I have known Peter Varghese since 2009.
I first met him when he arrived in India as Australia’s High Commissioner.
At that time, I could not have imagined how many lives that meeting would touch.
What began as a simple relationship grew into something extraordinary.
Together, we opened doors that had always been closed to our children.
Peter believed in our students.
Not from a distance, but in a deeply personal way.
He used his voice and his influence to create opportunities where none existed.
Because of him, our young people walked into embassies, high commissions, and multinational companies with confidence.
They began to see a world they had never known before.
The Asha Internship Program was a turning point.
It told our students, “You belong.”
And Peter did not stop there.
When he became Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, he carried Asha with him.
He continued to create space for our work.
I remember the event he hosted with Sir Peter Cosgrove as the honoured guest.
Usha stood there and shared her story.
And the voice of a young woman from the slums of Delhi was heard at the highest levels.
Later, as Chancellor of the The University of Queensland, he opened yet another door.
A door that continues to change lives.
A full equity scholarship each year for an Asha student.
Today, Mohini stands tall in her profession.
Soon, Surabhi will begin her own journey.
And there will be many more.
Peter, as you step down as Chancellor, we feel both gratitude and a sense of loss.
But we also feel great hope.
Because what you have built is strong.
It will endure.
And I truly hope that your legacy at the University of Queensland will continue to grow, long into the future.
You have been a quiet force.
You never sought recognition.
You simply did what was right.
But in doing so, you have changed the direction of so many lives.
You have been light in places that knew only darkness.
You have been hope where there was none.
You have been dignity to those who had been overlooked for far too long.
As you step into the next phase of your life, Peter, I wish you great joy and fulfilment.
And I say this with warmth and hope, I trust that Asha will continue to be a meaningful part of your journey.
This small gift that I offer you today comes from the hands of skilled craftsmen in India.
It carries with it the beauty, care, and richness of our land.
But more than that, it reflects something of you.
Because like this piece, you have taken what is often unseen, and given it value.
You have lifted lives and made them shine.
Peter, from the slums of Delhi, with love, we thank you.
