It was Soham Padsala's childhood dream to become a doctor that took him to Smolensk in Russia as a young student from India. Since all the classes of his medicine course were taught in Russian, he first had to take Russian classes before he could graduate as a doctor.
"I still remember my Russian teacher Svetlana; she was very, very strict," he says.
While it was due to this compulsion that he learnt Russian, Mr Padsala says it's because of his ability to speak and understand the language that he could find work in Australia when he arrived here to do a Masters degree in Public Health, but later switched to a nursing degree.
“I googled jobs related to medicine and the Russian language and found a vacancy at the Russian nursing home in Cabramatta where there are many residents with Russian heritage. So the knowledge of the Russian language is a big advantage for the employees," Mr Padsala said.
He's been working at the Russian Relief Association for six years and has managed to build a successful career in the organisation where most of the employees are Russian-speaking immigrants.
"I started as an assistant nurse which wasn't an easy job, then I worked as a medication specialist, and after my graduation, I got the position of Registered Nurse.
"And when the position of Clinical Manager became vacant, I applied and got this job," he told SBS Russian.
Mr Padsala is respected for his hard work and kindness, by not only his Russian colleagues, but also the elderly residents.
“They are usually very surprised when they hear me speaking Russian for the first time because I don’t look Russian at all,” he laughs.
"I really love chatting with the residents here and listening to their interesting stories. This is the least I can do for them - talk to them in their native language."
The nursing home residents, most of whom are Russian migrants, say they are overjoyed by their conversations with Mr Padsala.
"I feel warmth in my heart when Soham speaks to me in my mother tongue despite not being a Russian," says Elena Lethis, a resident.
Mr Padsala's wife recently arrived from India to join him in Australia and is currently studying physiotherapy here.
He says he is teaching her Russian and hopes that she would also be able to work with him at the Russian Relief Association.
"I think it's a great place to work. I see how the elderly are taken care of here. They cook Russian meals for them, try to observe the traditions and mark occasions.
"I have learned so many interesting things about Russian culture while working here. I particularly loved the Orthodox Christmas, it's always a very big and enjoyable celebration for our residents."
