Where are you from?
I was born in New Delhi, India in a hindu family. I’m the elder of two siblings. I moved to Canada with my immediate family in 2007 and have lived in Mississauga since then. In 2013, after years of searching a purpose for my life, I decided to give my life to Christ. I was baptized in 2014 and was eventually received in the Catholic Church in March of 2016.
When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
Most young people in India dream of becoming engineers, doctors or lawyers and I had similar ambitions. I loved mathematics and wanted to be an engineer when I grew up, just like my uncle. Some other job options a young me would have considered were: a psychologist, a math teacher, or even a famous cricket batsman.
What was your background before you joined the Companions of the Cross?
After I moved to Canada I continued my studies in Engineering. I did Geomatics Engineering and Masters in Earth and Space Science at York University. While I was studying Engineering I realized pretty soon that fulfilling my ambitions would not satisfy me. It was during that time that I started asking myself deeper questions about life.
What are your special interests?
I love watching professional wrestling (I have loved it since I was a child) and other combat sports. I have an interest in foreign films. I also love reading. Two of my favourite genres of books are Catholic fiction and philosophy.
Who, or what, inspires you?
I am inspired and encouraged daily by Mother Mary and the Saints, especially St. Therese, St Francis of Assissi, St. John Vianney and the Prophet Daniel, to live a life of love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
What led you to join the Companions of the Cross? Could you briefly explain your vocations story?
Ever since I became a Christian I had a strong desire to spread the Gospel. I desired to be a missionary or a minister/pastor (since I was a Protestant at the time). I didn’t think that I would be satisfied working in the field I was studying for (although engineering or a teaching are noble professions). When I decided to become Catholic, I realized that priesthood was an option. I had met two of the Companions of the Cross priests at the York University Chaplaincy and was inspired by their relationship with the Lord. I also appreciated their zeal for evangelism and desire for salvation of souls. I grew to appreciate their openness to the workings of the Holy Spirit. I received some strong affirmations for choosing this path while praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and praying to our Blessed Mother. Soon after I was confirmed I started talking to the vocations director who said that I’d have too wait a couple of years.
“God’s timing is perfect. Two years later, here I am.”
