May It Be So

Life moves fast. May It Be So is a moment to pause and reflect. We talk all about exploring Hinduism, making meaning, and living spirituality out loud in a fun and reflective conversational beat. Whether you’re interested in spirituality or just curious and have an open mind and open heart, there’s something for you here. May It Be So is hosted by Dr. Vineet Chander and produced by Twyla Colburn, with special thanks to the folks at the Princeton University Broadcast Center. Our theme music is sourced from Gaura Vani's song "Stop and Talk." Cover art and graphics are designed by Laura Grey.

011 - Is Yoga an Aesthetic?

For National Podcast Day, here's an episode recorded last semester with Princeton's very own yoga instructor Angela Quinn! We talk names, lifelong religious journeys, and what yoga is all about when we look beyond aesthetics.

10-03
38:09

010 - Gita Study: Come for the Free Indian Food, Stay for the Connection to Self

Welcome to Season 2 of May It Be So! In our first episode back on campus for the 2025-2026 school year, we chat with Sanjana Venkatesh '26 about choosing Princeton, her journey with Hindu ritual and embracing faith on her own terms, and (bonus) the funny story behind how she came to join Vineet's Gita study group at Princeton.

09-12
36:04

009 - He Took a Gap Year to Build a Temple. Then He Brought His Faith to Campus.

This week, we chat with Vasant Patel '26 about his BAPS faith, proudly wearing tilak-chandlo at Princeton, and his incredible gap year volunteering to build the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey.

06-02
01:09:50

008 - From Michigan to the Kumbh Mela: Priya's Journey to Hindu Chaplaincy

This week, we chat with Duke University's Hindu chaplain Priya Amaresh about her journey to chaplaincy, from growing up in Michigan to her spiritual and personal discoveries while exploring everything from childcare to yoga to Hindu pilgrimage. 

05-26
01:01:27

007 - Anuj Was One of Canada’s Youngest Politicians. He Was Just Getting Started.

This week, we chat with Anuj Krishnan '27 about Hindu pilgrimage, his life between Canada, India, Italy, Princeton, and beyond, and what it was like being one of the youngest elected officials in Canada.

05-16
51:39

006 - Hollywood, Spirituality, and Life in America: Kajal's Story (PART 2)

This week, we chat again with Kajal Schiller on her life in America post-adoption. We cover everything from navigating life around many religions to her mom's Hollywood glamor phase to standing up for herself in the face of discrimination. 

05-09
01:05:11

005 - From India's Streets to Princeton University: Kajal's Story (PART 1)

This week, we hear one of the most remarkable stories around. Kajal's journey from being a street kid in India to Princeton will keep you on the edge of your seat. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we dive into everything from Kajal's mom's star-studded dating life to Kajal's spiritual journey and life in America.

05-02
01:04:11

004 - Ever Build a Toy Empire to Celebrate Your Hindu Heritage? Avani Did.

Meet Avani Modi Sarkar, co-founder and genius behind Modi Toys, a company creating timeless toys that celebrate and teach kids about Hinduism. We chat about social media, spirituality, dharma in business, and what it's like to be BFFs... with the richest woman in Asia.You can check out Modi Toys on social media @moditoys You can also find their website at moditoys.com

04-25
01:04:12

003 - Thought, Solitude, Hyper-Awareness: Isha's First Vipassana Retreat

In this episode, Vineet chats with Princeton senior Isha Patel about digital detoxing, deep diving into solitude, and we ask: is vipassana meditation a cult?

04-18
58:32

002 - Living Intentionality: Advantaging the World Amid Struggle and Grief

In this episode, Dr. Chander chats with Sastha Tripathi, a first-year student at Princeton, about intentionality, self-care as a first-generation low-income student, and finding peace and meaning in the midst of grief.

04-18
41:00

001 - Finding Hanuman: Justin's Unexpected Journey with Hinduism

In this episode, Dr. Chander chats with Justin Shields, Princeton '25, about Justin's lived experience as an Indo-Caribbean Hindu, inter-generational trauma and the power of names,  and how he found and was found by Hanuman.

04-18
50:35

[BONUS] The Story of "May It Be So"

In this special episode, we give you a glimpse into the story behind "May It Be So." I take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought us here and the intention behind this project. It's all about taking the leap, making ourselves vulnerable, and not letting perfectionism paralyze us. Maybe you can relate?

04-11
31:06

INTRODUCING "May It Be So" with Dr. Vineet Chander

Everything you need to know about your new favorite Hindu Life Podcast (including a peek behind the name "May It Be So").  

04-10
02:05

[TEASER] "May It Be So" with Dr. Vineet Chander

Get ready for your new favorite podcast. It's gonna be fun, thoughtful, captivating, and you'll always leave with something new to think on or laugh about to tide you over until the next episode.

04-09
01:59

Recommend Channels