How long does it take for Australia to feel like home when you migrate as a child?

Suraj Kolarkar moved from India to Australia with his parents at 11 years old. He sat down with them to ask about their migration journey for the first time, to try and learn everything he could about those first days adjusting to life in Australia.

Suraj Kolarkar and his parents shortly after landing in Australia Source: Suraj Kolarkar

Is our home simply where we come from? The place we were born, or spent our childhood? 

Comedian and actor Suraj Kolarkar is delving into the immigrant experience on the new SBS podcast My First Year on Aussie Soil. Episode one starts with his own story.  

Having moved here when he was 11 years old, Suraj adapted pretty quickly to the Australian culture and lifestyle. But he never stopped to ask was it like for his parents to set up home in a new country for the first time.

Reflecting on this journey with his parents gave him a new understanding of what this journey was like for them, as well as the realisation of how much this move shaped the course of his life. 

LISTEN TO

How long does it take for Australia to feel like home when you migrate as a child?

SBS Audio

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New episodes of My First Year on Aussie Soil will be released weekly. Join Suraj as he delves into tales from people who have found their feet in Australia, sharing their hilarious first impressions, the highs and lows of life in a new country, and the perils of the Aussie accent.

Follow My First Year on Aussie Soil in the SBS Radio app, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.