Friends help in times of trouble as well as happiness

Rohan migrated to Australia from New Delhi in June 2011. Being in a new country miles from home, he had to accustom himself to the very different culture of his new homeland. Setting up his home was going to be a huge task. Unlike back in Delhi, he didn’t have the electrician or carpenter who were just a call away then. And of course he didn’t have family around. However, he soon found an extended family welcoming him in his new innings – his fellow community members.

From choosing the appropriate home to rent, to identifying the best school for his kids, Rohan leaned on the experience and genuine advice that his friends gave him. Microwave meals soon gave way to pot-luck dinners with neighbourhood buddies and lazy weekends became frenetic cricket league days. Today, Rohan actively helps new migrants coming to Australia by recommending the best shops, eateries, suburbs, schools, holiday spots, the list goes on.

Businesses too realise how important people like Rohan are in making sure their own positive experience are passed on to fellow community members, and how it is important to encourage such positive influencers.

There are several people like Rohan who use a service recommended by their peer group and then refer it on to others. And it makes it even better when they are rewarded for their suggestions. Brands

Vilas was disappointed about the cancellation too, but only momentarily. “I questioned my reasons for doing it. The whole point of doing it was for selftranscendence and that hadn’t changed, so I thought I’ll do it anyway,” says Vilas, who cycles with the Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team and uses his philosophy of selftranscendence to continually improve himself.

The cyclist adds that there was not a soul from media or otherwise to watch Aussie cyclist Abdullah Zeinab cross the finish line. But that is not what the event is about. “I guess we all have our own reasons for doing it,” says Vilas. “For me, the spiritual vastness of this country is really special and I will be out there experiencing nature.”

Currently, Vilas is approaching Mount Kozscuisko.

Grahak Cunningham

like Remit2India recognise how close-knit our community is, and have an active referral program. Refer a friend online or on the App and as referrer you get an assured A$50 for every new friend that joins. A small reward for a good deed. So as our community continues to grow, every new migrant moving to Australia will continue to look up to people like Rohan as the guiding light that helps them settle in. In years to come, they pay it forward by becoming a Rohan to someone else!