Aakrist is an artist and a recent Commerce and Design graduate from Carleton University in Ottawa, ON. Born in Kathmandu, his immigration to Canada at the age of seven created a drastic shift in his environment. Although he was immersed in Western values in the external world, Eastern practices such as Yoga and meditation were still proximate to him at home–his spiritual journey began when his father gave him The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka. Aakrist has now engaged in a personal practice involving movement, meditation, and autodidactic learning for over 4 years.

Through his practice, he discovered the Yoga Club at Carleton University where he became an Executive Member, organizing and guiding weekly Yoga sessions. It was there that he met his Acharyas Dada Paramatmananda and Dada Dayashilananda, leading to further involvement with the Ananda Marga School of Yoga. Aakrist’s search for self and meaning has also taken form through his artwork, which relies upon the repurposing and reconstruction of recycled fabric. In addition to fashion, he is a photographer and podcaster. His work can be found at https://www.seamreaper.space/. His creative skills and spiritual work are combined in his input to the Yoga Ecology Festival