By Ruth Yong Wang Theen
Growing up in a traditional Hindu family, religion was tied closely to culture and identity for Divyesh Subramaniam.
Yet, he struggled to meaningfully connect with it. He performed rituals mainly out of respect for his parents, believing that doing so “kept the peace” at home, but the practices held little meaning for him. Instead, he was drawn to popular secular male figures and the promise of a successful, self-directed life.
When he entered university, Divyesh expected that hard work, politeness, and intelligence would lead him to success, a good job, a comfortable lifestyle, and the freedom to enjoy life on his own terms.
The reality of academic life, however, quickly challenged this assumption. Group work was messy, friendships were complicated, and university life was far less predictable than he had imagined. “I tried to sow kindness and cooperation,” he said, “but I reaped disappointment.” Achievements that had once excited him began to feel empty.
As pressure increased, Divyesh withdrew into himself. He spent long hours in his room, numbing his frustration with video games, YouTube, and pornography.
Self-help voices like Jordan Peterson once gave him advice he respected, but none offered a solution to the deeper dissatisfaction and anger he felt. Beneath the surface, he recognised desires and struggles that troubled him. It was in this restless season that his friends began urging him to consider God.
The gospel that confronted him
Out of curiosity, Divyesh started reading the Bible and was struck by Jesus’ command to “love your enemies.”
It felt unreasonable, especially to someone who had been hurt and disappointed in the past. Still, the idea lingered. When a coursemate invited him to a Christian talk by Shaun, a staff worker from Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), Divyesh agreed to go.
That talk changed everything. Shaun spoke not simply about moral failure but about sin as a condition of the heart, the human tendency to choose self over God. He explained that sin was not just breaking rules but rejecting the God who made us. “Given a choice,” Shaun continued, “you wouldn’t love the God who created you; you would love yourself.”
The message offended Divyesh. He had always considered himself a kind and moral person. The idea that he deserved judgement felt excessive. Yet something about the sermon stayed with him, and he began thinking deeply about what he had heard.
As he wrestled with the message, the young man recognised a hard truth: his so-called goodness was rooted in self-interest. He wanted control over his life. He wanted to determine his own path. The confidence he had built his identity on was rooted in pride.
In the middle of this realisation, God opened his eyes to the hope of Christ. For the first time, the death and resurrection of Jesus became personally relevant to him. He saw that life was not a random series of events but held together by a purposeful Creator. “Even being born into a Hindu family or studying in Nottingham wasn’t an accident,” he said. “Everything was made to glorify Jesus.” He surrendered his life to Christ, repenting and choosing to follow Him.
A new life and new challenges
As he grew in faith, Divyesh became active in his Christian Fellowship, learning to read the Bible faithfully and sharing the gospel with others. He eventually began serving as the Evangelism Coordinator for Nottingham SOLIDD.
But embracing Christianity came with a cost.
When his parents discovered his conversion, they saw it as betrayal, not only of their religion but their family identity. Their reactions were explosive, harsh and deeply painful. His father, especially, refused to acknowledge that he was no longer the ruling authority in his son’s life.
They forbade him from attending church, restricted his involvement with Christian friends, and reacted angrily whenever Christianity was mentioned at home. Even reading the Bible quietly became difficult.
Amid the tension, Divyesh admits he too responded poorly at times, especially as a young believer still learning humility.
But older Christians in his local church walked with him, helping him understand that honouring Christ included honouring his parents. Before, he had obeyed them only when it suited him. Now, he wanted to love them sincerely. Small gestures such as making tea, giving his father shoulder massages, initiating conversation, and showing care slowly rebuilt trust.
Over time, his parents began to see his genuine affection. This year, they allowed him to attend church and Bible studies again, though tensions still flare occasionally.
Our comfort is in Christ
Through it all, Divyesh has learned that suffering for Christ is not a setback but a privilege.
“As time goes by, I’m increasingly encouraged that my Christianity doesn’t determine the efficacy of God’s Word: rather, it’s God’s Word that rules my Christianity and everything else,” he reflected.
“Whatever I’m enduring at home is worth it,” he continued. “If I care about God’s glory, I want others like the old me, lost and estranged from God’s kingdom, to hear His Word. Praise God that He opened my eyes so I can stay loyal to Jesus.”
He continues to serve faithfully and hopes that one day he may discern a pastoral calling.
For now, Divyesh rests in the grace that changed his life.
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17)
