As proud Australians of Indian heritage, Indian Australians therefore have the opportunity to enjoy double celebrations and have double fun.

Like previous years, Council of Indian Australians Inc is celebrating Australia Day & Indian Republic Day together at a venue in Western Sydney.

When & where: Sunday, 29th Jan, 2012, from 6.30 PM to 11 PM at Bowman Hall, Blacktown, NSW.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/340676542617377/

All are invited and welcome but booking of tickets is essential.

Attached Flyer has necessary details.

Dr Yadu Singh

President, Council of Indian Australians Inc

dryadusingh@gmail.com

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Related articles

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Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/8th Dec, 2011

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• Australia ‘won’t sell uranium to Pakistan’ (news.smh.com.au)
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Press release is here>>>> CIA-press-release-No16-welcoming-ALP-decision-to-sell-Uranium-to-India

Please visit this Blog for more write-ups on this topic over the last few years.

Yadu Singh/4th Dec, 2011/Sydney

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Press release from Council of Indian Australians Inc on Australian Uranium sale to India is enclosed.

CIA-Press_Release_No15_Australian_Uranium_to_India-Final

Yadu Singh

dryadusingh@gmail.com

I was invited to write this article for the Journal from Foreign Policy Research Centre [FPRC], New Delhi. FPRC is a Think Tank on India’s Foreign Policy.

I have argued that Australia and India should develop the best of the best relations, and suggested how it can be achieved.

Link is here>>>  LEP.FPRC.Journal  See pages 200-206.

PS: Please note that ALP has passed a resolution in its national conference on Sunday, 4th Dec, 2011, reversing the ban on Uranium trade with India. Yadu Singh/6th Dec, 2011.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/15th Nov, 2011

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I was very happy that the Bills were finally passed. They will now return to the House of Representatives for the final tick.

Australian Medical association [AMA], of which I am a member, Australian GP Network [AGPN], Australian Council on Smoking and Health [ACOSH], Cancer Councils, Public Health Association of Australia [PHAA], Action on Smoking & Health [ASH] and many more including leading Professors  have all been strong supporters of these Bills, which have been considered as progressive piece of Legislation.

Except for some minor disagreements, all political parties were in support of Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill. NSW Govt led by Barry O’Farrell was also in support of this Bill, as was the Baillieu  Govt of Victoria.

This legislation is a world first. It is likely to reduce smoking, particularly among young people.

Approx 18% Australians smoke currently, compared to 23% a decade ago. 15000 Australians die from smoking related illnesses and a lot more get Heart attacks and strokes with serious impact on quality of life. The total cost per annum for related health care is $30 billion.

Big Tobacco companies like British American Tobacco, Philip Morris and Imperial Tobacco have threatened to challenge the legislation, once it becomes Law, in the High Court, but legal experts say that they have hardly any chance to succeed. The grounds on which the Big tobacco want to challenge this legislation is the breach of their trademarks and intellectual property rights, without compensation. 

From 1/12/12, Cigarettes packaging will be in drab Brown colour, which is apparently least attractive to people. The name of the brand and the maker will be allowed in a specified small size but Logo will not be allowed. Front of the package will have the explicit  health warning/message against smoking in 75% of the area and the back will have the same in 90% of the area.

Experts claim that cost of cigarettes and advertisements are two most important factors which attract people to cigarettes. The cost of cigarettes was increased last year and outdoor advertisement including sport linked advertisements have been banned too for some years. Seeing the name and Logo in flashy colours was the the last frontier of advertisement, experts have suggested.

World Health Organisation [WHO] has sided with Australia, while Big Tobacco ran an advertisement campaign earlier against this Bill. All sorts of objections were raised about the constitutionality of the Bill and that this Bill would violate WTO rules, but Govt stood its grounds, rejecting such claims. The Big Tobacco companies even went to the Court to get access to the legal opinion which Govt had received in support of the Bill. They did not succeed.

With Australia’s leading role in anti-tobacco campaign, more countries are likely to follow suit. NZ has already shown great enthusiasm in this.

With a close family member of mine succumbing to Tobacco-related cancer, I am against smoking & tobacco use, and am in total support for every anti-Tobacco campaign. There is all the justification for every action to prevent  Tobacco-related  illnesses and deaths.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/11/11/11

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• Govt ready for fight with tobacco firms (news.theage.com.au)
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IIFA Awards [The International Indian Film Academy Awards] are the most prestigious awards from Bollywood, the premier movie industry in India, and are presented every year by the International Indian Film Academy to recognise professionals and artists from Bollywood.

The first IIFA event was held in 2000. So far, they have been held in different countries around the world, details of which are as follows.

