Our focus on cultures within Monash Health reveals the diversity of our community. However, diversity not only exists within a community, but can also exist within one person.
Daraus during a visit to Bangladesh
Daraus Mirza, from Monash Health Foundation, is the epitome of such inner diversity. Born in a small town in Bangladesh, Daraus moved to Athens at 18 to study, where he fully immersed himself in the Greek way of life.
“I wanted to bath in Greek culture,” he says.
While in Athens, an American friend convinced Daraus to go to the United States. Despite his intention to return to Bangladesh, Daraus moved to the United States to continue his studies, where he completed a Bachelor Degree and his Masters.
Some of Daraus’ time in the US was spent in Buffalo, where snow cover was a regular feature.
“One day the whole world is normal, until you open the curtain and see snow.”
Regular snow cover was a new experience for Daraus, but the presence of winter has been a constant tie to memories of Bangladesh, where, on a clear day, he could see the peak of Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas from his hometown.
Daraus at Eid dinner
Much of Daraus’ time in the US was spent in New York City, and once he felt settled there, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. That was until he moved to Australia, where he has been for 15 years.
Daraus doesn’t see himself as any one culture. Each chapter of his life has involved completely immersing himself in a lifestyle and building an affinity with it.
In his words, “when in Rome, be a Roman.”
From bathing in Greek culture, to being told, “you’re more American than anyone I know”, Daraus is a true multi-cultural tapestry and derives all the benefits and appreciations that come with that.
“I love the amalgam I have become.”
More information about Harmony Week can be found on the Harmony Week website.
Approved by Karen Lowe