With just days remaining before the City of Canning local government elections, Gurukul WA’s Founder and President, Tani Saha, who is contesting for the position of Councilor for the City, asserted she has personally visited more than 3,000 homes across Perth, Australia. 

“Every conversation has taught me something new about what people need and what they care about,” Saha told South Asian Herald in an exclusive interview while preparing for the polls scheduled for October 18, 2025. “This campaign is not about politics; it’s about people and the power of connection.”

Saha’s campaign centers on local priorities, including “community safety, small business support, youth spaces, sustainability, and better lighting and amenities in local areas.”

“For me, the real success lies in building relationships, understanding local issues, and being part of a shared effort to make Canning better,” Saha added. “It’s not about winning or losing even just connecting with residents, knocking on doors, and building relationships feels like a win already.”

Saha highlighted her pledge to be “a representative who listens and acts, committed to collaboration between the community and the council.” She called her approach “doorstep democracy,” rooted in direct engagement rather than grandstanding.

She also spoke about her long record of service through Gurukul WA, a not-for-profit she founded to promote education, culture, and creativity among children and families. “Through Gurukul, we’ve organised cultural festivals, language workshops, and volunteer initiatives that strengthen social ties across Canning,” she said.

Reflecting on the recognition she has received, Saha said “Being honored with the City of Canning Citizen of the Year Award, the WA Volunteer Service Award, and inclusion in the Council Honours List 2024 has been deeply humbling. I was also a finalist for the 2023 Australia Day Active Citizenship Award.”

Before running for council, Saha’s journey in Canning began as a young mother balancing family responsibility with work and community life. “Being part of this community has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I’ve juggled school drop-offs, work, and volunteering, and every experience has shaped my understanding of what families and neighbours need.”

According to Saha, her professional experience spans healthcare and small business ownership. “Working in local healthcare and running my own business taught me the importance of care, resilience, and problem-solving. I also mentored local youth, helping them gain confidence and practical skills,” she said.

While campaigning, Saha also managed to host Bijoy Dashami celebrations on October 12, 2025, as part of the festive season. “We brought families together for a vibrant cultural evening that underscored inclusion and unity,” she said.

Looking ahead to international attention, Saha highlighted the upcoming performance of Gurukul, noting, “Our dance troupes will perform alongside Diljit Dosanjh at his AURA concert at RAC Arena in November.” 

She added, “This will be the first major Western Australia performance of this globally acclaimed, sold-out performer, expected to draw large crowds from the state’s vibrant communities. We are delighted to be part of this concert, one of the biggest South Asian shows ever staged in Perth, following its sold-out success worldwide.” 

The experience also reinforced her campaign philosophy. “Canning is a beautiful mosaic of cultures. Our diversity is our strength, and I want to keep building bridges that help every resident feel seen and heard. As polling day approaches, my focus is simple: it’s about meeting people, listening to their stories, and turning those conversations into real action that makes our community stronger,” she said.

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