Dr Sunila Arvind Shrivastava

Dr Sunila Arvind Shrivastava has had a varied and successful career as a qualified physicist, Assistant Professor, Librarian and IT consultant (Telstra and IBM).

Sunila is a respected and empathetic community leader, who provides services to the many people in the community in need. Her passion for community service began early, which she is carrying forward throughout her life with compassion, especially for destitute women and children.

As a founder president (2008–2019), Sunila has been the driving force behind Sankat Mochan Samiti Inc., a not-for-profit organisation that provides physical, spiritual and moral assistance to people and the community in critical need, and establishing Sankat Mochan Kendra which offers a ‘Home away from Home’ for newly arrived migrants, specifically young women and students. It is noteworthy that Sankat Mochan Samiti is rather unique as a three-in-one institution, providing spiritual, humanitarian and knowledge sharing and educational services to the community. It is in no small measure that due to the strenuous efforts under Sunila’s leadership, the Sankat Mochan Indian Cultural Centre is being established in Oakleigh, Victoria.

Sunila has worked tirelessly and taken a leading role in Hum Tum Task Force Inc., an organisation with the objective to provide awareness of respectful relationships and gender equality, and assistance to victims of family violence. She has led many family violence projects for preliminary prevention and support within the Indian community over the years, working with InTouch, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Monash and the Victorian Government. Her work exemplifies her belief in basic human values, her generous spirit and sense of community.

Currently she is providing services to the community as President of Bhakti Tarang Inc. and as Public Relationship Officer of Hum Tum Task Force Inc., giving the message of hope to heal people and enable Indian families and individuals to meet life’s challenges and live peacefully and harmoniously in multicultural Victoria.