Meet the team

Manas, originally from Kolkata, India, is an Assistant Professor at Universidade Lusófona and an Integrated Researcher at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, Portugal. His scientific career in Europe began at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany, in 2008. Since 2011, he has made Lisbon his new home. He is enthusiastic about developing scientific and cultural relationships. He is also passionate about learning new things, sharing knowledge, and creating memorable moments together. His commitment to education and research is matched by his love for engaging with the community, inspiring others to pursue their curiosities and aspirations.

Born in Kolkata and raised in Lucknow, Sumita carries the spirit of joie de vivre inculcated through her varied lived experiences in India. As a Professor and researcher in the field of management and behavioral sciences, she is passionate about promoting learning and inclusive communities. Sumita has found a second home in Portugal where she loves the people, food and simply, the way of being.  

Born in Porto, where she completed her nursing studies at the Catholic University.

She is currently a nurse specializing in     mental health. 

Mother of 3, passionate about animals, music, nature and science.

Nijka spent most of her life in India, with     brief stints in Bermuda and Spain, she now calls Portugal her home. Despite all the moving, Nijka loves retro

Bollywood music and conversing in Hindi. 

She is a passionate hobbyist, an avid reader and enjoys cooking and sewing. Be sure to talk to her about your newest book or craft project!

Soumya Kanti Das was born and raised in India, and he moved to Portugal in 2022. A graduate in Computer Science from IIEST, Shibpur, he currently works as a Solution Architect in a renowned pharmaceutical organization. 

Soumya has a passion for photography and a keen interest in finance, blending artistic and analytical perspectives in his pursuits. 

He loves to travel and organize events, always seeking new experiences and connections. Soumya shares his life with his wife, Shreya, and their beloved daughter Mahira. 

Elisabete is Portuguese, born in Germany. She is currently a Coordinating Professor at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa (ISEL) and an Integrated Researcher at the Centro de Química Estrutural. Passionate about traveling and always up for a good challenge, Elisabete loves meeting new people and exploring their habits and cultures. She feels immensely grateful for the good things in life, such as love and friendship, and deeply values humility and honesty. In every journey and encounter, she finds inspiration and appreciates the small wonders of the world around her.

Vera was born in Lisbon, but her heart is in Alentejo, where she goes whenever she can. Graduated in European Studies and Naturopathy, she managed to combine two distinct professions that make her happy - hotel management and natural medicine (clinical practice and teaching). Reading and classical music are the artistic expressions that invigorate her soul. She considers herself very fortunate to feel that throughout her life she has come across truly extraordinary and inspiring people. Love and gratitude are her favorite words.

Having lived in Nigeria, India and the US, Divya found her home in sunny Portugal along with her husband and son. A Talent Acquisition Professional, she is very passionate about Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the workplace and is actively working towards these initiatives.

Originally from Kerala, Divya spent a greater part of her life in Kolkata. Having had the opportunity to travel widely and live in different continents, she loves to imbibe the local food, culture and community living, wherever she goes. In Portugal, she loves the picturesque beaches and the delectable seafood. Watching Netflix series, reading and tennis are also some of her favorites.

Keerthana moved abroad in 2017 to study Master’s , and later moved to Portugal in 2020, which she now calls home. She works as a Senior Data Engineer and is a passionate data enthusiast. During her bachelor's, she served as University Student Council President and Student Welfare Member, organizing and leading large groups and events. Keerthana loves dancing, traveling, fitness, and socializing to experience different cultures. She enjoys the weather, culture, and food in Portugal. Whether exploring new destinations or embracing local life, Keerthana thrives in her adopted home. 

Born in Delhi, India Archana has lived in six countries, eight cities and has moved ten homes since she got married 26 years ago. After relocating to Portugal in 2019 she and her husband are proud to call this beautiful country their 2nd home. With a professional background in interior design, she merged her passion for cooking into entrepreneurship. She’s a tea lover, a doll collector & is fond of walking, traveling, reading books, loves to plan holidays & watching Bollywood movies.

An  accomplished SAP S/4 Hana Consultant based in Portugal.

 Beyond his professional endeavors, Pawan is an avid table tennis player. His love for the sport is matched by his competitive spirit .  In addition to his athletic pursuits, Pawan is a voracious reader with a particular fondness for motivational and inspirational books.  

Arpita, born into a Bengali family and raised in Delhi, has traveled extensively, living in Peru, Singapore, and Indonesia before recently settling in Portugal. With a sound academic background in public relations and a master’s degree in Hindi, she has been actively involved with South Asian communities wherever she has lived. Additionally, her six years of dedicated service in hospice care have significantly improved her patient care skills and enriched her experiences. Arpita's passion for diverse cultures, cuisines, and people shines through in her travels and her love for literature.