Hailing from Gujarat, India, Vedant Gadhavi’s life took an unimaginable turn when a tragic car accident claimed his parents’ lives when he was just 18.
It was a journey that should have been a routine drive with his family but instead became a life-altering event, shaping the path of a young man whose resilience would eventually bring him to Melbourne, Australia.
The accident occurred on a remote road just 38 minutes from their destination in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Vedant’s father worked as a petrochemical engineer. Vedant was riding in the front seat, sharing a joyful evening with his parents, recording memories on his phone—singing Bollywood songs, joking, and laughing together.
At his mother’s suggestion, he lay down in the back to rest, unbuckled. Moments later, disaster struck. Their car collided with a truck on a road locals ominously called “Death Road.” His parents were killed instantly, while Vedant was gravely injured but survived.
After regaining consciousness in a hospital, Vedant’s world had changed forever. Faced with devastating grief and severe injuries, including a mangled leg and a broken face, he was forced to find strength within himself. Despite the tragedy, Vedant saw this moment as a catalyst for change, an opportunity to start anew.
Determined to honor his parents’ memory, Vedant applied for and won a scholarship to study biomedical science at Monash University in Melbourne.
Moving halfway across the world, he built a new life from the ashes of his old one, pursuing education with the same dedication his parents had instilled in him.
Advocating for International Students
Now the president of Monash University’s International Student Association (ISA), Vedant channels his experiences into advocacy for international students.
He organizes welfare lunches every second Wednesday at Monash’s Clayton campus, providing free meals to hundreds of students who, like him, have traveled far from home for their education.
At the most recent welfare lunch, over 150 students lined up for a meal, highlighting the need for such initiatives in the student community.
Using his leadership platform, Vedant speaks out on key issues facing international students, such as visa price increases and housing affordability.
He has also raised these concerns at the Vice-Chancellor’s Students President’s Advisor Forum (VSPAF), advocating for greater support and understanding of the challenges international students face.
“We’re getting a lot of questions from students who are worried about the rising cost of living and whether they can stay in Australia after completing their studies. There’s a lot of confusion at the moment,” Vedant explains.
He passionately believes that international students are vital to the vibrancy and success of universities like Monash, stating, “When there is a student cap, I really think society will lose out on a lot of things. It just won’t feel like a normal university if there isn’t that diversity on campus.”
Community Building Through Food
Alongside Vedant in his efforts is Ayushi Patel, the ISA’s treasurer. Together, they have built partnerships with local businesses to benefit international students. One such collaboration is with Sri Dwaraka, an Indian restaurant on Clayton Road.
Through this partnership, students can enjoy discounted meals—a small but significant relief for those navigating the high cost of living in Melbourne.
“They specialize in biriyani, which is similar to the food where I’m from in Gujarat, India,” Ayushi shares, adding that they plan to feature food from the restaurant at a future welfare lunch.
Alex Francis, coordinator of the Clayton Road Traders Association, emphasizes the positive impact international students have on the local economy. “International students are a huge part of the success of Clayton Road,” he says, noting the area’s thriving diversity and the role students play in bringing life to local businesses.
Moving Forward
Despite the unimaginable tragedy Vedant faced at such a young age, his story is one of hope, resilience, and determination. Now an advocate for hundreds of students at Monash University, he continues to make a positive impact on both the student body and the local community.
“If I wasn’t an international student, my life would have been so different,” Vedant reflects. “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to come to Australia and make a fresh start for myself.”
Vedant’s journey from heartbreak to leadership exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and highlights the important role international students play—not only in their universities but in the communities that welcome them.
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