Harvard Model United Nations India

HMUN India’s most awaited application is now out!

Find the application link on www.hmunindia.org

If there’s one person doing an India tour, it’s Akshaya. We bet you that she’s probably spoken to at least a couple of schools in every city you’ve visited!

Akshaya is someone who enjoys debates, interesting ideas, and figuring things out experientially. Known for dry humor, strong opinions on things nobody asked about, and having far too many tabs open, she thrives in spaces that involve people, strategy, and a little unpredictability. She brings curiosity and her occasional organised chaos wherever she goes.

Her MUN journey began back in Grade 9, and over the years, conferences became a space where she grew both personally and professionally. Having spent years on the circuit through school and college, she especially enjoys the people, collaboration, and unpredictability that make every committee memorable. She was also part of the founding team of her college’s MUN Society, helping build a community for aspiring delegates from the ground up.

Beyond HMUN, you’ll probably find her tucked away in a quiet nook with a book. She looks forward to meeting all of you at the conference!

We guarantee that Areeb will personally bring you to the conference to ensure you have the best time there!

Areeb Jamal serves as the conference’s Operations Officer, where he focuses on strengthening processes, improving coordination, and ensuring systems run with clarity and intent. With a background in Business Analytics, he approaches everything with curiosity, seeking to understand before acting and that defines much of how he works and engages.

He brings a thoughtful approach to conversations, particularly one-on-one, where his curiosity and attentiveness make discussions clear and engaging. Don’t be surprised if his curiosity throws a few (or many) questions your way; well, that’s simply how he connects and makes sense of things.

Outside of work, he is drawn to exploration in all forms, through travelling, and a geek interest in reading everything, along with learning from people and experiences. He plays football, takes part in marathons, and trains in mixed martial arts.

She’s often known as Akasa, like the airlines, and that’s the speed at which things go through (or over) her!

Meet Aksh*ta Nandivada; she has been actively involved in MUNs since the age of 12, taking on a wide range of roles that have shaped her confidence, leadership, and ability to think under pressure. Her most favourite experience was being a part of the core team for HMUN India last year, where she learnt so much and is excited to be continue learning this year as well. Beyond MUNs, she enjoys playing basketball and exploring new places with friends, constantly seeking out experiences that push her beyond her comfort zone. She is naturally curious and thrives in dynamic environments that challenge her to adapt and grow. She is beyond excited to meet you all at the conference!

If you suddenly hear an excited voice asking you to come to HMUN India till your school, our money is on Manu Jha!

Meet Manu Jha, currently serving as The Outreach Officer for HMUN India, she loves building connections and bringing people together through communication and collaboration. Full of life and always open to new perspectives, she has taken on multiple roles that have helped her grow as a leader, manage teams, and constantly evolve beyond her comfort zone. Her energy truly speaks for itself, making every space she walks into a little more lively and welcoming.

Outside of work, Manu loves talking, travelling, reading fiction, and writing a little. She’s also a complete Bollywood and Music geek — so if you randomly hear someone singing songs from across the room, you’ll probably know exactly who it is. She is beyond excited to meet everyone and experience the energy and conversations that are going to shape the future.

Looking for the most patient & understanding person at the conference? Smriti’s here for you!

Meet Smriti Pandey, whose journey with HMUN India reflects years of growth, dedication, and experience across different facets of the conference. Starting as a Delegate in 2017, she later returned as an Assistant Director in 2019, before becoming a part of the On-Ground Team in 2025, contributing to the conference experience both academically and operationally. Over the years, her experience across different roles has shaped her understanding of leadership and the spirit of the HMUN community.

With a background in business development, Smriti brings together creativity, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills. Thoughtful, expressive, and easy to talk to, she has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable and valued while building genuine connections with those around her. Known for her warm and approachable personality, she brings fresh energy and sincerity into every interaction, getting things done with originality and heart, and looks forward to meeting you at the conference.

Shaping the experience beyond the committee room, meet Margaret Bowles!

Margaret is a sophomore studying Government with a minor in Economics from Dover, Massachusetts. Margaret is beyond excited to be the USG of Host Affairs at HMUN India! In the world of Model UN, Margaret is the director of General Assembly Training for Harvard’s Intercollegiate Model United Nations Team, director for HMUN Dubai, a director at HNMUN Boston, a director at HMUN Canada, and was deputy USG of the General Assembly at HMUN Boston this year.

Outside of Model UN, Margaret is president of Harvard Undergraduates for Bipartisan Solutions, volunteers with the Philip’s Brooks House and is part of the leadership for Harvard Running Club. She has also done a variety of work in Massachusetts State Politics, including campaign organising and legislative research. In her free time, Margaret enjoys running, swimming, skiing, biking, hiking and generally any excuse to spend time outdoors.

Looking for the brains behind this year’s committees? You have Kaitlin Cascio to thank!

Kaitlin is a rising junior at Harvard College studying Social Studies and Psychology, originally from Alexandria, Virginia (just outside of Washington, D.C.). Kaitlin’s Model UN journey bagan with joining Harvard’s Intercollegiate Model UN team her freshman year. After that, Kaitlin became extensively involved in Model UN on and off Harvard’s campus — from her role as Under-Secretary-General of ECOSOC for HMUN Boston 2026, to Directing at HNMUN Boston and HNMUN-LA 2026, to serving as Under-Secretary-General of Committees for the inaugural iteration of HMUN Canada this year! However, she is by far the most excited to serve as your Under-Secretary-General of Committees for HMUN India 2026!

Outside of Model UN, Kaitlin gives historical tours on campus, writes for the Crimson Arts Board, and offers legal information as part of the Small Claims Court Advisory Service.

Keeping everything in track behind the scenes, let’s introduce you to Pranathi Ganti, USG for Administration!

Pranathi Ganti is a sophomore at Harvard College studying Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy and a citation in Spanish. She first joined the Model UN team her freshman year of college and immediately found myself surrounded by some of the most fun, vibrant people on campus. She has served as both a Director and Crisis Director at HMUN and HNMUN 2026. In her free time, you can definitely catch her doom-scrolling without end, reading thrillers that may give her nightmares, and making horrible yet endlessly funny dad jokes!

Introducing the Director-General for the Jaipur Chapter, Rahul Yates!

Rahul is a rising senior at Harvard College studying Government, South Asian Studies, and Economics. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. At Harvard, Rahul has become involved with the Model UN in a variety of ways. He has directed committees at HMUN and HNMUN 2025 and 2026, served as Under-Secretary-General of Business at HMUN 2026, and was previously Under-Secretary-General of Host Affairs at HMUN India 2025!

Outside of Model UN, Rahul has been involved with various pre-professional and South Asian affinity groups on campus. In his free time, he loves running, listening to Bollywood music, and watching Bollywood movies.