IHCA-NJ Executive Advisors

Archana Joglekar is a multifaceted artist whose career spans acting, modeling, classical dance, writing, and direction. With lead roles in Hindi, Marathi, Oriya, Bangla, and Tamil films, she has worked alongside cinematic legends such as Aamir Khan, Rajnikanth, and Rekha, leaving a lasting impact with her powerful performances. Archana is also a household name in Indian television, acclaimed for her roles in hit series like Kissa Shanti Ka and Fulwanti.

A celebrated Kathak dancer, Archana has performed at prestigious festivals across India and internationally. Her talents extend behind the camera as a writer and director, with critically acclaimed projects like the Hindi TV serial Samrajya and Marathi series Awaghachi Sansar.

As a successful model, Archana was the face of iconic brands like LUX, Nirma, and Sunsilk, earning a reputation as a "golden goose" for every product she endorsed. Today, she continues to contribute to the arts through her diverse creative pursuits, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Isha Vyas is an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker, oral historian, and arts advocate with over 25 years of experience advancing arts and cultural initiatives that elevate diverse and underrepresented communities. Through Vyas Productions, she recently partnered with PBS to produce Destination Oak Tree Road, a documentary spotlighting the Asian Indian/South Asian community in Central New Jersey.

Formerly the Division Head of Folklife and Cultural Heritage at the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, Vyas transitioned from a successful career on Wall Street to the nonprofit arts sector. She currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees for Woodbridge Public Libraries and a member of the New Jersey State Historical Records and Archives Board.

A passionate multilinguist, Vyas speaks five languages and is trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and the sitar. She brings these traditions into modern cultural advocacy, supporting the sustainable development of arts, heritage, and education through work with prominent local and international organizations.

Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan is a career diplomat of the 2002 batch of the Indian Foreign Service. He speaks English, Russian, Hindi, and Odiya languages. His diplomatic career includes senior roles in Indian Embassies in Moscow, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan from 2004 to 2012. During 2012-14, he managed India's relations with Afghanistan and Iran at the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.

From 2014 to 2019, Mr. Pradhan served as the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India. His international engagements extended to being the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Moscow, from June 2019 to July 2021.

Prior to his current role as Consul General of India, New York, he held the position of High Commissioner of India to Tanzania and Permanent Representative to the East African Community (EAC) from August 2021 to January 2024. During this period India- Tanzania relationship was elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ and the first  overseas campus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania was set up.

Mr. Pradhan demonstrates a keen interest in economic and energy diplomacy. Beyond his diplomatic pursuits, he finds enjoyment in playing golf. Mr. Pradhan is married to Ms. Monalisa and they are proud parents of two daughters, Dibyanshi and Diya.

Stay updated on his diplomatic endeavors by following the Consul General on Twitter @IndiainNewYork and @binaysrikant76