Meet the Team
At the heart of the Rising Lotus Foundation is a passionate and dedicated team driven by a shared commitment to empower and uplift the South-Asian community. Our team brings together diverse backgrounds, unique talents, and a unified vision for fostering growth, inclusivity, and meaningful change. Each member plays a vital role in shaping our programs, supporting our initiatives, and ensuring that we make a lasting impact in the lives we touch. Together, we work tirelessly to nurture a stronger, more connected community.
Parimal Parikh
Co-Founder
Parimal, the proud owner of Namaste Indian Supermarket Windsor—the largest South Asian grocery store in the city—has made an indelible mark on the community. Recognized as the Business of the Year 2022 for outstanding community service, Namaste Windsor stands as a testament to Parimal's commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
Driven by a deep passion for fostering connections, Parimal envisions building a foundation that offers financial support to Windsor's growing South Asian community. His mission is to bridge the gap between new immigrants and Windsorites, bringing people together through vibrant cultural celebrations and shared traditions.
Naitik Parekh
Co-Founder
Naitik, the founder and driving force behind Desi Noize Events & Entertainment, has been setting Windsor's nightlife ablaze with unforgettable beats for over a decade. His events consistently draw crowds of over 1,000 enthusiastic attendees, making Desi Noize a cornerstone of Windsor's entertainment scene.
Having moved to Windsor at the age of 17, Naitik is deeply grateful for the community's unwavering support. Through this foundation, he envisions giving back to the next generation of immigrants, fostering a thriving and united South Asian community. His mission is to ensure that the spirit of togetherness continues to grow, inspiring future generations to celebrate and connect.
Sanskriti Jitani
Director
Over the past 12 years, Sanskriti Jitani has built a dynamic career across media, healthcare, and digital platforms, working in India, Ghana, the USA, and Canada. With a background in psychology and a strong interest in digital media and emerging technologies, she’s passionate about giving back to the community and thrives on creating meaningful connections through community-building initiatives.
Pranoy Khara
Board Member
Pranoy Khara is a seasoned IT professional with over 12 years of experience in the IT and financial services industry. Throughout his career, Pranoy has demonstrated a commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the software services industry, consistently delivering results that drive organizational success. His keen interest in serving the community has enabled him to be a part of the foundation.
Karanbir Singh (KB)
Board Member
KB Singh began his dog training journey in 2012 in India, where he successfully operated his own training business. In 2019, he made the bold decision to move to Canada, bringing his passion for dogs to a new community. KB joined PetSmart, where he quickly advanced to the position of department leader, overseeing the hiring, management, and training of new dog trainers.
In 2024, KB took the next step in his career by founding Dog Training with KB in Windsor, Ontario. His mission is to help dog owners build meaningful relationships with their pets through positive reinforcement and fear-free training methods. KB firmly believes that the keys to successful training are practice, persistence, and patience.
At Dog Training with KB, the focus goes beyond training—it’s about creating lasting bonds. As KB puts it: “It’s not dog training; it’s relationship building!”
Balasaraswathy Praveen Kumar
Board Member
Balasaraswathy Praveen Kumar is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in operations management and business development. She spent 11 years in India leading teams, optimizing processes, and driving growth before immigrating to Canada two years ago.
As a parent and immigrant, Balasaraswathy understands the challenges of starting anew while building a better future for her family. These experiences have fueled her passion for giving back and inspired her to join the Rising Lotus Foundation as a dedicated member.
Through the foundation, she works to foster a compassionate and inclusive community where everyone has the support to achieve their dreams.
DigvijaySinh M. Desai
Board Member
DigvijaySinh M. Desai hails from Gujarat, India. Though naturally introverted, he enjoys meeting new people, listening to their stories, and helping them in any way possible. With two years of experience as a social worker, he has actively participated in social programs and served as an organizational minister for the Rastriya Rajput Karni Sena, inspiring and motivating young people.
Academically, DigvijaySinh holds a degree in Data Analytics and a Master Craftsman Diploma in Professional Photography and Digital Imaging. Professionally, he brings nine years of expertise in Bollywood shoots, commercials, high-fashion photography, and product shoots. Passionate about his craft, he is driven by a commitment to delivering high-quality results, continuously striving for excellence and improvement.
Karm Joshi
Volunteer
Karm is a marketer and community builder passionate about bringing people together. As the Vice President of Student Life & Advocacy for the Indian Student Association at the University of Windsor, Karm has helped create a welcoming space for over 1,000 students by organizing events like the Annual Diwali Celebration, which drew more than 300 attendees.
Currently an undergraduate at the University of Windsor, Karm blends a love for creativity and technology. They have worked with organizations such as the University of Windsor and Art Windsor Essex, creating impactful content and campaigns that connect with people. From social media posts to large-scale events, Karm enjoys bringing ideas to life and fostering a sense of belonging.
Whether through a thoughtful blog post, an eye-catching graphic, or a memorable event, Karm is dedicated to making meaningful connections and celebrating what unites people.
Anusha Devi Maran
Volunteer
Anusha Devi Maran, a proud brown girl originally from the Middle East and now thriving in North America, holds a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology. She currently works as a QC Lab Analyst at a pharmaceutical company, where she combines her expertise and passion for science.
In addition to her professional achievements, Anusha is a trained classical dancer with over 14 years of experience. She actively choreographs and coaches aspiring dancers, sharing her artistry and dedication to the craft.