Hometown: Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Education: B.Sc(Other | SSSIHL, Bangalore) M.Sc(Other | SSSIHL, puttaparthi)
Internship/Volunteering Experience: No
Entering the gates of ISDM felt like a fresh start for me, an angry young man disillusioned with corporate life. I vividly recall the very first RTL session, where we were tasked with selecting a universal human value. I chose 'love'—partly out of curiosity, partly as a challenge—to explore its transformative power on both myself and those around me. The outcome was nothing short of astonishing.
As I embraced this value, love flowed back to me in abundance from my cohort members, reinforcing a profound truth: the more we share something genuine with the world, the more we receive in return. This journey at ISDM has been a testament to that belief. It has equipped me with invaluable lessons and, more importantly, the belief that I am now poised to make a meaningful, transformational impact. With each passing day, I feel more empowered and ready, as if guided by a higher force preparing me for the transformative work ahead.
-MSS Krishna, Cohort 7, ISDM
Hometown: Katni, Madhya Pradesh
Education: BA, Maitreyi College, University Of Delhi
Embarking on my journey at ISDM has been life-changing. The campus vibe is incredible, filled with people from diverse backgrounds across India, all passionate about making a difference. Initially, I was nervous, but that quickly turned into excitement as each day brought new learning experiences. Beyond classes, I've enjoyed bonding with peers, celebrating various festivals, and embracing different cultures. The curriculum is engaging, with faculty who inspire and subjects like Behaviour Change for Communication and Social Entrepreneurship that ignite my passion.
I have completed workshops in Radical Transformational Leadership and Personal Mastery on Development Leadership, which have equipped me with the visionary leadership skills necessary to navigate complex challenges with innovation and resilience.
ISDM has given me the tools and confidence to drive positive change, and I'm grateful for every moment spent here. With my passion for art as a medium of change, I'm grateful to be a part of this program and make a meaningful impact.
Manya Jain, Batch 7
Hometown: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Education: B.A. (Hons.) Amity University, Uttar Pradesh
Transitioning from a corporate background to the social sector was initially a challenge for me. However, I found clarity and direction through ISDM, an institution that not only imparted crucial sector-specific knowledge and skills but also nurtured a unique learning environment. The pedagogy at ISDM centered around the "knowing, being, and doing" concept, proved invaluable in my journey. Beyond academics, ISDM fostered a space for building meaningful connections with oneself and others. It's more than just a place of learning; it's a platform for personal growth.
Akshita Kulshrestha
Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal
Education: BA, University Of Calcutta, West Bengal
Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of doing something to help people directly. So, I studied sociology in high school and pursued it in my bachelor's too. But after that, I got sidetracked. Under pressure from my surroundings, I started gearing up for an MBA. It didn't take long for me to realize that it wasn't where I truly belonged. Then, ISDM appeared like a ray of hope—a non-negotiable opportunity to follow my lifelong passion. Every day at ISDM is a new learning experience. I'm constantly pushing myself a bit further toward improvement. The moments that really hit me were during our rural immersion program, Realizing India. During this time, everything I read abd discussed inside the classroom came to life and that experience made me much more hooked to the program and created the zeal within me to do something for the people who are discriminated against and ignored by the larger society. ISDM has been a place for me where learning continued with a lot of unlearning and relearning. Besides that, ISDM also introduced me to some of the most wonderful people I've ever met, making the journey even more unforgettable
Bidipta Chakraborti, Cohort 7
Hometown: Sultan Bathery, Kerala
Education: BA, Krea University, Andhra Pradesh
My time at ISDM has been nothing short of transformative. As someone who has always dreamed of a society that is just and safe for all living beings, I knew I wanted to work in the social sector, but I was unsure of where to start and how. ISDM provided me with the tools and insights to navigate this path. Not only did I gain a comprehensive understanding of the social sector, but I also learned to see development through multiple lenses and perspectives, with management principles and apply this knowledge through hands-on learning.
