I have had the absolute honour and pleasure to come to know Deepak as my good friend over the last 3 years. Deepak has been such an encouragement to me. Praying with me and pushing me to fix my eyes on Jesus and be better and better, as I walk with Christ Jesus and serve Him.

Deepak has faithfully and selflessly led, supported and challenged all of us at City Gateway. He has been full of insight and joy in the good times and full of peace and calm wisdom in the tough times. In both circumstances always with a cheeky chuckle and a laugh. We are in a strong position to continue our mission to serve the poor in Jesus’ name, because of Deepak’s leadership. His legacy at City Gateway is a house built on rock, which others will continue to build and serve in, in Jesus name, for years to come.

As for me, Deepak’s godly friendship as a man with a global perspective and a loving heart for the poor and disadvantaged, as a faithful encourager and mentor, as a humble man who just gets on and does the stuff (with endless enthusiasm and capacity), always with joy and energy in his heart and on his sleeve, will stay with me and spur me on as I seek to press on and follow Jesus all my days. I am so blessed to call him my friend.

- David Wesson

We remember well the first time we met Deepak, so many years ago. Our first impression was a man of great purpose, determination and real faith. Those first impressions have only grown over the many years of our friendship and fellowship.

We cannot say how sad we are or how privileged and enriched our lives have been to have known Deepak in his vision for the gospel. He leaves behind a legacy in the Kingdom and Church of God and the lives of hundreds, maybe thousands, of people, including us.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 exactly describes Deepak. He “fought the fight and kept the faith” and now he has “finished the race” and the Lord has “awarded him the crown”.

- Robert & Sandra Mason

The very first time I met Deepak was in Geneva, when he struck me as a cheerful and lively person involved in negotiating purchases for Inlaks from around the world - doing it all with efficiency, humour, and verve, and with his feet very much on the ground.

We kept in touch a little, but got to know each other more when your family moved to England. Most of our contact at that time was in the context of his ministry to South Asians, in particular through Sindhi Journeys of Faith, and Gujarati Journeys of Faith, to which Deepak brought his excellent organisational skills and experience.

Deepak was also a consummate networker - and I know that neither of these projects, nor others, would have been as good as they are (and perhaps not even have seen the light of day) without Deepak’s guidance, mentorship and support.

Professionally, Deepak’s work as a Consultant in the fields of Equality, Diversity and Cross-Cultural/Multinational Business also brought us closer, and I was amazed at how successful a career he built.

But what touched me most was his heart as a brother in the Lord, when after Philippa’s Homecall he made time and invested the money to visit me and pray with me on each of his expeditions for work in Cambridge – even when he was tired after work, before heading home. Those visits were a huge source of comfort and encouragement to me.

Deepak’s humility, modesty, systematic hard work, energy, humour, and the incredible reach of his interests and ministry will always remain with me and be of inspiration to me.

His Homecall is a great loss to us on earth, and I miss him.

- Prabhu Guptara

I was so very sad to learn of Deepak’s passing. Whilst I know that he is with the Lord I will miss his presence and grieve the loss of a dear and trusted Christian brother.

We first met when Deepak joined Tearfund’s board. His voice was always full of measured wisdom, patience, empathy and sharp insight. I remember how he would regularly bring new, fresh perspectives to incredibly challenging topics, always in ways that helped to bring people together and find hopeful, Christ-centred common ground and purpose.

I’ve deeply admired the way he managed to integrate his faith so fully and so effectively into his professional life as a businessman, coach, speaker and entrepreneur. There was never any doubt where his first allegiance lay - with the Lord. Few people wore their faith so transparently “on their sleeves”.

I last spoke to Deepak only a few weeks ago. I left the call inspired by his vision and the fruit of his work to date in the lives of so many.

I stand alongside the family in remembering a beautiful life lived so fully in service to the Lord; in grieving the loss of a dear friend and companion; and in the assured hope and belief and knowledge that Deepak is embraced and held by our Lord.

- Matthew Frost

Deepak lived selflessly, with humour, vision and prayerful resolve to bring the fullness of the Gospel to this generation - especially in the sub-continent but also globally.

Deepak’s labours and wisdom for Tearfund - where we served on the board together - were but one part of his commitment to Christ and God’s kingdom. I had the privilege of working with him on a range of causes and I can’t believe he has gone so young in life.

I am sorry beyond measure to hear this news, though he showed by his life and in his passing, the power and centrality of hope made possible by Christ’s resurrection.

- David Campanale