New ‘Faces of Australia’ campaign reminds us of the power and value of immigration

It was a good eight years before I was born in Sydney when my parents migrated to Australia in the early 1980’s. With two suitcases, a 12-month working visa and one night’s hotel accommodation booked, my mother and father took a leap of faith, swapping their familiar lives in Suva, Fiji for what would hopefully…

Celebs chef to #CookForSyria

This month UNICEF has introduced a nationwide fundraising campaign called #CookForSyria, aimed at supporting children and refugees in Syria. On June 18, former MasterChef Australia star and UNICEF Australia ambassador Adam Liaw will be hosting a special dinner in Sydney, wth a string of talented chefs serving up some of their signature meals with a…

The royal wedding had more diversity than the Oscars

History was made at St George’s Chapel on Saturday, not just because the British royal family’s first interracial couple got married, but because there was a wedding service like no other in the history of the monarchy. Meghan Markle, whose father is white and mother is black, did not shy away from letting her culture…

Hindu Council hosts International Women’s Day Awards

As harsh a reality as it is, the South Asian culture, like many others, has a history of gender inequality. So when this year’s International Women’s Day rolled around, it was refreshing and extremely encouraging to see the Hindu Council Of Australia host its own awards dedicated to the cause. The 2018 Gargi Awards held…

How South Asians are shaping Sydney and beyond

Last year’s all-women South Asian panel at Parramasala spelled out serious #diversitygoals, and in 2018 Nautanki Theatre delivered once again. The organisation hosted another panel event in the heart of Western Sydney last week, and this time various topics were examined through the lens of the younger generation. “How South Asians are shaping the next…

I Am Starstruck celebrates its 7th birthday

Today marks the 7th birthday of I Am Starstruck, and before we begin partying like it’s our birthday, I have a special announcement. This year the I Am Starstruck network will be expanding. The past 7 years don’t just represent my collection of fun, thought-provoking and entertaining blog posts, but also a period of my…