The curriculum at ISDM is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced professionals. Its robust pedagogy encourages open-mindedness and adaptability, fostering a space where everyone is invited to think, learn, and apply new concepts in real-world situations. I am grateful to ISDM for setting me up to face a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world with confidence and for the beautiful and memorable experiences I've shared with my diverse cohort. The journey has not only helped me develop professionally but also inspired me to pursue my dreams and make a tangible difference in society.
- Lakshmi Anns, ISDM,Cohort 7
Hometown: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Education: BE, Birla Institute Of Technology, Jharkhand
I have always been passionate about social impact projects, which led me to join the Teach For India fellowship—an experience that was both memorable and rich in learning opportunities. Wanting to gain a comprehensive understanding of the development sector before pursuing a career in it, I decided to enroll in the ISDM program. As I near the completion of my postgraduate studies in development management, I can confidently say that I have not only deepened my understanding of the sector but also learned how interventions are designed and implemented. A highlight of my journey has been the rural immersion program, Realising India, which provided insights into the critical design of interventions in the social sector. Through this experience, I learned to identify root causes and examine interventions from a systemic perspective.
- Taranjot Bahl, Cohort 7, ISDM
Hometown: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Education: B.A. (Hons.), Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh Masters in Social Works, University Of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
I have always been passionate about the social sector. After completing my Masters in Social Work, I dedicated myself to working towards child rights and protection. However, I soon recognized the necessity of enhancing my skills and understanding in the dynamic field of development. This realization led me to the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), where I underwent a transformative experience. Through their challenging yet enjoyable courses, I gained an appreciation for the essential role of patience, perseverance, and passion in effecting meaningful change. ISDM not only expanded my understanding of development but also facilitated the alignment of my personal values with my professional aspirations. The insightful guidance provided by the bricoleurs and faculty, coupled with the collaborative spirit among peers, created an environment at ISDM where I could fully realize my potential. The lessons I learned and the values I embraced during my time at ISDM will undoubtedly continue to shape my journey in the social sector for a lifetime.
- Devika Tripathi
Hometown: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Education: BA, Ambedkar Degree College
I would like to reflect on my journey at ISDM across three dimensions. Firstly, my academic journey has been transformative, as I delved into quite a few development-specific concepts and issues relevant to the sector. Secondly, I have acquired a multiple tools and frameworks that empower me to analyse and address projects and issues comprehensively. Lastly, but certainly not least, is my personal growth during my time here. I can confidently attest that my journey at ISDM has significantly contributed to my development as a better human being. Interacting with diverse individuals, collaborating effectively in teams, and enhancing my capacity to grasp and assimilate new information and ideas have been notable areas of improvement. In essence, my experience at ISDM has been profoundly enriching, one that I will always cherish.
Hometown: New Delhi
Education: B.A. (Hons.), Zakir Hussain, University Of Delhi
Studying at ISDM has been really helpful. I've learned practical ways to understand development methods, which boosted my confidence in facing real-life challenges. I loved the hands-on experiences; they made things clearer for me.
Discovering concepts like systems and design thinking opened my eyes and made me more creative in solving problems. Understanding how organizations function and getting ready for my work life ahead has been very valuable.
Also, I've learned about topics related to organizational management and various inter-personal peer support methods through personality development programs. Plus, I've had extensive learnings on designing intervention, engaging with stakeholders & driving social conversations. This has been enriched through conversations with the various stalwarts I got to interact with as visiting faculties in the school.
Overall, ISDM has made me better at what I do and helped me connect with my ambition to do something in the development sector.
Mayul Manav
Echoes of Alumni | Divya Sharma
Echoes of Alumni | Manu Panjikaran
Echoes of Alumni | Palak Sharma
Echoes of Alumni | Pankaj Anand
Echoes of Alumni | Varun Sethi
Echoes of Alumni | Monica Chauhan
Echhoes of Alumni | Arjun Ranjit