Meet the board!
Board 2023-2024
We are proud to announce ourselves as the board of ISA for 2024! Our mission is to make ISA even bigger this year, provide a safe space for Indian students and introduce non-Indian people to Indian culture. We have some really exciting events planned soon that we hope to see you guys at!
President
Joseph Joseph
Hey folks, Joseph this side. Treaded tough seas before ending up (only God knows how) at Aerospace Engineering in TU Delft. I come from the tranquil, 'the best coffee-producing', and 'jaw-dropping wala scenic' Wayanad in Kerala, and have always bragged about it like a coveted trophy I was entitled to from the day I was born. Okay, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but yeah - Wayanad is freakin' amazing guys, ngl. God's gem in his own country - wow. Incredible India.
Either way, been through extreme adventure from diving to firefighting to sailing. Lived life one day at a time - been an angel to most and the devil to some. Been blessed to serve my countrymen, and like many others who have come and left before me, I feel grateful that life has been kind.
If you ever need unsolicited 'gyan' on survival and endless adventure, come by to Leeghwaterstraat/the ISA Office at Kanalweg/the Aerospace Engineering building. If not here, you'll probably find me at one of the football fields of X, where we'll probably bond over football and random Barca rants. Ofc, you sweeties will be invited to all UCL watchparties at my place (limited time offer until Barca stays in UCL, so hurry xD)
P.S. - Don't call me 'Mr. President' the next time you see me, Imma run away from you like Joe Biden being chased by a cat.
Quote - "I've wrestled with alligators. I've tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning and thrown thunder in jail. You know I'm bad. Just last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalised a brick. I'm so mean, I make medicine sick."
Treasurer
Rishika Anilkumar
About me - "Hello there! I'm Rishika Anilkumar, a graduate student currently pursuing my Masters in Chemical Engineering. Hailing from the vibrant state of Kerala, I bring a blend of rich cultural heritage and academic rigor to everything I do. During my undergraduate years, I cultivated a diverse skill set through organizing both technical and cultural events, showcasing my ability to seamlessly merge analytical thinking with creative flair. Additionally, I've dedicated my time to teaching at an NGO, where I found immense joy in empowering others through education. Outside of academia and volunteering, you can often find me indulging my wanderlust, exploring new destinations, and immersing myself in different cultures."
Fun fact - I can do a head stand.
Quote - "Everyone moves at their own pace"
Internal affairs
Manavi Araga
About me - "I'm currently pursuing my master’s in mechanical engineering, specializing in the high-tech engineering track. Engineering runs in my blood – both my parents and my sister are engineers, so it has always felt like a natural fit for me. I had the quintessential Indian upbringing, with my parents urging me to pursue extracurricular activities after school. That's how I found myself reluctantly enrolled in Kathak training throughout my adolescence. My parents also instilled in me a deep appreciation for culture. I have cherished memories of attending classical music and dance concerts, as well as visiting museums and art galleries while growing up. There's something truly magical about being surrounded by art and history; and as an adult, I continue to indulge in exploring museums and galleries on my own. When I’m looking for a respite from the pressures of academic life, I get lost in the pages of a good book. Music is another one of my go-to escapes, a realm where I find joy through singing. It's not just a hobby for me; it's also a way of regulating my mood."
Fun Fact - I saw the launch of Chandrayaan-3, India’s 3rd mission to the moon, live from Sriharikota (ISRO’s launch site). It was more exhilarating and emotional than I could have ever imagined.
Quote - “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
External affairs
Jabez Joseph
About me - "Hey there, I'm Jabez, hailing from the vibrant city of Chennai, India, but currently navigating the fascinating world of Management of Technology at TPM, TU Delft. Picture this: when I'm not buried in textbooks or scheming up innovative ideas, you'll likely find me unleashing my inner sportsman at X, the Culture & Sports Center, where I practically have a reserved spot!
Now, let's talk about my love affair with sports. From smashing shuttlecocks in badminton to swinging bats in cricket and spiking volleyballs, I'm a certified triple threat on the court. Oh, and did I mention my obsession with Formula 1? As an unapologetic Ferrari fan, I live for the adrenaline rush of high-speed races and heart-stopping overtakes.
"But wait, there's more!" I hear you say, channeling my inner rom-com protagonist. In the past 8 months alone, I've embarked on a whirlwind tour of 12 European countries. From exploring the historic streets of Prague to chasing the Northern Lights in the enchanting Finnish Lapland, my adventures have been nothing short of LEGEN-wait for it-DARY.
So, whether you're here for sports banter, travel tips, or just a good laugh, buckle up and join me on this wild ride. Who knows where the journey will take us next?"
Fun fact - In a world full of deadlines and responsibilities, I've mastered the art of balancing textbooks with badminton, equations with escapades, and deadlines with daring adventures. Who needs a superhero when you've got a multitasking master like me?
Quote - “Enjoy the butterflies, enjoy being naïve, enjoy the nerves and pressure, enjoy the process because everything is part of it.”
Event manager
Arya Lotliker
About me - "Hi everyone! I am Arya Lotliker, a master's student in Construction Management at TU Delft, specializing in "Projects and People." Originally from the stunning beaches of Goa, India, I'm an adventurer at heart, always up for exploring new places and trying new things.
In my free time, you will likely find me planning the next ISA event (because let's face it, who doesn't love a good party?)! I also hold a BTech in Civil Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, where I was actively involved in student clubs.