2000: Millennium Dome London, United Kingdom,

2001: Super Bowl Arena, Sun City, South Africa,

 2002: Arena of Stars Genting, Highlands, Malaysia,

2003: Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, South Africa,

 2004: Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore,

2005: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,

2006: Dubai International Convention Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,

2007: Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, United Kingdom,

2008: Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand,

2009: The Venetian Macao, Macau, Macau,

2010: Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka,

2011: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada.

Social and economic benefits of hosting IIFA Awards are many. No wonders, there is a fierce competition among cities to host the event.  IIFA reaches out to millions of viewers and fans across the world providing them with an opportunity to see legends of Bollywood together on one stage. Toronto IIFA event was reportedly watched by >600million viewers. The Academy’s main objective has been to develop and promote relationships between film industries and organizations across the world. The focus is on foreign exchange and interaction, creating a common forum and meeting ground for enhancing business opportunities, apart from showcasing Bollywood cinema.

To prove that the hosting city benefits greatly, here is the latest evidence. Government of Ontario invested US$ 12 million to host 2011 edition of IIFA at Toronto and believed to have gained direct economic impact of over US$ 100 million in tourism. The organisers felt the returns of holding IIFA far exceeded the expectations estimated by the Government of Ontario.

IIFA have never been held in Australia, but Melbourne is trying to host them. They have already started the process.

Sydney is truly a world city with plenty of attractions for the Bollywood artists and fans. After all, who can beat Opera House, pristine beaches like Bondi Beach, and Blue Mountain, along with Hunter Valley which is only a short distance away? NSW can rope in our cricketers too, knowing that some of them have a huge fan following in India. Sydney will beat any city, if it decided to bid for IIFA. NSW should definitely bid for it, as it is indeed going to bring heaps of tourists around the time of the event, and thereafter too, which should generate more than $200 million for the NSW economy. With the flow-on effect on the inward tourism from India, and with the improved image of Australia as a travel destination for Indians, this benefit may well cross 500 millions easily over the short to medium term. I know, I am not a NSW treasury official and can’t predict what the monetary outcome of this event would be for NSW, but one thing is certain that it would be beneficial to the economy.

If IIFA is held in Sydney, they will be the best ever (to match the best ever Olympics) and will help strengthen ties between India and Australia. Basically, there are many positives, and no negative.

Organisations like Council of Indian Australians, and Indian Australians in NSW generally, can play a vital role by helping the NSW Govt in the bidding process. There are >150000 people of Indian heritage in Sydney [more if you add the fans of Bollywood from Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds], who would be a potent force on behalf of NSW in attracting the event for Sydney.

My discussions with many prominent people, including those who are in film industry, have given me a clear impression that they would love to have IIFA in Sydney in the near future. To succeed in this however, the work has to start soon. It might be a bit late to bid for 2012, but we can start the process now for 2013 event or thereafter.

NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell is visiting India with a trade delegation next month. I think, it would be a perfect opportunity to initiate the process before the visit and follow it up during the visit.

I, for one, can’t wait to see IIFA event in our beautiful city, Sydney!

[With input from Tony Colaco and other members of the Council of Indian Australians Inc]

Yadu Singh/Sydney/25^th October, 2011

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Related articles

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We remember very well that Bollywood super star, Amitabh Bachchan had declined to accept the Honorary Doctorate from Queensland University of Technology [QUT] in 2009, when students’ unrest was at its peak in Australia. At that time, a segment of Indian media was running a campaign, calling each and every incident involving Indian students a racist attack.

Living in Australia, we knew that “racism” was not the sole motive or the reason for those attacks. We tried to counter the vicious campaign by Indian media but had only limited success.

Hearing about the news that Amitabh Ji had declined to accept the Doctorate, we made an appeal to him to visit Australia, accept the Doctorate, and see for himself that Australia is not a bad country, unlike the image Indian media had created. That did not work either.

See my previous Blog: http://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/amitabh-bachchan-ji-we-need-your-assistance/

We are pleased that he has now accepted the Doctorate and is travelling to Brisbane to receive it on 20th October, 2011. He is currently in Sydney, shooting for the Hollywood film, The Great Gatsby [directed by Baz Luhrmann], which also has Leonardo Di Caprio, Tobey Maguire and Joel Egerton in the starring roles.

Amitabh Ji, congrats for the honour!

I did not think he was right to reject that honour then, but there was nothing anybody could do, due to madness in Indian media. He has obviously analysed everything now, and agreed to accept the honour. Happy to see this happen, and say “Der Ayad Durust Ayad”! [देर आयद दुरुस्त आयद <===> BETTER LATE THAN NEVER].

Amit Ji, please enjoy your stay in Australia, and enjoy this beautiful country!

