You might think age and digital savviness don’t go together. But last week, when the Victorian Multicultural Commission announced its winner for the Cultural Diversity Week digital campaign, it was none other than Shashi Kant Kochhar OAM.
In his seventies, Kochhar—a spirited septuagenarian—emerged as the individual winner of the Cultural Diversity Week digital campaign, standing out among numerous entrants. He shared a heartfelt message about spreading awareness to foster social cohesion.
For someone who has spent a lifetime bridging divides, serving communities, and nurturing connections, this was easy.
Kochhar has lived a life spreading what he calls “the joy of a smile” and the fulfilment of helping others. When he migrated to Australia in 1978—after first visiting as a student to study the wool industry in Geelong—he knew exactly why he had chosen this country as his home.
“I felt it would be impossible to build a future in India,” he reflects.
Yet, history took an ironic turn. When Kochhar migrated he found Prime Minister Gough Whitlam had abolished the textile import levy—a decision that sent the local industry into decline as foreign imports flooded the market. Despite the upheaval, Kochhar had no difficulty finding jobs. He worked at Creswick Woollen Mills in Ballarat and other regional areas applying his expertise in the very field the policy change had shaken. He remained in the wool industry until age 65, when retirement—or redundancy—closed that chapter.
“I didn’t retire—circumstances forced me out,” he says. “I kept working until an injury slowed me down. When management realised I was nearing 65, they pressured me into taking a redundancy package.”
But long before that, Kochhar had already begun his community work alongside his job. “You see, nearly 30 years ago, I felt a calling—money never interested me. I was always content. That’s when I realised it was time to give back. This country gave me everything—a home, a life, a chance to thrive. How could I not show my gratitude? Serving the community became my way of saying thank you.”
In 1988, he founded the Friends of the Children Foundation, which supports communities through multiple initiatives. The organisation provides critical medical equipment to children’s hospitals and supplies food and essential items to charities and refugee centres for distribution to those in need. Additionally, the foundation partners with primary schools to promote environmental awareness and help shape tomorrow’s responsible citizens.
Kochhar dedicates himself to food rescue and plasma donation, regularly joining volunteers to collect donated bread, which they distribute to churches, asylum centres, and other organisations in need.
“My blood donation journey came to an abrupt halt about three years ago when I suffered a stroke. Soon after, doctors diagnosed me with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which required immediate surgery,” he reveals.
But his commitment to helping others continues undiminished. Kochhar also serves as a Justice of the Peace, having certified over 50,000 documents pro bono, and leads as chair of the Monash Interfaith Gathering—a role he grew into after ten years of involvement, driven by his profound belief that “God is one” and a deep desire to bring people together.
Kochhar’s first formal community recognition came through Monash City’s Sir John Monash Award. “That really gave me something to work on,” he recalls—especially after being invited to raise the Australian flag at their Australia Day ceremony. “A big achievement I can’t forget.”
Years later, during health struggles after his redundancy, RMIT students invited him to raise the Indian flag on Independence Day. “I’m the lucky one who’s raised both flags in this land,” he reflects. “Those moments stay with you forever.”
Kochhar received the Order of Australia in 2019 and was further honoured in 2023 with the prestigious Victorian Senior of the Year Award for over 30 years of tireless community service.
He expresses his desire for greater unity within the Indian community, lamenting its fragmentation into numerous smaller groups. “Our political engagement remains weak,” he observes. “While we continue to struggle, later-arriving and smaller communities like the Sri Lankan and Vietnamese diasporas have achieved far greater success.”
At 78, Kochhar looks back on his journey with clarity. “When I migrated, I came with one objective—this was now my home. There would be no going back. From that very day, every action I’ve taken, every effort I’ve made, has been for the people of Australia.”
His voice softens as he adds, “I always compare my life to that of a gardener. When a plant isn’t thriving in one spot, the gardener transplants it—and in that new soil, it blossoms. I believe God picked me from India, brought me to Australia, and here, my tree of life has flourished.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
🌿 Shashi Kochhar OAM, 70s, won Victoria’s diversity digital campaign. 🏡 Migrated in 1978, worked in textiles. 🌍 Founded charity aiding hospitals & refugees. 🏅 Awarded Order of Australia. 🌱 “Blossomed like a transplanted tree.” #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/KUyIohkcQa
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) April 10, 2025
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
