa Center, she played a pivotal role in securing and managing the Center’s physical space over the years. A strong supporter of Indian arts and culture, she has hosted numerous Ektaa events in her home and continues to be actively involved in the organization’s growth. Chandrika regularly manages logistics and coordination for major Ektaa events and serves as a committee member of the Diwali Festival, helping make it one of Irvine’s signature cultural celebrations.
Naresh Arya is a retired businessman who successfully owned and operated a bookbinding company in Orange County for many years. With a deep commitment to community service and cultural engagement, he has been actively involved in initiatives that foster connection, learning, and growth. As a Board member of Ektaa Center, Naresh brings both leadership experience and a lifelong passion for music, supporting its mission to serve the cultural, educational, and social needs of the community. In retirement, he continues to devote his time and expertise to service, enriching the lives of others.
Sravani Jandhyala was born in Visakhapatnam, India, and spent much of her early life as a world citizen, growing up in the West Indies, England, Ireland, Denmark, and Norway before moving to the United States. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wayne State University, Detroit, and a master’s degree in public health from UCLA. A lifelong supporter of the arts, Sravani served as Program and Fund Development Director for the Indo American Cultural Center (now Artwallah). More recently, she helped establish Dance-Construct and the Courtyard Series, youth concert platforms created from her passion for nurturing artistic awareness, appreciation, and expression in younger generations. Together with her husband, Ravi, Sravani has supported numerous community artistic ventures. She lives in Irvine with their two children, Lekha and Dakshin.
Kalyani Gopal Seshadri holds a master’s degree in engineering and brings over three decades of technical experience with AT&T and other leading telecommunications companies. Currently a Board member of the Ektaa Center, she has coordinated major programs including Ektaa Fest (2015, 2019), Ragaspirit (2017), and several online initiatives during the pandemic. Her passion for music, dance, and the arts has fueled her long-standing involvement with Ektaa, where she has also hosted numerous visiting artists from India. Beyond Ektaa, she has contributed to the broader arts community, having briefly served on the Dean’s Leadership Council of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine.
Aruna Ravishankar has been a dedicated supporter of Ektaa Center for over two decades. As a Board member, she has helped coordinate numerous events and played a key role in fundraising, including co-writing successful grant proposals supported by major funders such as the National Endowment for the Arts. Professionally, Aruna served as Vice President at UnitedHealthcare and currently holds a senior management role with the Bank of Montreal. She is passionate about advancing the role of women in technology and has worked with national nonprofit organizations such as ChickTech to promote greater inclusion in the field. Along with her husband, Ravi, Aruna is an avid supporter of classical music and dance, and together they remain deeply committed to strengthening awareness of Indian culture in Orange County.
Anouk Grover is a founding board member of the Ektaa Center and a pediatric occupational therapist by profession. A lifelong student of Bharatanatyam from the age of six, she continues her training, reflecting her deep commitment to the art form. Living in Orange County with her husband and two children—both engaged in music and the arts—Anouk has been actively involved in planning and executing numerous Ektaa events since its inception. Known for her energy, humor, and enthusiasm, she brings warmth and a spirit of fun to her work with the Center, fostering connection, creativity, and joy across generations.
Lalita Iyer brings a blend of professional expertise and deep community involvement. She earned a bachelor’s in Economics and an MBA in Marketing, and pursued a career in Advertising, where she helped businesses strengthen their brand presence across the U.S. For over 25 years, Lalita has been dedicated to service and leadership in education, faith-based, and community organizations. She was one of two parent representatives on the Irvine Unified School District’s GATE Advisory Committee and an active classroom volunteer. At ChinmayaMission, Los Angeles, she led volunteer efforts and served 15 years on the Foundation Committee, guiding successful fundraising events with international artists and large audiences. Locally, Lalita has contributed to her Homeowners Association, holding roles as Landscape Chair, Vice President, and President.
Ektaa Center opened its doors in Oct 2004. Ektaa Visionaries contributed $500 or more to support our vision and establish the first Indian arts and cultural center in Southern California. We are deeply grateful for their initial gifts.
Shoba & Raghavan BalajiUlhas & Bala BalasubramaniamChitra BalasubramaniamArpita & Utpal BanerjeeShubha & Pradeep BansodYaso & Sara BavanNavneet & Sunita BodduJasleen BrarAmar ChaddaLata & Chelva Chelvakumar Anuradha & Eknath DeoUma & Marino DeperaltaUsha & Krish DharmaKanch & Ganesh DoreJayshree & Apoorva DuttaNandini & Deepak GopalAnouk & Atul GroverGeeta & Sanjiv GroverMangala & Bala GulasekaramHarish Murthy & Ramya Harishankar Meenu & Peter C. IyerGowri & K. JagannathSravani & Ravi JandhyalaChandrika Kedhar Preeti & Rajiv KhoshooSashi & Raj KonkimallaSubhadra & G.S.Krishna Jaya & Mohan KrishnamurthyLakshmi Krishnamoorthy Kasturi & NavaneethaKrishnan Rajasri & Satish KrishnanVeena & Rajat Khurana Hansa & Lalin LaluJayashree & Ravi LimayeSudha & Pravin ModyJaspal & Manjit Singh Mudhar
Maya Thangavelu & J. MukherjeeShobhana & Raghu NandanRaghu Nanjappa Geetha & Ragu NathRekha & Aloke NathAmishi & Ketan ParekhSangeeta & Hitesh PatelMaya & Sunil PatelVasunthara & C. PathmarajahNrapendra PrasadGeetha & Shankar Ram Neeharika & Srinivasan RangamaniKalpana & Sesh RamakrishnanJayanthy & RaviRavikumar Shyla & Ravi RavikumarAruna & Chinya V. RavishankarSumathi & MaheshReddy Lata & Venu SarakkiUsha & SamSampath Kalyani & Nambi SeshadriDevesh Khare & Amita Sheth Geetha & Paul SikandPriya & Ashok SrinivasanMalathy & N.V. SrinivasanUsha & Schree SriramChitra & MachiandraSumanth Sobha & E.V. SunderarajanRafeeq & ShahryarTalukder Rupal & Ranjit ThakerSundari & Velu VelayudhanGeetha & Kumar Venkat Uma & Alladi VenkateshVyomesh Vora Vinothini & Manny Yogarajah
Contributions can also be made by checks, payable to:Ektaa CenterPO Box 55102Irvine CA 92619-5102 To make Zelle payments, email info@ektaacenter.org for details.
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