I am certain that you would find Australia a great place, and Australians to be friendly people.

You have a great number of fans in Sydney, who would love to meet you, before you return to India. Hope, you will find time to meet them. 

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/18th October, 2011

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Related articles

• Amitabh Bachchan: The Living Legend (celebsee.wordpress.com)

I have continued to have a keen interest this area due to various reasons, but making money myself has not been one of the motives.

Recently, Federal Govt has announced some changes to the Visa rules to encourage overseas students to come to Australia, thus boosting an $18 billion industry, but these changes will help only University sector. The key points in these changes include faster visa processing, less strict requirement in regards to financial support and 2-4 years work visa to work in any area, after completing a bachelor or higher level course from a University.

Premier of NSW, Mr Barry O’Farrell and Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu have asked for some changes in the rules and regulations to revive the vocational education and training sector which is almost moribund now. The events of 2009 and the bad press it generated has compromised this sector massively. NSW and Victoria earn $6.5 billions and $5.8 billions from international education respectively, but this is in jeopardy due to 64 % and 90.1% decline of students in the vocational education and training sector from China and India respectively in recent years.

The whole international education sector needs a boost but we should not allow the weaknesses of previous years to happen again.

There is a case for a support to Vocational education & training sector, provided the courses considered for this support are carefully defined and approved. It should be a “course” which should be the criterion, not the place from where it has been achieved. The quality of the training and a tight control on the delivery of such training to ensure similar levels and standards when compared with a University courses will be the key here.

There is no harm if overseas students have the qualifications which Australia needs, but we should make it clear that none has an automatic right to have permanent residence visa, just because they have a qualification from Australia.

We should encourage only genuine students and never permit visa rorting, which was common until recently. Compliance with Visa rules and conditions must be enforced ruthlessly. Dependent spouses, who are not students, should not be given permission for unlimited work, to prevent sham marriages.

I am outlining the strategy with some modification from our original document.

The key points are;

1. Safety and Security:  

Brief Details:

Several cases of robbery & bashings of  Students which gave a very bad publicity. 

Proposed Action Plan 

• Market Australia as a safe place when compared with other countries, using the experience of long term residents/citizens.
• Educate students to REPORT the incidents to NSW Police. Reporting does not affect their VISA.
• Councils to arrange a better lighting around Railway stations, car parks and  alleys etc in the key areas with higher students population
• Local councils to install CCTV for surveillance of crimes in the key areas with higher students population
• Liaison with NSW Police re under-cover policing, more visibility and patrolling in hot-spots
• Education of the students  to be street-smart and be aware of their  surroundings
• Employers have a duty of care and must arrange them to be dropped off at their apartments if it is beyond 10 PM
• Explore and educate the issues involving “Work-cover” matters in case of injury/assaults 
• Some transport concession, which is already available all over Australia except NSW and Vic. It would encourage more use of public transport which might also reduce the assaults/robberies of students.

2. Accommodation for Students: 

Brief Details:

No assistance on arrival. Many students forced to share crowded apartments and Poor treatment by rental agents 

Proposed Action Plan 

• Education providers should take responsibility for a minimum 6 months accommodation which can be organised at the market rate. Fees can include the rent for such accommodation.  
• Lobby with Immigration regarding  this requirement [Visa must not be issued unless accommodation confirmed]

 3. Quality of training:  

Brief details:  

Many students are exposed to poor quality of training by educational service providers & shady, shonky or bogus institutions. 

Proposed action plan: 

• Accreditation authorities/bodies to audit the quality of training randomly and frequently
• Effective and proper actions on proved cases
• Anonymous surveys from the current students re the quality issues
• Effective and prompt action by DEEWR/ACPET re alternate placement in schools/institutions or refund of the tuition fees if the educational provider goes out of business  

4. Exploitation of  students:  

Brief details:  

Students are exposed to exploitation of all kinds & bullying in part time employment or by educational service providers. They get below-award wages in many cases.  

Proposed action plan:  

• To advise & educate students about their RIGHTS in Australia
• To educate them re the appropriate agencies to deal with such matters
• To encourage/facilitate genuine students’ associations which are largely run by students themselves, not business people with hidden agenda and purposes. 
• To lobby for establishing an  overseas Students’ Ombudsman

 5. Overseas Students’ Ombudsman:

• This body will help students when they have issues with education providers or with employers.

6. Health Cover, other appropriate insurance matters and  emergency insurance:  

Brief details:  

Lack of proper/current Insurances and coverage by some students, particularly when they are on bridging Visa.

