Parashu, a seeker of knowledge and a lover of learning, is a first year Masters student in Professional Engineering with a specialisation in Mining, at Curtin University in Kalgoorlie. After finishing his Bachelor’s in Kolar Gold Fields, in India’s South East and a couple of hours from his hometown, Parashu’s love for learning and a desire to advance in his field took him on a journey away from his hometown.
Parashu describes his journey into mining engineering through the invisible string theory. With small nods to mining throughout his life, such as a fascination with the heavy machinery that would park at a playground near his childhood home. This early fascination was forgotten, with initial aspirations after high school to pursue robotics, however, after he was unable to get into robotics, he found himself researching other professions, and stumbled upon mining engineering which reignited his youthful passion and felt full circle. His grandfather being a big inspiration in his life motivated him to study more and encourage him to seek further knowledge in this field.
To complete his Bachelors, Parashu travelled up to 6 hours a day to get to his university, travelling the 100 kilometres home every day, for home cooked meals and to spend time with his family. Regardless of the travel time and distance, Parshu felt happy to return home to his family everyday. Now living in Australia, this is one thing Parshu misses deeply, he does feel the absence of his family, and at times feels homesickness. Parashu’s transition from India to Australia brought both excitement and adjustment. Adaptability has become his greatest ally as he acclimatised to the climatic differences between the two countries, such as experiencing a 46-degree day in Kalgoorlie for the first time. Parashu also found more need for adaption when delving into the complexities and differences in mining methods and safety protocols, embracing each challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
When Parashu talks about mining, you can hear his passion through the poetic descriptions and clear love of learning. He sees mining like a river, with rock-like obstacles that may stand in the way, but as a river flows over the rocks, mining engineers find a way to solve and pass over these obstacles and the operations keep flowing. He also explains his favourite part of mining, the demolitions, to be surreal, saying that although there may be many hours of preparation for a short, 30 second blast, to see it visually is a surreal moment proving your hard work.
Parashu’s experience at Curtin University has been marked by moments of revelation and connection. His enthusiasm for the mining industry was further ignited during the Curtin Careers Fair, where he discovered a multitude of opportunities beyond his initial expectations. Joining a cricket club, volunteering with CV!, and the weekly industry nights provided a platform for Parashu to forge meaningful connections with industry professionals. Whilst at the same time, fostering a sense of camaraderie among peers, turning his network and professional acquaintances into close friends, and ultimately making the transition from home easier.
While Parashu found the academic aspects of mining engineering to be intellectually stimulating and straightforward, his aspirations extend beyond academic accolades to encompass a multifaceted vision of success. Eager to deepen his understanding of mining operations, he sees himself staying in Kalgoorlie for over a decade at least, likely wanting to live in Australia permanently. With many dreams like establishing a mining consulting firm, running his own mines, and even venturing into the realm of culinary entrepreneurship with a restaurant in Kalgoorlie.
Reflecting on his journey, Parashu offers simple advice to fellow students embarking on their own adventures; to be patient. He emphasises the importance of patience in navigating unfamiliar terrain, urging newcomers to embrace the journey with resilience and an open mind. He reminds students that although you may have a plan, it may not always work out, and that is ok! He says that things take time, especially when moving somewhere new, but it all will work out in time.
Parashu’s journey shows the power of passion and perseverance. Adapting to the change from his home in India to the expansive mining community of Kalgoorlie, his commitment to his passion showcases that you can strengthen your passion when you are constantly learning and striving for knowledge. As Parashu continues to thrive and carve his path in the world of mining engineering, it is evident that he will make his childhood dreams come true.
