“Born and raised in Chennai, my real connection to the ocean comes from Amalinagar, a coastal village in Tuticorin where my grandparents are from. I spent most of my childhood holidays there, surrounded by a fishing community, playing in the waves, and body surfing with ice box tops and wooden planks. Yet, growing up, I wasn’t a professional swimmer. My focus was on sports like basketball and football, which I played throughout school and college.

My journey with water truly began when a friend introduced me to swim teaching in 2016. That one opportunity changed everything. As I spent more time in the water, my connection deepened. What started in a pool soon led me to open waters—surfing, stand-up paddling, and eventually, freediving. Unlike other disciplines, freediving never felt like a sport I had to learn; it was something I had always known. It was instinctive, a natural extension of my bond with the ocean. Post-pandemic, I attended a freedivers’ camp in Chennai hosted by FCOA, further strengthening my relationship with the water.

Roland Aqua Ventures & Expeditions (RAVE) was born out of a desire to share this connection with others. For me, it’s about giving back—helping kids and adults experience the joy of being in the water, just as I did. Outdoor sports in India are not always accessible to everyone, and I was fortunate to have met the right people who guided and supported me along my journey. Through RAVE, I want to create that same opportunity for others. The challenge isn’t starting the initiative; it’s getting people to see and experience it for themselves.

My goal with RAVE is to build a community where people can connect with nature through sports and wilderness. Whether it’s surfing, kayaking, freediving, or simply being in the water, I want more people to experience what I have—the deep sense of belonging that comes from being one with the ocean.”