SERVING FOR EMPOWERMENT

Dr to his Indian roots and values. But as this OAM recipient talks about himself, you’ll be amazed at his fascinating life story.

As current chairperson of the Monash Interfaith gathering he supports collaborative relationships with various faiths and beliefs committed to working towards understanding, respect, peace and dignity.

His passion for community work has been recognised by various awards and recommendations including Sir John Monash Award (Multicultural Champion Category, City of Monash, 2018) and Sir John Monash Community Service Award (City of Monash, 2007).

Abiding by his father’s parting words, Shashi has spent most of his working and retired life ‘paying back’ and showing respect to the society he lives in. The impact of this amazing volunteer is extraordinarily positive: with his compassion, unselfish caring and unconditional love for his fellow human beings, Shashi has gone on to become one of the most loved personalities in Melbourne’s Indian community. The world definitely needs need more of his tribe.

Preeti Jabbal

Speak to Dr Krishna Nadimpalli, and you’ll agree that what stands out most about him are his humility and his connection

Dr Krishna was born in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh called Gummampadu in West Godavari District. There was no electricity, or even roads, at his village. Yet he overcame the odds and became the first person in his village to complete Year 10. The local school had classes only till Year 5, so he had to walk to a neighbouring village to continue schooling. “In monsoon and in winter, I would take an extra pair of clothes with me to change into, in case I slipped and fell in the mud!”

He failed Year 12 due to lack of guidance and opportunities. But he tried again and passed. He obtained a degree in Geology from Bimavaram College, and then gained entry to the prestigious IIT Roorkee for a Master’s degree. Krishna worked as a lecturer in Bimavaram College and later as a scientist in Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Continuing in his efforts to do “better”, Dr Krishna did another Masters in Land Ecology from the Netherlands and a PhD in Geoscience from Andhra University.

Dr Nadimpalli moved to Australia in 2000. And if his story so far sounds like the achievement of a determined, selfmade man, then what he has achieved in Australia in less than 20 years, is just as extraordinary.

As an environmental scientist at the

University of Canberra he has worked in the field of disaster management, climate change adaptation, risk assessment and urban planning. But his passion for social inclusion and empowering communities was a constant motivator.

He has actively participated and served the Indian community as well as the multicultural community in Canberra. As President of the Telugu Association, Dr Krishna founded the Federation of Telugu Associations in Australia. He also founded the Telugu School (Telugu Badi) in Canberra and, following up on his love of his mother tongue, has now got National (NAATI) Accreditation for the Telugu language.

Currently he is Chairman of the Canberra Hindu Mandir and Secretary