The Board (2026)
NCYCAC was founded and run by a team of young adults passionate about the arts, youth empowerment, and giving back to the community
Co-President
Ahana Chellamani
Senior, UNC Chapel Hill
“I am so lucky to have been a part of NCYCAC for the past 8 years. The organization has shown me how an art form that I love so much can be used to impact and better so many lives. Being able to help people around the world through Carnatic music has meant so much to me, and I cannot wait to continue my efforts here!”
Co-President
Sriya Venkat
Senior, NC State University
“NCYCAC has provided me with wonderful opportunities to grow as a performer for the past 8 years. Being a board member for the past couple of years, I've had lots of fun helping to organize the festival and bringing the community together to celebrate our culture and nurture youth talent!”
Head of Publicity
Nadamai Madhu
Freshman, UNC Chapel Hill
“I am honored to call myself an NCYCAC board member! Being a part of this amazing group has given me the privilege of contributing to meaningful humanitarian causes, while opening doors to meet diverse people who share a common passion for Carnatic music.”
Head of Programming
Nikhil Jayanty
Freshman, NC State University
“Being a part of NCYCAC has shown me the special reach that it has through its various efforts. Providing a platform for the music community to express their talents and insights while raising awareness for important causes around the world makes this organization’s vision all the more special.”
Head of Finance
Theajus Ram Jayendhran
Freshman, University of South Florida 
“NCYCAC instills compassion, collaboration, and patience through the community. It is filled with many kind members and is a very inviting organization. All the members strive to support charities and work towards raising as much money as possible to do so.”
Head of Logistics
Abhinav Jaligama
Senior, Panther Creek High School
“NCYCAC has provided me with a chance to promote my talent as a singer and mridangam player, meet new fellow artists with similar interests and form friendships, and has given me the confidence to grow as a leader and given me more confidence to do many other types of projects!”
Board Member
Srinath Iyer
Junior, Duke University
Board Member
Tejaswi Shashidhar
Freshman, UNC Chapel Hill 
“NCYCAC has had a profound impact on me by providing a platform to perform and grow alongside my peers in the Carnatic music community. Additionally, raising money for great charities through our performances has deeply satisfied me. Ultimately, this experience has taught me countless priceless lessons about music, collaboration, and service.”
Board Member
Rishikesh Sankaran
Junior, Green Hope High School 
“NCYCAC is impactful in many ways. Not only does it provide a remarkable platform for emerging artists, but it also plays a vital role in preserving the rich tradition of Carnatic music. Additionally, it showcases the power of youth in leadership and service while supporting vital community organizations.”
Board Member
Krithin Visvesh
Freshman, Cornell University 
“NCYCAC’s impact on the community is two-fold. Last year, we surpassed our fundraising goal for Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, and were able to create a direct impact for a local cause. I look forward to continuing this momentum.”
Board Member
Srinidhi Iyer
Sophomore, Chapel Hill High School
“At every NCYCAC gathering, I'm reminded of the deep significance of community and culture. Serving on the board is an honor because it allows me to share this enriching experience with my fellow performers.”
Board Member
Saranya Varanasi
Freshman, Binghamton University
“NCYCAC has been a great platform for me to grow as a performer throughout the past 10 years, and I’ve learned so much by listening to concerts by other artists. Through participating and then later joining the board, I’ve learned how a passion for the arts can be used to help charities all over the world.”
Key Contributor
Srinika Srinivas
Junior, Enloe High School
“NCYCAC has had a meaningful impact on both my community and me. It has given me opportunities to showcase my talents, build meaningful connections, and share my love of music with others. Serving on the board is rewarding because it allows me to give back to an organization that provides opportunities for young people while raising funds to support various charities.”
Key Contributor
Avyukth Chellamani
Junior, Research Triangle High School
“NCYCAC has impacted me by showing me there is more to Carnatic music than just performing. This organization has shown me that giving back to the community is equally as important.”
Key Contributor
Anjana Devi Hari
Senior, Panther Creek High School
“NCYCAC has helped me grow as a performer while teaching me so much about our culture and traditions. It has also shown me the importance of sharing our heritage with the community and inspiring the next generation to stay connected to their roots.”
Key Contributor
Shivani Iyer
Junior, Green Level High School
“NCYCAC gave me the confidence to showcase my love for Carnatic music and sing more boldly than ever before. It introduced me to an amazing community of people of all ages who share the same passion as I do, and working alongside such talented artists is truly a thrilling experience. Being entirely youth-run makes it even more special, because it makes me feel like I have a role in helping keep Carnatic music flourishing for years to come!”
Former Board Members
Ram Vadlamani - Former Vice-President and Board Member
Arjun Raghavan - Founder and Former President
Sudarshan Mohan - Founder and Former President
Deepti Shroff - Founder and Board Member
Karthik Ardhanareeshwaran - Founder and Board Member
Gautam Nagaraj - Former Board Member
Prashanth Iyer - Former Board Member
Gaurav Sirdeshmukh - Former Board Member
Shreyas Ashok - Former President and Board Member
Madhu Vadlamani - Former Vice President and Board Member
Kapil Ramanaryanan - Former President and Board Member
Divya Nataraj - Former Vice-President and Board Member
Maya Krishnamoorthy - Former Board Member
Hrishikesh Ram - Former Board Member
Siri Rao - Former Board Member
Srian Pedibhotla - Former Board Member
Smriti Sridharan - Former Board Member
Manasi Krishnakumar - Former Board Member
Sreeram Venkat - Former Board Member
Maitreyi Sivaraman - Former Board Member
Siddharth Gadepalli - Former Board Member
Nithya Indlamuri - Former President & Board Member
Akhil Pramod - Former President & Board Member
Kavin Sankar - Former Board Member
Harini Sivaraman - Former Board Member
Guhan Jayakrishnan - Former Board Member
Amoha Srinivasan - Former Board Member