Our Team
Temple Committee
Thirumathi. Saraswathi Ganeshan – President
Saraswathi Ganeshan is the President and Founder of the Dallas Mariamman Organization and an accomplished artist with over 25 years of professional experience. She is the founder of Lightfoot Art Studio, where she nurtures creativity and inspires artistic expression.
A passionate contributor to the community, Saraswathi has played a vital role in supporting numerous nonprofit organizations, including FeTNA, TNF, Metroplex Tamil Sangam, Avvai Tamil Sangam, and the Association of Kannada Kootas of America, among others.
Residing in Dallas, Texas, since 2008, Saraswathi is married to Tharagaram Baashyam and is the proud mother of two sons, Pranav (17) and Anish (13). A deeply religious and culturally rooted individual, she has been a dedicated advocate for promoting Tamil culture and religious traditions within the Dallas community for several years.
Her leadership and commitment to cultural preservation continue to inspire and unite the community. As a founder of the Dallas Mariamman Temple Organization, her views this endeavor not merely as a role but as a heartfelt mission to serve the community and nurture their spiritual connection with Amman.
Thirumathi. Vidya Adhiyaman – Vice President
Vidya Adhiyaman serves as the Vice President and a pivotal member of our organization. Her unwavering dedication and willingness to serve the Hindu religious community have been instrumental in shaping our vision and mission. A devoted follower of Amman, Vidya brings her steadfast support and insightful feedback to every key decision-making process, ensuring the organization’s growth and alignment with its spiritual objectives. Her commitment and leadership continue to inspire and strengthen our collective journey.
Vidya is an accomplished Technology Leader, Entrepreneur, Tamil School volunteer, and a proud mother of two daughters, based in McKinney, Texas, since 2012. She has passionately served the DFW Tamil community for over 11 years, fostering a love for Tamil language and culture. Her deep-rooted spiritual and cultural practices, particularly during Aadi Masam, have nurtured a profound connection with Mariamman. She is committed to initiating a long-lasting spiritual journey to establish a Mariamman temple with Kuladeivam and Kaavaldeivam worship in the DFW Metroplex.
Thiru. Balasakthikumar Vittalrangan (Shakthi) – Secretary
Balasakthikumar Vittalrangan, fondly known as Shakthi, is admired for his dedication, simplicity, and trustworthiness. He has contributed to our community in the U.S. and back home in countless ways. His unwavering commitment to every endeavor, coupled with his never-give-up attitude, has earned him widespread respect and admiration. Shakthi is a Social Entrepreneur hailing from a village in Coimbatore and currently resides in Dallas, a city he cherishes as his second home.
Shakthi has been instrumental in various initiatives that bridge communities and foster cultural pride. He played a pivotal role in raising global awareness for the Harvard Tamil Chair and continues to serve the Houston Tamil Chair as a National Outreach Team member. His efforts were central to securing proclamations recognizing Tamil culture, including the Tamil Language and Culture Week in Georgia and FETNA Day in Addison, Texas.
As a leader in organizations like Metroplex Tamil Sangam, FETNA, and TNF, Shakthi has championed initiatives such as launching an emergency helpline for Tamil immigrant families, supporting conventions, and leading social media campaigns. His contributions also include achieving Guinness World Records during FETNA and TNF conventions and co-founding Save Tamil Nadu Farmers, which supported 250 families and disaster relief efforts in India.
Organized inspiring youth programs, including interactive sessions with ISRO’s Padmashri Mylswamy Annadurai and Instrumental in Showcasing the Great poet and freedom fighter Subramanya Bharathiyar life stage play drama performance by Kalaimamani Isai Kavi Ramanan.
Thiru. Tharagaram Baashyam (Tharak) – Treasurer
Tharagaram Baashyam serves as the Treasurer of the Dallas Mariamman Temple Organization. A resident of Dallas, Texas, since 2008, he is married to Saraswathi Ganeshan, the organization’s President. Together, they are devoted parents to two sons and are dedicated members of the local Tamil community.
Tharagaram is a passionate social activist who has led significant protests and initiatives supporting causes like the Jallikattu Ban, the Tamil Farmers’ rights and many others. He has also been a dedicated volunteer with several nonprofit organizations, including FeTNA, TNF, Metroplex Tamil Sangam, Avvai Tamil Sangam, Sankara Eye Foundation, and the Association of Kannada Kootas of America.
His deep spiritual connection to Amman and devotion to his kuladeivam vazhipaadu have been integral to his life since childhood. Each year, he visits his hometown to organize and facilitate the Chithirai Thiruvizha, honoring his family deity.
Known for his honesty, transparency, and dependable leadership, Tharagaram has become a source of inspiration and trust for those around him. As a founder of the Dallas Mariamman Temple Organization, he views this endeavor not merely as a role but as a heartfelt mission to serve the community and nurture their spiritual connection with Amman.
Thirumathi. Saranya Gopalakrishnan – Trustee
Saranya Gopalakrishnan leads the Religious Committee in our organization. Based in Frisco, TX, she works in the Higher Education industry. Originating from Srirangam, Trichy, close to the Arulmigu Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Saranya has been a devoted follower of Samayapuram Mariamman since childhood. She has actively participated in and organized numerous religious events at the Samayapuram Temple.
Saranya and her family have contributed significantly to the organization since its inception. Her involvement and connection with the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple have enabled our Dallas Mariamman Temple organization to gain direct access to the temple and understand its functions in greater detail. She has consistently provided valuable inputs and ideas for the organization’s development.
Saranya is also a skilled Veena player and dedicates her leisure time to teaching Veena. The organization believes Saranya is the perfect fit for the Religious Committee, and her leadership skills will guide and support its growth.
Thiru. Srikanth Tirumala – Trustee
Srikanth Tirumala leads the Ethical and Disciplinary Committee. His straightforward and honest nature makes him the perfect fit for this role within the organization. Srikanth and his family have been among the few families who wholeheartedly supported and appreciated the organization’s initiative, providing the confidence to elevate it to the next level.
With profound humility and a strong sense of responsibility, Srikanth is committed to contributing to the preservation and enrichment of the temple’s sacred traditions. He aims to enhance the temple’s spiritual, educational, and cultural offerings, fostering an inclusive environment where all devotees feel welcome to deepen their faith and build strong community bonds. Srikanth is dedicated to working collaboratively with fellow trustees and the community to ensure the temple meets today’s spiritual needs while being well-prepared to serve future generations.