Picture: TODD LEWIS
AN INDIAN family had more than one reason to celebrate becoming Australian citizens on Sunday as their country of origin also observed a national holiday.
With the ceremony taking place on Australia Day in the Mount Gambier City Council chambers, Indian couple Jithin Somasekhara Panicker and Anumol Babu were all smiles as they officially became citizens alongside their young Australian-born daughter.
However, the special occasion held even more significance for the small family of three.
“It is a proud feeling because it is our special day back home as January 26 is Republic Day of India,” Jithin said.
“So it is special to get this on this day.”
Moving to Australia in 2012 for study, Anumol said it had been a long journey to officially become an Australian.
“I lived in Sydney for three years, then moved to Adelaide where I had my little girl and when she was four months old I got a job opportunity in Mount Gambier,” she said.
“We have survived the journey and it is a really proud moment to share this special occasion.”
But the exciting news for Anumol did not stop there as she expected to welcome another little Australian to the family in the near future.
“It will be really wonderful to have two children born here and I am really excited,” she said.
“We will be staying here in Australia and I am so thankful for all the support from my family.”
Now living in Mount Gambier, Anumol said living in the regional city reminded her of the Indian town she used to call home.
“The weather is nice, it is not too hot and we have the rainy season, which makes it green and reminds me of my home back in India,” she said.
“We really love it here because of that and have been here for nearly three years now.”
While becoming a citizen already meant so much to Anumol and Jithin, they looked forward to enjoying the liberties that come with being an Australian.
“We get to enjoy all the rights and liberties and to enjoy the equality,” Anumol said.
“I am also looking forward to having voting rights and being a part of the democracy process to build up Australia.”
