Uniquely Australian

Natasha Meyers

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and the soul of its people.” Culture is an internal compass of traditions, values, languages, and beliefs that cross the globe with the people in which they reside. As we migrate to distant lands and leave those we love behind, through our culture, we always have a little bit of home with us, no matter the hurdles we face. And in our homeland, we flourish in the beauties of our riches, the old and the new; we make it our own. Culture is not merely an external expression but a deeply ingrained aspect of who we are, shaping our worldviews and influencing our actions. This tenacity of culture makes the world a richly diverse and interconnected tapestry, uniting people despite their varied backgrounds.

Growing up in a country such as Australia has taught me much about the love and acceptance of people’s cultures and how, through sharing our teaching, we create a better and unified society. Often, it is believed that when one leaves their home country, they leave behind their life to start a new one. Though I didn’t grow up in India, my parents are beautiful examples of how leaving everyone behind doesn’t mean you close doors to the path that made you unique.

Twenty-one years ago, my parents came to Australia to start a life from scratch. Leaving everyone behind and having everything they knew packed within their suitcases. Being their newborn baby, I was their avenue to creating and retaining a new form of culture - the Indo-Aussie way. I remember growing up seeing them make new connections with people and mentioning how life is so different in Perth from Kolkata. The streets are empty here, and the kangaroos stare, compared to the loud honking roads where anything goes. Through much searching, they finally found their community, the Bengalis of Perth, and much like home, they were full of chat, chaat and charm. I also grew up with two religions; as a Catholic, I went to a Catholic school and showed my devotion to God and the ways of Jesus, but then I went home and celebrated Durga Puja (much like now) with my family and friends with equal love for Hinduism and Indian culture. I have learnt that culture is ever-growing, and just as I hold my Indian culture close to my heart, my Aussie ways never betray me.

I throw shrimp on the barbie; I go to Kathak practice on Sunday; I sing the Australian National Anthem with my hand on my heart and also sing the Indian one with pride. I am Indo-Aussie on the outside and inside. I love the multicultural scene of Australia. It has allowed me to embrace other cultures and learn, and it has allowed me to go to other countries as well, share my love, and create awareness of cultural importance. We connect culturally through the arts, evolving technology, practices, and pride. The cultural diversity individuals bring into new countries often leads to the fusion of traditions, creating something novel yet familiar. This blending of cultures does not diminish the original but celebrates the beauty of diversity, making the world more vibrant and dynamic. From the vibrant festivals of India celebrated by the diaspora in America to the soulful strains of African music echoed in European streets, cultural expressions are universal. These practices are not confined to any specific region; they flourish wherever people with shared heritage gather.

Being Indo-Australian has helped me connect with people on many levels; when I went to New Zealand in high school, I could see how the Aussie culture resonates through the valleys of green in their land. When I was sent to Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, by my university, I connected with the people there on a personal level as it felt much like India when I was there, connecting through their culture of dance, food, music and strong family bonds. Awareness of cultural richness and the need to spread awareness has made me a well-rounded individual who can connect to people on deeper levels and find common ground among us. I have created strong and understanding relationships through my work with my Bengali community or the Indian Society of Western Australia, or my work with the multicultural association of Western Australia, my university and the Aussie community. Each community and ground show a love and culture of its unity, making for the loving, passionate, and resilient society we live in today. It makes us who we are; it makes us uniquely Australian.