Abhishek Awasthi arrived at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus as an international student in 2008. He says he didn’t even know what “PR” (permanent residency) meant, despite being frequently discussed among his international student friends from day one. Today, as an Australian citizen, he leads the Indian Association of Bendigo.
“I remember they were discussing things like ’50 points’ and such, and when I asked what PR meant, they thought I was joking. I came here to experience the education system and enjoy,” recalls Awasthi, who pursued a Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.
But his first taste of a leadership role came in 2009 during the alleged attacks on Indian students, which were making headlines both in India and here. As president of the Indian Students Association at La Trobe University at that time, he was liaising with the media and other groups.
After completing his Master’s, Awasthi was employed at the university when an opportunity arose in 2010 for a management position in Bendigo. “I have been here since then,” he says.
In this predominantly monocultural regional area, Awasthi stood out by actively engaging in community roles and projects. He served as chair for the regional Multicultural Services, affiliated with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV). Additionally, he sits on the health board.
It was during COVID-19 that Awasthi found a gap where he felt the Indian community was not asked if there were any specific needs. “The reason was not because we were being ignored. We didn’t have the presence on the table, we had no formal organisation,” he shares.
It was his daughter’s birthday during COVID, and families were allowed to get together. He suggested the idea of an association. After a year of informal gatherings, the association was formally incorporated in 2021.
Today, the association boasts around 1,500-1,600 families of Indian background in the region, with about 60 financial members paying a nominal fee of $100 per year.
Hosting events like Holi, Garba, Indian Independence Day, and Multicultural Christmas each quarter through partnerships, the association has seen all events sold out. For instance, this year’s Holi celebration drew 2,000 attendees and highlighted the association’s launch, which began with zero funding and membership fees.
During Multicultural Christmas, the association collaborates with community houses where attendees bring food, and everyone is given a present.
According to Awasthi, the association’s primary aim is to promote and celebrate Indian culture. “We aim to break barriers so that we can interact with the wider community, and they can engage with us. The Indian community is the largest diverse community in this region, and I would love to see Indian culture promoted more prominently.”
To this end, the association is starting Indian classical dance classes such as Kathak for the first time. While Bollywood remains a soft connection, Awasthi believes that these classical dance classes will provide a more enriching experience.
Additionally, the association engages in trade and tourism discussions between Victoria and India, advocating for regional equity and hosting Indian film festivals in Bendigo.
Awasthi finds great personal satisfaction in his role as the founder of the Indian Association of Bendigo, particularly in giving the younger generation an opportunity and training them to connect with their culture. He mentions his five-year-old daughter as an example, expressing his desire for her to grow up proud of her heritage.
Through cultural events and charitable activities, such as winter support for the underprivileged, the association aims to promote multiculturalism and social harmony in Australian society.
“During Christmas when everything is closed, we provide support to vulnerable people by distributing food, vegetables, and other staples twice a week at community houses,” says Awasthi.
As a public servant, Awasthi finds life in regional Victoria fulfilling. Importantly, “It also has synergies with the part of the world that I come from (Himachal Pradesh) in terms of the size and the community,” he shares.
The Indian Sun acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
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