About Us
Kala Darpan is an art organization in Austin, Texas founded on March 22, 2012. We are a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission of Kala Darpan is to provide a platform for emerging Indian and Indian American artists, as well as established professional artists, with an aim to preserve and promote all forms of fine arts from India, reflecting its rich history and multifaceted nature. Kala Darpan also provides a platform for the local community by hosting annual music and dance festivals.
Panch-Tatva of Kala Darpan : The Five Principles
Provide a stage for raising fine arts awareness with an aim to cultivate and promote all forms of Indian performing and fine arts.
Organize small/medium scale concerts, exhibitions, demo workshops by providing volunteer help in the areas of venue, accompanying artists, technical equipment and publicity.
Work as a community supported and operated non-profit organization.
Generate and nurture interest for Indian fine arts in the next generation by providing them easy access to quality art events by upcoming artists from the current era.
Promote fine arts and fine arts only and not engage in celebrating any religious, regional or cultural customs and festivals.
Meet Our 2022 Team
President
Pallavi Koratkar Saraf comes from a music loving family from Maharashtra, India. An engineer by education, she has been working for various nonprofit organizations and schools as a volunteer for more than 10 years. With her interest and passion in Indian classical music and dance and her experience in organizing events, Pallavi is bringing a fresh perspective and new initiatives to Kala Darpan, thus serving the community.
Treasurer
Amol Patki has 20 years of experience in Engineering, Accounting and Finance fields. Before joining Kala Darpan, Amol has worked as the Vice-President and committee member for other non-profit organizations. He strives to bring his professional leadership skills and work experience with other non-profit organizations to drive the goals and mission of Kala Darpan. He looks forward to establishing a long term, sustainable platform for live music, dance, and theater.
Secretary
Manali Matkar is a IT consultant by profession and avid music lover, She is currently learning Hindustani Classical Music with her Guru Smt. Meenal Datar. She also has served the other non-profit organizations in the Austin area. Manali brings passion for music, her expertise in promotion and her calm smile to the Kala Darpan Team.
Proposal Coordinator
Mohit Karandikar is an Hindustani Classical Vocalist and Instrumentalist. He is classically trained under the tutelage of Dr. Meenal Deshpande and Shri. Vikas Bhatawadekar. He has learnt harmonium from Shri. Niranjan Lele. With that able background, he serves Kala Darpan as a proposal coordinator and enables seamless discussion between the performing artists and the board members while fairly representing various proposals from local and international talent. Mohit professionally works as a Hardware Design Verification engineer.
Media Coordinator
Ravi Shirtekar has 22 years of IT industrial experience and works as a manager in Applied Materials Inc. An active volunteer with other non-profit and music organizations such as SIPM, he always enjoys assisting social events and helping wherever possible. Ravi believes the best way to connect with Indian culture is through music and dance.