Team
ABOUT SHASHI HOLLA
Meet Shashi Holla
Shashi Holla is an Indian-Australian author, Independent researcher, and founder of SUVASTU.
His work explores the intersection of Hindu civilisation, diaspora studies, culture, public discourse and contemporary social issues. Through writing, webinars and research, he seeks to encourage informed conversations that strengthen understanding of Hindu thought in today’s global society.
As the curator of SUVASTU, Shashi brings together distinguished voices to foster meaningful dialogue across communities and generations.
Facilitators
Dr.Himanshu Pota
Dr.Himanshu Pota is a Professor at Unisversity of New Souh Wales , Canberra. Dr Pota has had a distinguished career in engineering and control systems, with strong research interests in areas including power systems, renewable energy, grid control, optimisation, and emerging technologies such as electric-vehicle integration. His academic work has resulted in an impressive body of research and numerous technical publications, reflecting his significant contribution to the field of engineering.
Beyond his professional academic career, Dr Pota has made an equally valuable contribution to the Indian and Hindu cultural community in Canberra. He has been closely associated with the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre in Canberra, where he has served in various leadership capacities over the years and continues to contribute to the organisation and its activities.One of the particularly inspiring aspects of Dr Pota’s work is his passion for Sanskrit. He has been involved in teaching Sanskrit in Canberra and has encouraged younger generations, particularly children of Indian origin, to appreciate and learn this ancient language. His work reflects a wonderful combination of academic knowledge, cultural heritage, education, and community service.
Dr.Venkat Pulla
Dr.Pulla is an alumnus of the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences in India, where he was a Tata Dorabji Scholar. He began his career in social work education in Hyderabad and went on to obtain his PhD in Social Work. His career has since spanned India, the United Kingdom and Australia, combining academic teaching, professional practice, research and community development.
In Australia, Dr Pulla became the Foundation Head of Social Work at Northern Territory University, now Charles Darwin University. He subsequently held teaching and academic positions at institutions including the Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University, University of the Sunshine Coast and James Cook University. He has taught across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs and has supervised students and researchers in social work and related disciplines.
A major focus of Dr Pulla’s professional life has been strengths-based social work—an approach that looks beyond people’s problems and deficits and instead recognises their abilities, resources, resilience and potential. He founded the Brisbane Institute of Strengths Based Practice, where he serves as President and Foundation Professor, and has developed training and conferences around strengths-based approaches in social work, human services, education, healthcare and community development.
Dr. Mallikarjuna Rao Rachakonda
Dr. Mallikarjuna Rao Rachakonda JP is a retired IT professional, community leader, researcher, author, philosopher, blogger, and cultural educator dedicated to preserving dharmic wisdom and the Telugu language.
As an IT professional, he worked in India, Australia, and the United States, holding roles that spanned from systems designer and developer to Chief Executive Officer.
As a community leader, he served as President of Chinmaya Mission, Sydney, and Telugu Association Inc., Sydney. He also contributed as editor of Telugu Vahini magazine, broadcaster for Telugu Vani radio, and Convener of Telugu Language Schools (Telugu Badi).
Mallikarjuna Rao’s acclaimed literary works include Sanātana Dharma, published in English, Telugu, and Hindi. Offered as a spiritual guide and reflection for the soul, the book reaches audiences worldwide by showcasing the relevance of Sanātana Dharma in modern times and illuminating the four human endeavours (Purusharthas—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha).
His latest work, Handbook of Sanātana Dharma for the Discerning Minds, serves as a companion volume, presenting the salient features of Sanātana Dharma in a question-and-answer format. It is designed to engage students, teachers, and researchers who wish to approach the subject analytically.
As an innovator in diaspora language education, he authored the pioneering Let’s Learn Telugu series—comprising textbooks, online lessons, and a structured learning program available through his portal https://mytelugu.online. This gamified portal makes learning Telugu joyful and accessible to children worldwide.
In honour of his services he received several recognitions:
• NTR Award by Telugu Desam Australia (2017)
• Excellence in Community Services Award by United Indian Associations (2018)
• Hindu Heritage Society’s Annual Award for cultural support and advocacy (2025)
• VGF National Literary Award for research into Sanātana Dharma (2025)
• Gidugu National Lifetime Achievement Award by the Gidugu Ramamurthy Pantulu Foundation for his services to the Telugu language 2025
Through his contributions, Mallikarjuna Rao blends tradition with technology, ensuring that Sanātana Dharma and Telugu heritage remain vibrant for future generations.