Hi, I'm Tanish. Growing up in Chennai, India, I took on several leadership roles that allowed me to influence positive change and mentor younger students. Serving as the Senior House Prefect (2019-2022), Sports Captain (2018-2021), and Deputy Head Prefect (2022-2023) provided unique platforms to develop my skills in event organizing, time management, and fostering a positive school culture. These roles allowed me to combine my love for sports, leadership, and community building, driving initiatives that promoted teamwork, a healthy lifestyle, and substantial school improvements before I moved to Adelaide in July 2023.
In Adelaide, I’ve continued my leadership journey with great enthusiasm. Currently, I serve as the Senior House Prefect at my school, leading with a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. My aspiration to become the Student Head Prefect stems from a desire to drive initiatives that empower student voices and create a collaborative school community.
I also hold the positions of Mentor Group Representative, Year Level Representative, and Student Representative at my school, where I continue to advocate for my peers and contribute to the school community.
Recently, I was honoured to receive the Royal Tillet Rotary Award during the student achievement ceremony at my school. This prestigious award is given to individuals who demonstrate excellence in service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. The award was presented by the President of Rotary Australia and witnessed by Mayor Jill Whittaker OAM of Campbelltown City Council, Hon Vincent Tarzia MP, leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, along with my school principal, many councillors, and government officials. I also received a cash prize as part of this recognition, and I am deeply grateful for the appreciation shown by everyone present.
Moreover, I am actively involved in the South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC), a platform that enables me to voice student concerns and drive meaningful changes in the educational landscape. One of my proudest achievements has been my election as a Student Ambassador, a role that has provided me with invaluable opportunities to represent my school and community at various events and forums.
Beyond school, I am an active member of the Youth Advisory Committee of Campbelltown Council, where I contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing youth involvement and community well-being. This role excites me because it allows me to advocate for youth perspectives and influence local policy, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in community decisions.
My volunteer work with the Youth Crew enables me to engage with and support various community projects and events which has been incredibly rewarding. This role has taught me the importance of community service and the impact of collective efforts in driving positive change.
My passion for civic engagement and youth advocacy led me to participate in the YMCA South Australia Youth Parliament, where I was honored to serve as the Speaker for the House of Assembly. This role is particularly significant to me as it involves guiding debates and discussions on important issues affecting our society, empowering young people to actively participate in democratic processes.
Recently, I attended the Social Media Summit at the Adelaide Convention Centre. This experience inspired me to draft and publish a perspective report on the insights gained from the summit, emphasizing the importance of responsible social media use among young people.
Additionally, I am deeply connected to my cultural roots and enjoy being an active participant in UVAGAI, a club that celebrates South Indian culture through various events, including food, art, music, fashion, and heritage activities. Being a part of this club allows me to share my heritage and connect with others who share similar cultural backgrounds. I am also a member of the South Australia Tamil Students Society, which enables me to connect with other Tamil students and promote our culture within the community.
In addition to these roles, I have participated in a variety of youth-focused meetings and summits in Adelaide, including the Youth Forum Meeting, YAC Summit Meeting, Teen Summit Meetings, Student Summit Meeting, and the Eastern Secondary Student Leaders Meeting. These opportunities stood out to me because they provided platforms to learn from other young leaders and discuss pressing issues facing our generation.
My journey is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a passion for leadership, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in my community. I am truly grateful for the guidance, support, and opportunities that have shaped my path, and I look forward to continuing to serve and uplift those around me.
As I embark on this exciting chapter in Adelaide, I am driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact on my community. My journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, has instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and a desire to empower others. I am eager to continue my leadership journey, advocating for youth voices and contributing to a brighter future.
I have learned that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. By empowering young people through education and leadership, we equip them to be active, informed citizens who can shape a better future. True change happens when communities come together to support and uplift each other, fostering collaboration and mutual respect. Leadership is not about holding titles, but about responsibility and the courage to make a difference. Celebrating cultural diversity enriches our lives and strengthens our communities, promoting understanding and unity.
The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and by advocating for youth involvement and civic engagement, we pave the way for a generation that is ready to innovate and inspire. Together, we can create a future where leadership, empathy, and positive impact are synonymous. Let's continue to promote education, collaboration, and cultural diversity, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
