Identity and Design

Montreal born, Toronto raised.

Growing up as the child of Ugandan-Indian refugees often made me feel like I was on the margins, especially in Montreal, where I always felt like an “other.” Moving to Toronto helped, but it didn't erase that feeling. For a long time, I was embarrassed by my Indian heritage, uncertain of how it fit into the Canadian identity I was trying to build.

Over the years, I've grown more comfortable in my skin and learned to embrace my roots. Seeing my friend Rahul Bhogal's recent work for Canada Post, created with the illustration duo Humble Raja, was one of those moments. Their work is bold and layered with meaning — it celebrates the strength and elegance of Indian heritage within a Canadian context, a combination that's not just unique, but something to be deeply proud of.

At RGD DesignThinkers this year, Rahul gave me a piece of the work. It's framed in my home office now. It's more than design — it's a reminder that being both Canadian and Indian isn't a contradiction. Those identities coexist, and they can shine together.

Thank you, Nothing Design Studio and Humble Raja, for helping me see that.