Meet Krushnadevsinh (Kano)

From Overcoming Barriers to Championing Diversity, Krushnadevsinh, fondly known as Kano, journeyed to Australia from India at the young age of seven. Upon arrival, Kano and his family lived in a tiny, crowded house, gradually moving to a one-bedroom and then a two-bedroom home before settling in Wyndham, where he has resided for the past 16 years.

Kano's early days in Australia were challenging. Unable to speak a word of English, he attended a language school before transitioning to mainstream education. There, he faced racism and bullying, which led to a period of internalised racism and a struggle with his identity. However, Kano's resilience and determination shone through as he began to embrace and celebrate his unique heritage. He played a pivotal role in organising his school’s first multicultural day, marking the beginning of his journey as an advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Today, Kano is a recognised leader in promoting multiculturalism and equity. As the Youth Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Founder of Third Culture, he empowers young people and multicultural communities to foster inclusion and leadership. Kano's collaborations with organisations like UNICEF and the Australian National University address systemic racism and institutional bias, solidifying his position as a thought leader in the field.

Kano's achievements have been celebrated with numerous accolades, including the Inaugural VicHealth Future Change Maker Award, and being named Wyndham City's Young Person of the Year. With a passion for gaming, positive social media use, and sports, Kano connects with young people, inspiring them to embrace their diverse backgrounds and create inclusive communities where everyone belongs.
Kano's learning journey continues as he pursues personal growth and self-care through meditation. Engaging in community work with diverse groups of people, he recognises the importance of maintaining his well-being to better support others. His love for learning about different cultures drives his desire to learn new languages, with Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish at the top of his list.

Throughout his life, Kano has faced numerous hurdles, including self-doubt and the challenge of overcoming internalised cultural biases. He has learned to be content with his knowledge and to accept that he doesn't need to be an expert in everything. This acceptance has empowered him to embrace his identity fully and to encourage others to do the same.
Kano's journey is a testament to the power of acceptance and resilience. He advises his younger self to delve deeper into his culture and family history, to be happy with who he is, and to avoid comparisons with others on social media. Kano's experiences have taught him that knowledge fosters empathy, allowing him to be kinder and more loving towards himself and others.

As Kano continues to champion diversity and inclusion, his story inspires countless individuals to embrace their unique identities and work towards creating communities where everyone feels valued and belongs.