While I may have traded my swimsuit for textbooks for now, my love for beaches and long drives remains strong! Oh, and did I mention I'm a proud Indian and a national Taekwondo medalist? Though my 7-year gold medal streak in Goa sadly ended with my studies taking me to Manipal, I hope to someday pick it up again when time allows.
I'm excited to be a part of the ISA Delft family!"
Fun fact - Wanna see some fancy kicks? I'm a 2nd Dan black belt in Taekwondo! Ask me about my tournament experiences sometime!
Quote - "What makes you weird, that's your strength!"
Event manager
Harshita Kakkad
About me - "I'm Harshita, currently pursuing my master's degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Management. Joining Isa has been a rewarding choice for me, offering a chance to rekindle my connection with my cultural heritage and establish a sense of belonging in a new environment. While my academic pursuits keep me focused, I also cherish moments of relaxation, especially on quiet Sunday evenings, when I find solace in cozy corners. Balancing between seriousness and light-heartedness, I embrace the occasional fun activity while also valuing the tranquility of reflective moments. My journey in academia and personal growth is influenced by the desire to blend my cultural identity with my academic pursuits, creating a harmonious balance between my roots and my aspirations. Through Isa and my academic endeavors, I seek to bridge the gap between cultures and find fulfillment in both my professional and personal spheres."
Fun fact - Miraculously, I have family members scattered across every corner of India
Quote - "Embrace the beauty of your roots as you reach for the stars, for it is the strength of your heritage that propels you towards new horizons."
Marketing manager
Ishan Pahwa
About me - "Hiya! I'm Ishan, a third year Bachelor's student in Computer Science & Engineering which makes me the youngest member of ISA this year. I grew up in Dubai and my family's Punjabi but we now live in Delhi (so never ask me where I’m from because you’re going to get my entire history).
Probably one of the most important things about me is that I am obsessed with music (seriously, I use Spotify as a substitute for therapy), so much so that I have turntable on which I play my favourite records and a guitar (a Jazzmaster for all you guitar geeks) so that I can play songs that I love (and maybe come up with something new in the future!). Apart from that, I love reading books to the point that when I got grounded when I was younger, my parents would take away my books more than anything else.
I'm also the proud owner of a Museumkaart so I frequently go to museums and get immersed in the centuries of art, culture and history. Outside of these, I have so many other hobbies such as skateboarding, golfing, woodworking, writing and cinema.
When I’m not studying, you can usually find me reading books at cafes, crowdsurfing in the moshpit at local punk concerts or chilling with friends."
Fun fact - I know how to ride horses and I once rode an ostrich on vacation in South Africa!
Quote - "The men on the moon keep playing practical jokes, planting the mirrors and smoke that I fade away in"
Marketing manager
Avanti Deshpande
About me - "Hey there, I am Avanti and I come from Pune, India. If there's one special thing you should know about me, it's that I'm all about spreading good vibes, loving what I am doing, and chasing after my dreams with everything I've got. I am a caring, determined and fun person centric soul trying to live life one step at a time. By profession I am a multidisciplinary designer currently pursuing my masters at the Industrial design engineering faculty at Tu delft, Netherlands. I've always been a sucker for creativity and innovation, so being able to combine those passions in my studies is an absolute dream come true. That’s not it. When I'm not buried in textbooks or glued to my laptop, you can usually find me exploring the streets of Delft, trying out new foods and particularly coffee or just chilling with friends and soaking up the Dutch vibes. That's me in a nutshell and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next."
Fun fact - I have a secret obsession of saving gift wrapping papers and iron them to store in my closet.
Quote - "Make it happen"
Alumni advisor
Fathaah Ansar
About me - "The youngest alumni advisor of ISA, I graduated from TU Delft in 2023. Born in Chennai and brought up in Hyderabad, I came to the Netherlands and TU Delft in 2021 to pursue a Masters in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Energy, Flow and Process Technology.
I am currently continuing my stay in Delft and pursuing a Ph.D. at TU Delft, in the Process and Energy department in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage. My goal is to find solutions for converting captured carbondioxide to useful chemicals and sustainable fuels by studying the catalysis process at a molecular scale using computer simulations.
I enjoy weight training at the gym or playing some sport at X. One of the weirdest skills I have is to find amazing deals on Marktplaats using which I managed to furnish an entire house with second-hand furniture and appliances.
My sense of humor shines through, and I'm always ready with a joke to lighten the mood when needed."
Fun fact - I can speak 4 languages, learning my 5th.
Quote - "The key to happiness is ignorance"
Alumni advisor
Siddharth Jain
About me - "Hi I'm Siddharth, an alumnus of TU Delft with a Master’s degree in Architecture and a specialization in robotics, and currently embarked on my professional journey as a computational architect. Since 2021, I have been steering projects at OMRT as a Project Manager. My tenure as an ISA board member in 2019 was marked by my initiative to craft podcast stories that encapsulate the essence of life in Delft, alongside producing housing videos to guide new students through Delft’s offerings.
In my current capacity as an Alumni Advisor, I embody the spirit of a ‘young grandfather’ within the team, exuding a “been there, done that, yet there’s more to achieve” philosophy. Whether it’s imparting pivotal advice or eliciting laughter with his humor, my versatility shines through in my multifaceted role."
Fun fact - Siddharth is known for his cooking skills and always uploads it on Instagram with a tag line of Good Food Good Mood.
Quote - “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
