In a world constantly in flux, the search for identity and purpose can be a lifelong journey. For Raaju Parames, this journey has been as transformative as it is inspiring. From his roots in Sri Lanka to his life in Australia, Raaju has navigated the complexities of migration, cultural identity, and the pursuit of passion. This is his story.
The Early Years: A Tale of Migration
Raaju’s story begins with the dreams of his parents, who left their war-torn homeland of Sri Lanka in search of a better life. They first moved to Germany, where Raaju’s childhood memories were shaped by isolation and the struggle of adapting to a new culture. “We were very isolated,” Raaju recalls, “just us, my family, doing a lot of things.”
As a young boy, Raaju was introduced to music, a passion that would become a lifelong companion. His family eventually moved to Australia, where Raaju faced the challenges of forming his identity amidst a small Sri Lankan community. “Through cricket, we made ourselves Sri Lankan,” he shares, highlighting the power of sports in bridging cultural divides.
Raaju’s story begins with the dreams of his parents, who left their war-torn homeland of Sri Lanka in search of a better life. They first moved to Germany, where Raaju’s childhood memories were shaped by isolation and the struggle of adapting to a new culture. “We were very isolated,” Raaju recalls, “just us, my family, doing a lot of things.”
As a young boy, Raaju was introduced to music, a passion that would become a lifelong companion. His family eventually moved to Australia, where Raaju faced the challenges of forming his identity amidst a small Sri Lankan community. “Through cricket, we made ourselves Sri Lankan,” he shares, highlighting the power of sports in bridging cultural divides.
Navigating Identity and Racism
Life in Australia was not without its struggles. Raaju speaks candidly about the racism he faced and the identity crisis that ensued. “I was being called black, which I wasn’t,” he says. Yet, through the adversity, he found strength in the multicultural environment, which helped him embrace his Sri Lankan Tamil identity.
Life in Australia was not without its struggles. Raaju speaks candidly about the racism he faced and the identity crisis that ensued. “I was being called black, which I wasn’t,” he says. Yet, through the adversity, he found strength in the multicultural environment, which helped him embrace his Sri Lankan Tamil identity.
Music is a better distraction than everything else out there.
- Raaju -
The Power of Music
Music was a refuge and a means of expression for Raaju. He began his professional DJ career in 2014, bringing with him a rich knowledge of traditional music and a deep love for beats and melodies. “Music is a better distraction than everything else out there,” he states, emphasizing its role in his life.
Music was a refuge and a means of expression for Raaju. He began his professional DJ career in 2014, bringing with him a rich knowledge of traditional music and a deep love for beats and melodies. “Music is a better distraction than everything else out there,” he states, emphasizing its role in his life.
Balancing Passion and Practicality
Raaju’s journey wasn’t just about following his passion; it was about making tough choices. He left the corporate world to pursue DJing full-time, a decision that required unwavering support from his family. “If you give up who you actually are…that’s what selling your soul is,” he reflects.
Raaju’s journey wasn’t just about following his passion; it was about making tough choices. He left the corporate world to pursue DJing full-time, a decision that required unwavering support from his family. “If you give up who you actually are…that’s what selling your soul is,” he reflects.
Raaju’s story is also one of manifestation. He believes in the power of belief and the impact of positive thinking. “If you believe in the things you want to do, you will manifest that,” he asserts. His journey underscores the importance of aligning one’s life with their true self.
Raaju Parames is more than just a DJ; he is a beacon of resilience and authenticity. His story is a testament to the power of music, the strength found in embracing one’s identity, and the transformative power of dreams. As Raaju continues to inspire through his music and his journey, he reminds us all of the importance of living a life true to oneself.