“I have long advocated that all migrants should be allocated a “Mentor” from their community. This is to assist them with acculturation into a new community as well as maintaining their cultural origins and practices”

As permanent residents of Brunei, I pursued my studies in India since there was no university in Brunei at the time. In 1975, my father made the decision to unite our family, and we relocated to Perth, Australia. The move was a collective one, involving all members of my immediate family, and we have experienced kindness and prosperity in Australia. Even my 90-year-old mother has flourished in this country.

Throughout my journey, I have become a vocal advocate in the realms of Anti-Racism and Disability. I have cultivated a robust profile as a Human Rights advocate, focusing on various areas of difference and disadvantage. I’ve been actively involved in negotiating the realisation of human rights principles.

Dealing with systemic and individual racism has been a recurring theme in my experiences, touching on issues such as job availability, access to services, and personal attacks. At home, my parents, particularly my now-deceased father, upheld our cultural traditions. In response, I have established cultural associations and agencies to maintain these connections, celebrating festivals like Onam and Vishu. Additionally, I strive to assist others in preserving their traditions and cultural values.

The loss of traditional foods and elders in my community, who served as sources of guidance and fellowship, is a poignant aspect of my life in Australia. Despite this, I’ve achieved significant milestones, including influencing the government to amend Racial Vilification legislation in WA. I played a role in developing the WA Multicultural Charter and advocated for individuals in the health sector, such as Aishwarya and Monika Mann. I chaired ECCWA and Kulcha, two advocacy agencies in this domain, and participated in assistance programs for international students. My involvement extended to the mental health space, and I assisted individuals like Krishna and Aneesh in their migration journey.

My approach to everything I do is grounded in a strong human rights perspective, and I passionately express this commitment whenever the opportunity arises. Moreover, I am a seasoned media performer, engaging in talkback radio and television appearances to amplify the causes I champion.