This year there are three Indian international students finalists in the Victorian International Education Awards 2016.
These awards are an initiative of the Victorian Government, designed to promote and reward outstanding achievement and excellence among students in Victoria.
According to Study Melbourne, "the international student finalists have displayed outstanding academic achievements and all share a determination to make the most of the opportunities that an international education provides and, in the process, to engage with and make an outstanding contribution to the Victorian community."
This year's student finalists represent 18 different countries.
The three Indian international student finalists are:
International Student of the Year – Higher Education
Amit Sarwal – Federation University
Amit is studying a Master of Business Administration at Federation University, and holds a number of other titles including an Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow. As a result of his successful studies and career, he has become an expert in Australia-India business and cultural relations. He is the convenor of the Australia-India Interdisciplinary Research Network and was co-convenor of the inaugural Bollywood film festivals in Australia. Amit also works as a producer at SBS Radio Hindi and is an editorial advisory board member of journal Media Watch. He has published papers, journal articles and two books, and has been the recipient of awards and scholarships including a 2016 Endeavour Research Fellowship.
International Student of the Year – Higher Education
Sahil Puri – Victoria University
Sahil is studying a Bachelor of Information Technology at Victoria University (VU). He has worked in various international student advocacy roles, including as Vice President of VU’s International Student Association and is the only international student representative on the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) Shout Out program. As a Youth Advisor for CMY’s Youth Advisory Group, he reports issues to the Race Discrimination Commissioner and is a representative at the Minister for Multicultural Affairs’ Multicultural Youth Roundtable. Sahil has also been a team leader with the Australia Federation of International Students and for the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome, City of Melbourne team. His awards include VU’s Student of the Year and a nomination for the Council of International Students Australia’s Most Active Student of the Year.
International Student of the Year – Regional
Balaji Trichy Narayanaswamy – Deakin University
Balaji is studying a Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University, Geelong and has a Masters in Engineering in Industrial Metallurgy. He was awarded a full Postgraduate Research Scholarship at Deakin and has been nominated for two of the university’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) annual awards. He has also been a finalist at the international youth science event and the British Council’s ‘FameLab’. At Deakin, he is an academic mentor, as well as an International Orientation Coordinator supporting new international students. Balaji also engages in community roles including in the ‘Good Start Breakfast Club’ for the Australian Red Cross, and as a learning support volunteer with EdConnect Australia.
Winners will be announced at the Government House in Melbourne on 21 November 2016.
