For Charan Pitla, choosing to study at Fleming College wasn’t just about school. It was about starting a new chapter in life.  

After finishing his degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Sastra University, he was all set to move abroad in 2015. But life had other plans. Family responsibilities came first, and his dream had to wait.  He worked with multiple companies, advancing into a Senior Account Manager role and consistently performing among the top in his field. Throughout this period of growth and success, he continued to keep his aspiration to see the world in mind. 

“After a while, I realized I wanted to grow in a different way,” he says. “I wanted international exposure, to understand how things worked in other parts of the world, and to challenge myself.” 

That decision changed everything. 

Through an online conversation with a Fleming College alum, Charan learned about the school’s programs and its focus on community. He believed it was destiny guiding him there. In 2022, as part of the first in-person intake after COVID-19, he finally made the move to Canada and landed, coincidentally, on his birthday. 

The early days were far from easy. Back home, everything had always been organized and familiar. In Canada, he had to start from scratch, finding a place to live and a job to stay afloat. He worked as a cook at Castle John’s Pub & Restaurant while adjusting to a new country, new weather, and new ways of doing things. 

Leadership, though, was already part of who he was. During his undergrad, Charan spent five years as a class representative and later became Joint Secretary for the Student Association of Electronics and Communications Engineering. He also received the Student Ambassador Award, recognizing his commitment to helping his peers. Those experiences taught him the importance of speaking up for others, which is something he carried forward to Fleming. 

Once he arrived at Fleming, he got involved right away. He started as a volunteer with International Student Services and eventually served as an International Student Ambassador. In that role, he made it his mission to help new students settle in, whether that meant advice on housing, academics, or simply how to feel at home in a new country. 

In 2024, Charan received the Fleming SAC President’s Award for his dedication and leadership. Just a month later, students elected him President of the Fleming Student Administrative Council. Now in the second year of his two-year term, he continues to focus on creating a campus where every student feels supported, connected, and heard. 

His work hasn’t stopped there. Charan is also the Vice President of the College Student Alliance (CSA), representing college students across Ontario. Before that, he served on the CSA Board of Directors, where his peers quickly saw his passion for advocacy and collaboration. 

In September 2025, his efforts were recognized by the City of Peterborough with the Cultural Betterment Award. “I’ve always believed in good karma,” Charan says. “When you do good and help others, it comes back to you in ways you don’t expect.”  

Charan credits the students as his biggest source of support. Many have sent him emails expressing their gratitude for his help and guidance, both during their time at Fleming and after graduation. He also appreciates the mentorship and guidance he received from faculty and managers, including his predecessor Jacques Graveline and Fleming SAC GM Joel Willett, who helped him grow from a student into a professional.  

Looking back, he’s most proud of the relationships he’s built and the impact he’s made along the way. 

“I always tell students: you came here with a purpose. Stay focused, stay optimistic, and never doubt your ability to make a difference.” 

Charan hopes to continue working in education and student support in the future. His journey shows that leadership is about people, perseverance, and community. For Charan, it’s always been for the students.