Utpal Bhalala

President

Namaste Coastal Bend Indian Community! I am Utpal Bhalala, the President of our esteemed Coastal Bend India Association. I grew up in Bombay (Mumbai), so I am a Mumbaikar, and though I have settled in the USA since 2005, I am pakka Desi at heart. I have been fortunate to have trained and worked at top-notch academic programs, such as Seth G.S. Medical College (University of Bombay), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania), Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Baylor College of Medicine. As a seasoned Physician Leader, I have led cross-functional teams at a variety of healthcare systems as well as the Society of Critical Care Medicine. In my current role as a Pediatrician at Amistad Health and as a Medical Director at HCA Healthcare, I not only serve as a clinician, taking care of acutely ill children, but also as a healthcare executive. Now, as I continue my journey as a Physician and Physician Leader, I aim to dedicate my healthcare leadership skills to giving people a healthier tomorrow.

Ok, now let us shift from serious, professional details to some fun facts -

Fun Fact:
I am married to Reena Bhalala (my better half in a true sense) and we are blessed with two amazing children, 11-year-old Veda and 9-year-old Vivan. We are fortunate to have adopted my niece Janavi, who will graduate from TAMUCC this year. I have been practicing YOGA for the last 25 years and I am an avid badminton player. I am honored and privileged to serve our Coastal Bend Indian Community.

Arvind Modak

Treasurer

Dr. Arvind Modak is a distinguished medical professional with over 22 years of experience in clinical and administrative medicine. He has a proven track record in primary care, hospitalist roles, long-term care, and academic medicine. Dr. Modak began his career as an employed hospitalist and quickly advanced to founding his own medical group, which was later acquired by a national company. Serving as their CMO, Dr. Modak helped in streamlining transition of care and reducing readmissions. In 2017, Dr. Modak founded Innovative Care Partners, integrating outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care services under one umbrella. This venture was acquired by Cano Health in 2021, where he served as Regional Medical Director until October 2023. He then restarted his private practice, Primary Care Partners, with two locations in Corpus Christi, focusing on providing comprehensive primary care and managing hospitalized patients in LTAC and rehabilitation units. Throughout his career, Dr. Modak has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to improving patient care. His extensive experience includes managing medical directorships, mentoring residents, and overseeing clinical teams.

Fun Fact:
As a family man, Dr. Modak has the full support of a lovely wife and has raised two boys who are pursuing a career in business and the venture capital (VC) industry. Dr. Modak is an avid golfer, having won the club championship at a local country club, and he is also a keen badminton player.

Sulakshana Modak

Treasurer

Sulakshana (Sulu) Modak is a Practice Manager at Primary Care Partners, a physician- owned practice in Corpus Christi. Born in Maharashtra, India, Sulu has been a resident of Corpus Christi for the last 25 years. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Mumbai, India. She also has an Associate's degree in Business from Del Mar College and a BBA from TAMUCC. Currently, she is pursuing her MBA in Business and Healthcare from TAMUCC. Over the years, she has been an active part of the community and served as a President of the Coastal Bend India Association, as well as in various other leadership positions over the last 25 years. She has also served on various Boards like the Indian Temple Organization, Nueces County Medical Alliance, CASA of Coastal Bend just to name a few, bringing various community services projects and advocating for issues that impact local physicians. She believes in the power of education and, as a past president of the Rotary Club of South Side Corpus Christi, she initiated a mental health project called "Are You Okay" in collaboration with CCISD and area high schools to educate and raise awareness about mental health.

Fun Fact:
She has been married to Dr. Arvind Modak for 26 years and is the mother of two wonderful young men.

Chetan Karanth

Secretary

This is my second time calling Corpus Christi home. My first stint here was as a single professional, and in 2020, I returned with my family. My wife and I are blessed with a lively 5-year-old daughter. With over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, I have always valued teamwork and community engagement. As the Indian community in the Coastal Bend continues to grow, it is important that we come together and actively participate. Our children deserve the opportunity to experience and celebrate our vibrant and diverse culture, and for new families settling here, this community can be a wonderful way to meet other Indian families and build lasting friendships.

Fun Fact:
Growing up in Mumbai, sports played a significant role in my life, and I continue to enjoy staying active.

