In a landmark recognition at the Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards, Australian-Indian trailblazers Priya Srinivasan and Aruna Venkatachalam were honored for their extraordinary contributions to arts, culture, and social advocacy. Their accomplishments underline the depth of Indian-Australian contributions to society and exemplify the spirit of the awards, which celebrate individuals who drive positive change across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards: An Overview
The Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards recognize remarkable individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made substantial impacts across Asia-Pacific. Celebrated annually, these awards honor leaders who bridge cultural divides, uplift marginalized voices, and contribute meaningfully to social progress. Winners are chosen for their ability to inspire, unite, and create lasting change through their endeavors.
Priya Srinivasan: Champion of Performing Arts and Cultural Representation
Priya Srinivasan has made her mark as a pioneering choreographer and performer with a vision to use art as a medium of social dialogue. Her work fuses classical Indian dance with contemporary themes, addressing critical issues such as migration, gender, and identity. With her groundbreaking dance projects, Priya has created a unique space for underrepresented voices, bringing cultural narratives from South Asia to global audiences in innovative ways.
A significant project of Srinivasan’s, ‘Churning Waters’, reimagines the journey of South Asian migrants and their contributions to the Australian community. Through vivid storytelling and artistic expression, she brings to life the experiences of the diaspora, fostering empathy and understanding in audiences. Her dedication to celebrating cultural diversity has cemented her status as a powerful advocate for inclusivity in the arts.
Aruna Venkatachalam: Advocate for Community Empowerment and Social Equality
Aruna is the founder of her own consultancy, whose aim is to enable underrepresented founders, including women and People of Colour, to grow their impact. Aruna’s clients include several award-winning social enterprises and not-for-profits in Australia and India. Aruna is a leading voice in advocating culturally-proud communities of excellence. She believes it is her responsibility to strengthen the communities of which she is a part.
Some of Aruna’s notable initiatives include developing a world-first partnership between India (AVENUES Meghalaya) and Australia (Young Change Agents) in social entrepreneurship education, specifically focussed on First Nations youth and organisations across both countries.
Over four years, and together with Australian First Nations leaders and youth, Aruna collectively built a self-determined, culturally proud entrepreneurship program, Lighting the Spark, that is led by First Nations communities across urban and remote Australia. This has reached 1000+ youth and adults to-date and was tabled in Parliament as a best-practice example.
She also co-founded a startup in India, to track pollution levels in urban cities. This provided local environmental groups with valuable data to advocate to Indian authorities for better air quality levels.
Over the last 15+ years, Aruna has partnered with highly diverse youth, women and underestimated community groups across Australia, Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, so they could self-determine a better future.
Their Collective Impact on Australian Society
The achievements of Priya Srinivasan and Aruna Venkatachalam resonate strongly within both the Indian-Australian community and the broader Australian society. Their recognition at the Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards underscores the value of cultural diversity and inclusivity in driving societal progress. Both women have used their platforms to advocate for the underrepresented, challenging stereotypes and promoting multicultural harmony.
A New Era of Recognition for Indian-Australian Contributions
The success of Priya and Aruna in the Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards reflects a broader movement towards acknowledging the vital contributions of Indian-Australians to the nation’s social fabric. As recipients, they symbolize the potential of arts and community service to bridge divides and nurture unity, setting a standard for future generations. Their stories serve as an inspiration, highlighting how dedication to cultural representation and community advocacy can lead to lasting impact.
Priya Srinivasan and Aruna Venkatachalam stand as beacons of change, their efforts offering a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive and empathetic leadership. Their recognition at the Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards reinforces the role of the arts and community empowerment in building a more just and united society. As they continue to champion their causes, Priya and Aruna pave the way for a future where diversity and resilience are celebrated, and every voice finds a place on the world stage.
