FOR this Wangaratta family, adjusting to regional living and being so far from family was difficult.
Deepa Subramani and her son Reyansh Kanaskar travelled from Bengaluru, India in 2019 to permanently live in the rural city, following her husband Anand Kanaskar who moved in 2015.
"We did come for a year in 2016 but eventually came back for good two years ago," she said.
"I am a Mechatronic engineer and work at Burder Ag Attachments as well as volunteer work with the North East Multicultural Association (NEMA).
"In the beginning, it was difficult for me and my son to adjust here because we are from a joint family and from a big city.
"I started voluntary work at NEMA and worked as office coordinator and since working there I have seen how helpful NEMA is for multicultural people like me.
"They help us make friends, celebrate festivals, getting driving licenses and so much more.
"I got contacts of many Indians living in Wangaratta through NEMA."
Deepa said, once she starting making friends here she found Wangaratta to be a very welcoming place.
"It's a very beautiful place to live in; no pollution, no traffic and we get more family time," she said.
"Although I love it here I am also looking forward to celebrating Indian Republic Day.
"The national event is celebrated on January 26 and was the day our constitution was formed.
"Due to COVID most of us have not been able to travel to India to see our family so community events help bring us together in this difficult time.
"I appreciate NEMA for celebrating Indian republic day in Wangaratta."
NEMA is celebrating Indian Republic Day this Saturday from midday at The Close, Wangaratta.
Traditional Indian food will be available and traditional songs will be sung with locals encouraged to wear traditional clothing.
Children's activities will be provided and important information will be available in a number of Indian languages.
Everyone is invited to attend, those with Indian heritage, those who have visited India and those who wish to visit India in the future.
For more information contact NEMA on 0477 995 306.
