Last name, first name: Ponnappadas Santhini, Paramesh
Nationality: Indian
City, country: Hamburg, Germany
Degree programme/degree: Masters degree in Information and Communication Systems
Year of graduation: 2017
Employer: Lufthansa Systems
Position: Senior Business Analyst/Agility Master
Real growth often hides inside failure and subsequent new beginning
Mr. Santhini, what inspired you to pursue this field of study at TU Hamburg?
Honestly, it began with a lots of curiosity. I didn’t grow up around engineers, so this path wasn’t predetermined. I have always been fascinated by how technology can be used to solve tangible, real-world problems. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India, I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in the Information and Communication Systems program at TUHH, as it closely aligned with my academic interests and long-term goals. I was eager to deepen my understanding of how complex systems are designed, optimized, and secured. Moreover, TUHH’s strong emphasis on combining theoretical foundations with practical application stood out to me. The opportunity to work on real research challenges and industry-oriented projects made the program especially appealing.I was seeking a university that balances rigorous technical education with a strong sense of real-world responsibility — and TUHH provided precisely that environment.
How would you describe TU Hamburg in three words?
Challenging. Empowering. Impact driven.
Was there a particularly unforgettable experience during your time at TU Hamburg?
At TUHH, I learned not only how to succeed, but also how to fail and begin again. Some projects did not go as planned. I had to confront my own misunderstandings and rebuild from scratch. I still remember long nights in the study rooms, exhausted and frustrated. But those moments shaped me more than any success that came easy. It taught me resilience and showed me that real growth often hides inside failure. The true cherry on top of my master’s journey was being awarded the DAAD Award. It meant more than recognition of achievement. It felt like acknowledgement of every late night, every doubt, every restart.
What did you do after completing your studies, and what are you doing professionally today?
After graduating, I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I began my career as a Business Analyst, working on digital trade finance solutions. While the role strengthened my analytical and technical skills, I gradually realized that I wanted my work to align more closely with my personal interests and create a broader impact. This realization led me to join Lufthansa Systems. My team and I are responsible for functional data interfaces and air - ground communication topics, ensuring seamless information exchange that supports safe, efficient, and more sustainable flight operations for the product – LIDO. My responsibilities include managing customer onboarding workshops/product training sessions, performing business analysis to gather and translate airline standards and customer expectations into clear product requirements.
What innovations or developments have you driven forward in your company? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I volunteered to take on the additional role of Agility Master for my team to strengthen collaboration and improve the quality of deliverables. In this role, I promote continuous improvement, helping the team stay aligned and adaptable.
What I enjoy most about my work is collaborating with a highly professional, empathetic team and international team. Working with people who are skilled, supportive, and committed to excellence makes the experience both rewarding and meaningful.
You graduated from TU Hamburg nine years ago. What advantages do you see in being part of the TU Hamburg alumni network?
Being part of the TUHH alumni network reconnects me with the place where both my professional and personal journey began. Through the network, I have had the opportunity to participate in various social events, where I am grateful to reconnect with mentors from my student days. These gatherings have also allowed me to meet students following a similar path, giving me the chance to guide and support those who seek direction for their future. It is truly emotional and inspiring to see my friends and colleagues grow into successful researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders around the world.
If you could ask an omniscient researcher from the future one question, what would it be?
I would ask: Which breakthrough will have the most significant positive impact on humanity, and what actions should we begin taking today to accelerate its development?
If you were President of TU Hamburg …
I would put more focus on empowering students to take society impactful initiatives. I would introduce programs that provide mentorship, resources, and safe spaces to experiment - whether in research, entrepreneurship, or community projects. The goal would be to remove structural barriers and give students the confidence to try, fail, and learn.
