Working
Committee

Dedicated Leaders Guiding PASCO’s Vision and Service

The Working Committee of PASCO – Portsmouth Asian Social & Cultural Organisation is the driving force behind our mission to celebrate, preserve, and promote Indian culture within the local community.

Our dedicated team works tirelessly to create meaningful cultural, social, and educational initiatives that bring people together, strengthen community bonds, and encourage inclusivity.

Office Bearers

Sweetie Sood Pasco
Sweetie Sood
Vice President

Sweetie was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and moved to England in 1968. After schooling in London and ten years working for a union, she and her husband Kamal moved to Portsmouth, where they ran two convenience stores.. A former National President of the Newsagents Federation, she enjoys family time, reading, cooking and travelling.

Smita Patel Portrait photo PASCO
Smita Patel
Secretary

Smita has served on the PASCO committee since 2001 and as General Secretary since 2003, proudly continuing her father Dr Ramesh Patel’s legacy as a founding member. A long-time Portsmouth resident, she returned after living in London and now balances family life with community dedication.

Ravi Ahlawat
Ravi Ahlawat
Treasurer

Jennie, a proud mum of two grown-up daughters, she values the strong friendships, equality, and community spirit shared within PASCO. After more than 30 years working in the NHS and local authority, she is delighted to bring her experience, skills, and enthusiasm to support the committee and serve the community.

Committee Members

Mala Patel
Mala Patel

Mala moved from Kenya to the UK as a teenager and settled in Southsea after marrying Dipak. A dedicated community member, she has supported PASCO for over twenty years, volunteers locally including as Chat over Chai secretary, and works as a Research Officer for Hampshire County Council.

Nishal Patel
Nishal Patel

Nishal is a podiatrist who co-runs a Skin and Foot Clinic in Southsea with her husband Devang. A proud mum to two teenage boys and their cockapoo, she joined PASCO in 2002 after moving from London and has spent many years actively supporting the committee and organising cultural events.

Josana Patel
Josana Patel

Born in Uganda, Josana moved to the UK with her husband Jayanti in 1972 and settled in Portsmouth, where they ran a hardware business and raised their family. Now a proud grandmother, she enjoys cooking, gardening, sports, and music, and happily supports PASCO as a dedicated committee member.

Dr Leon Gerard D’Cruz
Dr. Leon Gerard D’Cruz

Dr. Leon Gerard D’Cruz is a clinical researcher in Portsmouth, working in research, innovation, and data-driven healthcare. A trustee of Kent Lung Awareness, he has organised community, cultural, and fundraising events. Proud of his Christian-Malayalee heritage, he enjoys history, photography, and supporting community engagement through PASCO.

Subash Patel
Subash Patel

Originally from Nairobi, Subhash moved to Portsmouth in 1981 from London after purchasing a newsagent business. Now happily retired with a grown-up family, he has supported PASCO since its early days and has served as a valued committee member for the past many years.

Chetna PASCO Member Portsmouth
Chetna Patel

Chetna moved from Kenya to the UK in 1974, spending her formative years in London before settling in Portsmouth, where she raised two daughters, Priya and Jaynali. A dedicated PASCO member, she has served as committee member and Treasurer and actively supports community events and initiatives.

Seema PASCO
Seema Ahlawat

Seema has lived locally for nearly 30 years and values the area’s diverse, supportive community. A former PASCO committee member, she is keen to continue serving by bringing people together and strengthening community relations. Seema and her husband Ravi have two grown-up sons and deep family roots in the area.

Sujoy Ray
Dr. Sujoy Ray

Sujoy moved to Portsmouth from West Bengal five years ago and is pursuing his journey to becoming a Consultant Psychiatrist after qualifying and practising in India. He enjoys travelling, exploring new cuisines, and watching documentaries. A regular attendee at PASCO events, he is delighted to contribute as a committee member.