About the name "onprema"
The alias onprema is a play on words. On-prem is short for on-premises, which is technical lingo used to describe software that is installed and run on a local server or device rather than in the cloud. Prema is a sanskrit word that can be translated as "love of god".
I chose this name because it is kind of punny and a nice blend of two things I care about: technology and god (specifically, pure love of god as described in the bhakti yoga scriptures).
When I was a kid, my grandma took me to a Catholic church. I didn't really know what was going on in there, but I'm grateful for it giving me some kind of connection to god. Both of my grandmas were devoted to god, and instilled in me what I think is a good moral compass and a solid foundation for my spiritual journey.
In my late teens and twenties I considered myself an atheist. I saw Catholic priests being arrested for terrible things, and I lost faith in religions and god. Although now, looking back, I realize that my so called atheism was just a phase, and that seed of faith was planted in me by my grandmas.
Later on, I came across yoga and started practicing it: getting healthier physically and getting exposure to eastern philosophy and spirituality. I practiced Ashtanga yoga for a number of years, and eventually found Bhakti yoga and Krishna consciousness. I fell in love with the books of Srila Prabhupada. Finally, something that provided answers to my deep questions about life and the universe.
The word "prema" is sometimes mentioned in these texts. Although 99.9% of the time I am wrapped up in material things, moving along in the world without much presence or rememberance of god, I try. I try to remember. I try to give love. I try to pray. It's a practice. My goal is prema. Prema in my heart, my actions, my words, and my thoughts.