Indian Student Association

Name: Sagar Krishna /President/

Email ID: sagar.krishna@siu.edu

Sagar Krishna joined SIU to specifically earn his Ph.D. in Film Studies, but soon realized that education is as open as the ocean. Dabbling in interdisciplinary pursuit, Sagar aims to intellectually satiate himself at SIU while also engaging with the college community. His interest in working with ISA emanates from that spirit. Sagar comes with an Undergraduate degree in Economics, followed by a Master’s degree in English Literature, after which he did a Diploma in Human Rights. You are completely valid in doubting if he’s a well-rounded young man or merely confused, but sometimes both things can be true at the same time. Between his educational stints, he was working for various corporate firms in India. At SIU, Sagar, by working with ISA, aims to bring together the Indian and International Student community in order to foster and enhance social bonds. Mahfouz said, ‘Home is where all attempts to escape cease’; that’s a hard task to achieve, but a highly noble and worthy goal to set, and with ISA, we align ourselves with that vision to create a community wherein one feels at home. In his free time, Sagar talks to dogs and plants, plays badminton, generally runs away from his problems, and juggles.

Name: Upasana Dandona /Vice President/

Email ID: upasana.dandona@siu.edu

I am Upasana, a first-year PhD student in the Mass Communication and Media Arts Department. I grew up being overly obsessed with Bollywood movies. So, I hope my enthusiasm for the same results in more film screenings by the ISA in the coming semesters. Either way, the one thing I am looking forward to the most is hosting events for the international community at SIU to give them a better taste of our culture.

Name: Riya Krishnan / Social Media Officer/

Email: riya.krishnan@siu.edu

I’m Riya Krishnan, and I’m from Kerala, India. I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at SIUC. My involvement with ISA stems from a wish to build a sense of community among Indian students, celebrate our cultural heritage and values, and improve the overall experience of living abroad. By joining ISA, I aim to create an enriching environment that fosters opportunities for personal and professional development and facilitates the appreciation of Indian culture among international students.

Name: Sai Sriya Chundru /Cultural Secretary/

Email ID: saisriya.chundru@siu.edu

I am Sriya, a master’s student in Computer Science. I joined ISA as it will provide me with an excellent platform to connect with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, enhance my leadership and interpersonal skills, and actively contribute to building an inclusive student community. I strongly believe that being part of ISA will support my personal growth while allowing me to give back meaningfully to the organization.

Name: Siddharth Reddy Ala / Treasurer/

Email: siddharthreddy.ala@siu.edu

My name is Siddharth Reddy Ala, and I am pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. I chose to join the Indian Student Association board to help cultivate a stronger campus community. My passion lies in upholding our cultural heritage and facilitating an environment where members can find both support and a sense of shared identity. I am confident that my skills will be valuable in organizing events that not only celebrate our traditions but also promote meaningful engagement and development for all members.

Name: Naman Anand Bhadiadra |Joint Secretary
namananand.bhadiadra@siu.edu

I’m Naman Bhadiadra, a Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering here at SIU Carbondale, currently in my fourth semester. I’m working on my thesis under the guidance of Dr. Bin Dong, which has been a valuable learning experience so far. When I’m not busy with research or classes, you’ll probably find me listening to music, playing cricket, or engaging in some adventurous activity — I love activities that keep me active and outdoors. I’m originally from Mumbai, India, and Carbondale has started to feel like my second home. I’m really excited to join the Indian Student Association (ISA) — it’s a great way to connect with new people, give back to the community, and of course, have some fun along the way!

Name: Iniya Jayabalan|USG Senator
iniya.jayabalan@siu.edu

I am an undergraduate majoring in Fashion Design and Studio Arts at SIU. I joined ISU to foster a stronger connection with the Indian community and other local communities. As a USG senator, I hope to contribute to inclusivity efforts, support the experiences of my fellow students, and enhance my own personal growth. I’m eager to experience the diverse cultures of everyone around me and share my own as well.

Name: Nakul Desai |USG Senator

nakul.desai@siu.edu

I’m Nakul Desai, and I’m majoring in Aviation Management with an Associate’s in Aviation Flight, plus minors in Air Traffic Control and Airport Planning. I joined the ISA board because I truly enjoy representing our Indian culture and being part of an organization that brings people together. I love organizing events, meeting new people, and building teamwork and leadership skills along the way. I’m excited to help make our events fun and memorable for everyone!