Nancy (Nayana) Patel

Membership Committee

A fierce advocate for community involvement & women’s empowerment, she combines sharp business acumen with an unconditional commitment to uplifting others and helping. Her ability to turn challenges into opportunities makes her a trusted leader in the community.

Fun Fact:
She can turn any conversation into an inspiring life lesson—and she makes a chai so good, it could solve world problems!

Jyoti Patel

Membership Committee

I have been residing in the Coastal Bend and successfully in the Hospitality industry for over thirty years. Currently, I am an active board member of the Texas State Aquarium and am fiercely involved in tourism. I am very passionate and committed to carrying out the tasks at hand. Also, I am a dynamic and goal-oriented individual! I can be influential and thus uplift others in the community.

Fun Fact:
I love to be around young kids and inspire them spiritually through Swadhyay. I enjoy being around people, dancing, cooking, and most of all, traveling the world!

Sudharshan Buchireddy

Sports Committee

Sudharshan Buchireddy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Computer Science. With extensive experience in finance and technology, he has held leadership roles such as Assistant Vice President at HSBC and Vice President at JP Morgan, overseeing AML operations. Currently, he works as a Senior Consultant at Kaiser Permanente, leveraging his expertise in data analytics and risk management. Beyond his professional career, Sudharshan is passionate about staying active and connecting with his community.

Fun Fact:
He enjoys playing badminton with members of the Indian community and values spending quality time with his family.

Nikita Vora

Food Committee

Nikita’s journey is filled with adventure. A Mumbai native, Nikita moved to the US in 2001. Since then, she has lived in six US cities. From Ghatkopar, Mumbai, to the Gulf Coast, she has called Corpus Christi home since 2019. Nikita has worked in the medical field since 2003 in various roles. Currently, she is working in a laboratory as a histotechnician at Driscoll Children's Hospital, preparing tissue samples for diagnoses and patient care. Nikita served her first two-year term on the CBIA Food Committee from 2021-2022 and is excited to be part of the committee again.

Fun Fact:
She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite activity is shopping with her daughter. She loves watching comedy movies with her daughter, and her favorite is "Total Dhamaal." She also creates "dhamaal" wherever she goes 😜.

Divya Patel

Food Committee

Divya is a dedicated educator with a passion for working with children. With experience in teaching and anchoring, she brings enthusiasm and creativity to every role she takes on. Recently hired as a paraprofessional at CCISD, she supports children with special needs, fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Divya is also passionate about cooking and is excited to be part of the food committee.

Fun Fact:
Outside of work, she enjoys listening to Indian music and engaging with kids in meaningful ways. Her warm and friendly nature makes her a valued educator and mentor.

Shalini Narang

Public Relations Representative

Dr. Shalini Narang is an accomplished entrepreneur, fierce advocate for children's and women's rights, and a dedicated board member of CASA of the Coastal Bend, Women's and Men's Health Services, and the Nueces County Medical Society Alliance. With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry/Toxicology, she has served as the practice administrator for South Texas Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates for over 30 years, impacting the health and well-being of the Coastal Bend community.

Fun Fact:
Dr. Shalini Narang kicks off her day with a fun challenge, solving the New York Times Wordle, Mini Crossword, and Connections puzzles, with Sudoku as a close second. A passionate cook, she blends her love for food with her expertise in chemistry, seeing it as key to both cooking and nutrition. When not in the kitchen, she enjoys dancing, having mastered the Indian classical dance form of Kathak.

Maria Alexander

Cultural Committee

I moved to Corpus Christi in 1995 along with my husband who started his cardiology practice locally. I have been involved with many non-profit organizations, especially medical-related, working in various positions. I did run an Airbnb business for a few years. What kept me busy the last 30 years was the demanding job of bringing up three wonderful daughters.

Fun Fact:
I also enjoy sharing the cultural diversity of India with the local community. If I’m not seen volunteering for non-profits, you can catch me at tennis courts, on the piano, or traveling the world.

Sonali Joshi

Cultural Committee

I have a bachelor’s degree in law and I am a trained Indian classical singer with a deep passion for dance. I have been actively involved with the Coastal Bend India Association and have taken on various roles, primarily focusing on cultural programming, event coordination, and emceeing for community events.

Fun Fact:
A true foodie at heart, I love experimenting with new recipes and exploring diverse cuisines. When not working, I love watching movies or engaging in community activities that celebrate culture and creativity.