By CLAUDIA LORENZANA
Overcoming the obstacles of converting from Hinduism to Christianity was the topic of Wednesday's symposium sponsored by the Multicultural Student Services Office.
Minu Gupta, a BYU graduate student and feature speaker at the symposium, shared her experiences leaving her Hindu background and coming to BYU.
'Since the 9th grade, it was my dream to come to the United States,' Gupta said.
Gupta's Hindu mother and Greek-Orthodox father said the only way they would allow Gupta to come to the United States was if she went to BYU, which her parents knew had a strict honor code.
The first few weeks at BYU, Gupta had no idea the university was affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After being told by her peers, Gupta began learning about the LDS Church and was soon meeting with the missionaries.
Gupta said she felt pressured to join the LDS Church at first.
'I could not see myself as a Mormon,' Gupta said.
Several years passed by before she was willing to meet with the missionaries again.
After going to the LDS Church with her friends, Gupta said she realized she got a peaceful feeling whenever she was there. She immediately called the missionaries, heard all six discussions in one day, and was later baptized in November 1996.
'I was so ready to join the church, I didn't hesitate at all,' Gupta said.
Gupta said becoming a member of the LDS Church has had a positive effect on her life. However, there have been many obstacles she has had to face.
Because of the strong beliefs of her mother and father, Gupta is now waiting for the right moment to tell her family she has joined the LDS Church.
'I couldn't go home this year because I was scared of my parents,' Gupta said.
Gupta hopes sharing her experiences will help new international students coming to BYU.
'I know I can make a difference in their lives,' Gupta said.
Gupta made several suggestions on how BYU students can help international students adapt the differences in culture and religion.
Gupta said students should sit down and listen to the international students talk about their culture. She also said to not push religion on the new students, and remember to be patient and considerate.
The symposium was part of East Indian Awareness month. For more information on other activities this month, contact the Multicultural Student Services Office.