Finding the Winning Rhythm of Life Through Purpose, Courage, and Faith

Around ten years ago, my wife, Sukriti, introduced me to Nichiren Buddhism.

I agreed to chant—but only on one condition.

I made it very clear that I would never attend any meetings.

As a professional musician and creative artist, I believed my life was already going well. I didn't think I needed any spiritual practice to transform myself. Looking back, those first four years were largely shaped by ego, skepticism, and disbelief.

Yet, something remarkable happened.

My leaders never gave up on me.

They continued reaching out with warmth and patience, never forcing me but always encouraging me. Eventually, I attended my very first gathering—not because I wanted to study Buddhism, but because it involved rehearsing songs for a discussion meeting.

That single step quietly changed the direction of my life.

Soon I created another condition.

I told myself that I would only attend discussion meetings—not Gosho study meetings.

But one day I unexpectedly found myself attending a Gosho study session.

Then came yet another condition.

I decided I would read only the thinner books.

Gradually, however, the books became thicker, my study became deeper, and my understanding of life expanded.

For the first time, I began to understand what it truly means to live not only for oneself but also for the happiness of others.

Ikeda Sensei's vision of creating a peaceful and compassionate world touched my heart deeply. I realized that my life had a much greater purpose than personal success alone.

Before long, I was not only studying Buddhism but also conducting Gosho study meetings myself.

The reluctant participant had become an enthusiastic practitioner.

I embraced every opportunity to contribute.

I accepted responsibilities as a Block Chief, District Chief, Chapter Chief, and later as Young Phoenix Zone Chief. I also contributed through my professional skills by designing sound for BSG films and recording voiceovers for national meetings. Together with fellow leaders, I explored creative ways of making discussion meetings engaging and inspiring, while striving to become a genuine friend to every youth member.

As my inner life expanded, my professional life also began changing.

I found the courage to resign from a comfortable and prestigious position as National Creative Head at a leading radio station to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a full-time music composer.

It was one of the biggest decisions of my life.

I also established my own music studio, moved into a home dedicated to supporting kosen-rufu activities, became a father, and even rekindled several friendships that had faded over time.

The transition into the music industry, however, was far from easy.

I faced uncertainty, rejection, disrespect, comparison with others, and many moments of self-doubt.

Instead of allowing these experiences to discourage me, I prayed sincerely and poured my heart into every composition I created.

Gradually, my work began receiving tremendous appreciation.

Several of my songs became chart-topping hits, and I was honored with prestigious awards including the Mirchi Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, GIMA Awards, BIG Star Entertainment Awards, and IIFA Awards.

Just when life seemed to be moving beautifully forward, another major challenge appeared.

In 2018, my mother was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer.

The diagnosis shook our entire family.

I immediately resolved that I would fight this challenge with everything I had.

We brought my mother from Chandigarh to Mumbai for treatment. During this period, I chanted three hours every day while continuing to perform at least one home visit daily. Rather than withdrawing because of personal difficulties, I decided to strengthen my life by encouraging others.

My mother herself also began chanting and attending meetings. She even appeared for and successfully cleared the BSG Introductory Examination.

After months of treatment, she was declared cancer-free in March 2019.

Around the same period, I received another unforgettable opportunity.

I was invited to compose the BSG song I Am That One Disciple and was also selected as one of the artists who participated during the historic inauguration of the Ikeda Auditorium at Soka Bodhi Tree Garden.

It was an experience that deepened my gratitude toward my mentor and my practice.

Then, in early 2020, another unexpected blow arrived.

My mother's cancer had returned.

This time, the treatment required was significantly more expensive, and traditional chemotherapy was no longer an option. At almost the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected my professional work and financial stability.

Everything seemed uncertain.

Yet, instead of surrendering to fear, I sought guidance from my senior leaders and made a fresh determination.

When the March 16 Campaign was announced, I felt as though it had been created specifically for me. I resolved to transform my own life by wholeheartedly supporting my district.

Even while accompanying my mother for chemotherapy sessions, I attended Zoom meetings from the hospital, encouraged members, held dialogues with friends, and introduced several people to Buddhism.

Amidst these personal struggles came yet another challenge.

I was invited to be part of the team composing a new BSG song for the May 3 General Meeting.

The entire country was under lockdown.

Recording studios were closed.

Musicians could not meet.

Professional equipment was unavailable.

At first glance, the project seemed impossible.

But united by a shared determination and countless prayers, our team completed the composition, recording, and music video entirely remotely in just five days.

The song, Invincible Forever , became a powerful source of encouragement for members across the country during one of the most difficult periods of the pandemic.

Our district's May 3 General Meeting achieved unprecedented attendance, with many new friends joining as well.

Meanwhile, my mother's chemotherapy concluded successfully, and the final medical reports showed remarkably positive results. Even her doctors were amazed by the strength and optimism with which she had undergone such intensive treatment.

During the lockdown, I also fulfilled another dream by launching my own digital music channel, where I could finally sing and release my own original music. My first release, a song filled with hope and prayer, received tremendous love from listeners.

Then came one of the most emotional moments of my life.

I learned that Ikeda Sensei had personally watched Invincible Forever and was deeply moved by it, joyfully clapping throughout the performance.

Hearing this brought tears to my eyes.

In that single moment, every doubt I had ever carried disappeared completely.

I knew I was walking the right path—the path of a disciple dedicated to using his abilities for the happiness of others.

Looking back today, I realize that my greatest victory has not been the awards, the recognition, or even the professional milestones I achieved.

It has been discovering that the true purpose of talent is to inspire hope, encourage people, and contribute toward creating a happier world.

With profound gratitude, I determine to continue creating music that uplifts people's lives, contribute wholeheartedly to kosen-rufu, support every member entrusted to my care, and continue walking the path of mentor and disciple with unwavering faith, joy, and courage.