Vangal Mohan nominated for Pride of Australia Fair Go medal
VANGAL Mohan remembers the daunting feeling of arriving in a new and unfamiliar country in search of a better life. But the lessons he learned have proven invaluable for countless other migrants.
VANGAL Mohan remembers the daunting feeling of arriving in a new and unfamiliar country in search of a better life.
But the lessons he learned when he migrated from India 24 years ago have proven invaluable for countless migrants who have since followed the same path.
The Mawson Lakes man has volunteered to help new migrants settle in Adelaide – helping them find work, homes and make the most of the support available in Australia.
He has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award in the Fair Go category, which recognises people born overseas, who have enriched Australia.
“I had a lot of difficulties in the beginning, so whatever I learned and whatever I experienced I try to use to help others so they can all settle in their new life quickly,” Mr Mohan said.
“This is a very good place to live in, but when many people come from overseas initially they feel a little bit home sick and they might not get a job.
“We have to help settle them and show them that this is a better place, in spite of all the difficulties they have.”
Mr Mohan and his wife Viji moved to Australia after her sister settled in Adelaide.
“I left a good job, but it took me some time to understand this place and that’s a lesson I learned,” he said.
“I say to people, forget what you have done in the past, settle down, there are good people here and we can help each other to grow.”
Mr Mohan was previously an engineer, and now works as a financial adviser.
Friend Umesh Nagasandra, who nominated Mr Mohan for the award, said he had been a mentor and guide for many in the local Indian community.
“He has made such a great contribution to the community and he does it all as a volunteer,” Mr Nagasandra said.
Sometimes the most inspiring people live and work right beside us. Please join us in celebrating these everyday heroes by nominating someone you know for a Pride of Australia medal.
Simply visit advertiser.com.au/prideofaustralia for the full list of 10 categories and tell us in 200 words or less why your nominee deserves a medal.
Nominations are open until Sunday, July 19.