An Indian in Australia

Being a 30 year old male, who has been living in Australia for the last 1/3^rd of his life, I can safely say I love the country and prefer it over India – my birthplace and my homeland.

I finished my Bachelors in Engineering back in India and was looking for options for places to pursue further studies and that offered future opportunities to develop a career. A good friend of mine suggested Australia as a fair land that offered multiple options and opportunities.

I started researching about Australia on the internet, came across a lot of websites offering tons of information on Australia and what to expect once here. I distinctly remember a website www.pomsinoz.com that was super detailed and answered most of my questions to a great extent.

The entire process of applying to universities and for a student visa was very simple and that’s when www.pomsinoz.com came in very handy.

The best things I love about the country are fairness, multiple and varied opportunities, the welcoming attitude of people you meet, the political system, the influence and actions of police, the judicial system, the abundance of nature beauty the country offers and thousands of kilometres of the coastline.

Ever since I have been here, the university I went, the part-time jobs I have had over time, whether it be working in hospitality or working the graveyard shift at a petrol station or working in a cleaning role, I have never had a bad racial experience, being a brown-skinned guy in a foreign country. I have always felt welcome and never had any negative experiences. In my current white collar job as an Operations Analyst, I feel very welcome, respected and listened to. I always get a fair say in the office and my opinions and ideas are considered with the importance that they deserve.

In India, you are only respected if you have a Government job or if you are a doctor. Other professions are not given the importance and respect that they deserve. In contrast, Australia regards all professions equally and provides everyone a fair chance to earn money and provide for their family

I love the sense of security that Australia offers via enforcement of the laws and rules and a fair judicial system. Unlike India, when I see a police officer around in Australia I feel safe and secure. I love the fact that the police are honest and not prone to bribery which is a huge issue back in India. I love how the people here are very obedient of the laws. For e.g. I have seen people stopping at a red light at 2am even when there is absolutely no one else on the roads.

The Judicial system here is fair and super quick at arriving at a decision whereby in India, cases drag on for tens of years and most of the time never get resolved.

I absolutely love the 5-day work week culture here as compared to the 6-day or sometimes 7-day work week back in India. The shorter work week gives everyone a chance to relax, rejuvenate and mingle with friends and family. This encourages better performance at work and thus a better output and results compared to someone working every single day without a break.

I love the fact that the Aussies know how to relax whether it be gathering at a barbeque or going out for a couple of drinks or partying hard once in a while. I am proud of having very good Aussie friends who treat me as one of their own and not a migrant.

Another thing I love about this place is the social events and gatherings that are organised. There is something available for everyone’s interests. Many events are kid-friendly and really entertaining. A lot of these happen in one of the many parks and gardens. These are very well maintained and a delight to hang out in.

I love how Australia has a great sporting culture participating in so many different kinds of sports. All sports get their own importance and fans who follow them religiously. As compared to India where Cricket is only sport they know of. I like how Australians follow sports and encourage kids to participate in sports from a very early age thus promoting health and well-being in kids.

And lastly, the best thing I love about Australia is the abundance of natural beauty Australia has to offer. Driving on the Great Ocean Road, camping at Warrnambool or the Grampians, skiing on Mt Buller, climbing up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, trekking in the Blue Mountains, wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania are only some of the activities I have done and have been amazed with the beauty of everything. There’s lots more to do and I cannot wait to experience more different activities.