Lalita Kasanji played a key role in establishing the Office of Ethnic Communities, Department of Internal Affairs, originally known as the Ethnic Affairs Service, in the early 1990s.

She produced publications, presented at conferences, held workshops, and worked across agencies relating to ethnic communities.

 Lalita completed her Masters in Sociology from Victoria University of Wellington, examining the settlement of the Gujarati community in Wellington and its integration into New Zealand society.

Her interests have expanded to complementary health and wellbeing. She is an active board member for business and community organisations.