Tarang Chawla is set to contest the Victorian state election as an independent candidate for the Legislative Council from South Eastern Metropolitan region of Melbourne.
But the road to his candidacy has been unlike that of most of his opponents running for the November ballot.
Born in India, Mr Chawla moved to Australia with his family in 1988.
His life story is one of resilience, having overcome the grief of his sister's murder in 2015, and channeling it into a career in social activism.
Nikita Chawla, 23, was in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Brunswick.
Fuelled by his anger stemming from the tragedy, Mr Chawla has worked closely with various government and non-governmental bodies to empower members of the community and to shine a light on all aspects of violence against women.
“My primary focus will be on addressing community safety for the area and ending violence against women,” Mr Chawla told SBS Punjabi.
"I can't bear the thought of another Diwali dinner without families together, with an empty table and an empty chair for someone who’s life has been lost to senseless men’s violence," added Mr Chawla.
“Violence against women is at national epidemic levels. This year 61 women have been murdered which means we have lost more than one woman a week."
Violence against women and their children is costing Australia $21.6 billion each year, with the state governments carrying more than a third of the cost burden.
Mr Chawla said he is committed to keep the issue alive and it's time we address it.
“For the voting public, I intend to keep the issue of violence against women firmly on the political agenda so we do not see another murder on the front cover of our newspapers every few days. This shouldn't happen on our watch and it does because the government is letting us all down."
"November 23 is White Ribbon Day. But its more than just putting a ribbon on. It's about action and that is why I have taken the step to run for Parliament."
Apart from issues surrounding women, Mr Chawla wanted to address the lack of diversity within the Victorian Parliament.
A candlelight vigil for alleged domestic violence victim Nikita Chawla in 2015 Source: AAP
“As an India-born Australian, what really sticks out to me is the lack of diversity in our Parliament," he said.
It is imperative to note that Mr Chawla is the only Indian-origin candidate contesting as an Independent for the Upper House.
"I think it is troubling that our elected officials do not represent the diversity of the whole community. It sends the message to others that they are not welcome in politics.
“Voting for me and electing someone who stands for the good of the community is a sign to the major parties that the time of ignoring the public is over."
Mr Chawla holds three degrees and completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law at the University of Melbourne.
Tarang Chawla, Young Australian of the Year 2017 finalist, and a passionate advocate for the prevention of family violence Source: Supplied
He was the recipient of the University of Melbourne Rising Star Award for Alumni and was also a 2017 Young Australian of the Year finalist for championing the cause of violence against women.
