Q&A… with Casey-Cardinia Rotaract incoming president Arshu Maskey

Casey-Cardinia Rotaract incoming president Arshu Maskey. Picture: ROB CAREW 340191_05

Tell us two fun facts about yourself!

I have sung for charity events in the past. The most recent event I’ve performed in was for the Tongue and Groove Virtual Open Mic event, which was aimed at helping raise funds for the Sahara Micro Relief Fund through the Rotaract Club of Nepal. The fund helps aid hospital expenses to people with financial hardships. I am also quite adventurous. I’ve crossed a few things off my bucket list such as paragliding, skydiving, and ultralight. I believe we do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves, and there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

What are you most passionate about?

I am really passionate about helping the community. I am the current president of the Casey-Cardinia Rotaract Club and am excited to organize future events that inspire, empower and help the community. I am also a strong advocate for mental health.

What do you love about what you do?

I like spreading kindness, positivity, and uplifting people to reach their full potential. I highly recommend the younger generation (18-plus) to join the Casey-Cardinia Rotaract club to help, learn, enjoy, and make new friends.

If you were a spirit animal, what animal would you be?

My spirit animal would be a phoenix. It symbolizes hope, rebirth, and transformation. When push comes to shove, they always rise from the ashes.

What would your last meal be?

Homemade food made with love by my mum. Mainly spicy fried rice with macadamia nuts, tomato chutney and sweets.

What was your most memorable moment?

I am really passionate about helping the community. It gave me immense pleasure to receive recognition for all my work to help people in need. I have two memories that I consider to be the most important to me. One was being chosen for the Cardinia Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year 2022 and the other was for winning the postgraduate industry experience expo, where I created a project ‘Information Technology for social good’ to encourage young children to play physical activities/games for their physical and mental well-being during the pandemic. This project was very memorable and close to my heart.

What were you like as a kid?

I used to be an extrovert and would speak my mind. My parents used to describe me as a “little ray of sunshine”. I used to be bubbly and full of positive energy. I loved singing and dancing I used to organise small talent shows during family gatherings.

What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

I would like to witness the first time man walked on the moon (Apollo 11).

Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

I would invite these inspiring women who made a difference in this world: Diana, Princess of Wales, Ada Lovelace, Queen Elizabeth II, Marie Curie, Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai. I would talk to them about their passions and ask them for their words of wisdom for the younger generations.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Currently I’m reading ‘The Happiness Project’ by Gretchen Rubin. This book consists of inspiring ideas and tons of ways we can take a look at life and improve the little things.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Caring, loyal and ambitious.

Where is your happy place?

I like listening to music. I have Spotify playlists called ‘Morning Moves’ and ‘Hits Different’. They take me to my happy place and I get into a better mood.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

I would make traditional Newari food that is called Momo. It’s very addictive, I would highly recommend it.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I don’t have a dream holiday destination as such but I would love to travel around the world one day. To visit different places, understand various cultures and traditions, and make memories along the way.