Proposed Action plan:  

• Pre arrival Information package in the country of origin
• Proper medical insurance must be a condition for the Visa and such cover must be current at all times during the stay in Australia 

7.  Social issues: 

Brief details: poor communication, insufficient participation in local community events & meetings and poor public behaviour in many cases 

Proposed action plan 

• Communication/education through community Radio, TV, newspapers and website.
• Encourage participation of students in community events
• Know what is expected in every situation.
• Encouraging and promoting “when in Rome, do as Romans do” policy for our students
• rules/regulations, Australian ways, expected behaviour and rights/obligations [There is now sufficient information in these matters in various websites] 

8. International education as a separate ministry:

• There is sufficient justification for a separate ministry due to the fact that it is a big earner for the economy and needs special attention.

9. International students’ advisory body:

• comprising of some international students, community representatives, education providers and Govt representatives. This will help deal with issues in regards to bad press and advise Govt with policy recommendations.

10. Marketing:

• targeted marketing in the key markets ie China and India
• addressing the concerns re safety and quality of education
• countering the bad publicity about so called “racism”, using community leaders of high repute in the key markets.

Boost in this sector will be great, but we do not need the repetition of past mistakes which literally killed the whole sector. 

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/11th Oct, 2011

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Related articles

• Student market ‘strangled’ (theage.com.au)
• Visa changes to help ‘genuine’ students (news.theage.com.au)
• Visa changes ‘biased’ towards universities (news.theage.com.au)
• Australia Sets Out Plan to Liberalize Visas for Foreign Students (nytimes.com)
• Fast visas to lure overseas students (theage.com.au)

It is great that the NSW Govt is hosting the function and thus giving an official status to Diwali celebration. It is a big plus for Indian Australian community in NSW. More details to follow.

Premier, The Hon Barry O’Farrell, and Minister for Citizenship and Communities, The Hon Victor Dominello, deserve a big thank you from Indian community. This is indeed late by a few years, but ”now” is better than “never”. NSW Govt hosts celebrations for many other communities. This is the first for Indian Australian community in NSW.

Diwali celebration in NSW Parliament is separate from The Diwali Fair, which is being organised by Hindu Council at Parramatta Stadium on 30th October, 2011. Apart from this, there would many more Diwali celebrations in Sydney.

I want to outline what Diwali is about and why Diwali deserved the honour of being hosted by NSW Govt. This is for those who might not be aware of the significance of Diwali.

Diwali is the biggest festival of India that celebrates the victory of good over the evil. It symbolizes the age-old culture of India which teaches mankind to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even today in this modern world teaches us to uphold the true values of life. 
 
“Diwali” is the easy-to-pronounce form of Deepavali or Deepawali. In Sanskrit “Deepavali” is the marriage of two Sanskrit words- Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. Indeed celebrating the row of lights forms one of Diwali’s main attraction.

While Diwali has a religious significance for an estimated 1 billion Hindus world wide, Diwali is clearly much more than that. It is a truly Indian festival which is celebrated by Indians throughout the world in a joyous mood, with zeal and enthusiasm. Diyas [oil lamp usually made from clay, with a cotton wick dipped in Ghee or vegetable oils] and candles are burnt in every home. People clean their homes, sweets are shared and people wish each other well. 

It heralds the beginning of new year as per the Hindu calendar. Diwali is normally celebrated in October or November.

Diwali is also an important event for Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Diwali is truly an Indian festival, not just a Hindu festival!
 
In NSW, Diwali celebration takes the highest spot on the Indian community Calender.

 
It is estimated that there are over 150 thousand people of Indian heritage in NSW. It can be safely said that Most of them celebrate Diwali each year in one or the other form. The number is growing each year  as more skilled migrants and students arrive from India and make NSW their home.
 
With multiculturalism recognised as part of the Australian way of life and as a valued asset of New South Wales, it is highly commendable that the Government of NSW recognised this major festival by hosting an official annual celebration at NSW Parliament for Diwali – the festival of light – symbolising and renewing the vows of the people of NSW to uphold the true values of life.
 
The Council of Indian Australians NSW Inc, the new peak body representing Indian Australians in NSW, believes in integration and participation of Indian Australians in the general Australian community. We are strong believers and supporters of multiculturalism and multicultural Australia.
 
The Council is thrilled with the new status of Diwali celebration and applauds NSW Govt for their decision to host Diwali celebration in the NSW Parliament. The Council is committed to working with the NSW government through the appropriate ministry, minister and agency to organise a grand Diwali celebration this year and in future.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Reasons to Celebrate Diwali.
The Festival of Lights is for All
 
 
Why do we celebrate Diwali? It’s not just the festive mood in the air that makes you happy, or just that it’s a good time to enjoy before the advent of winter.

There are 10 mythical and historical reasons why Diwali is a great time to celebrate. And there are good reasons not just for Hindus but also for all others to celebrate this great Festival of Lights.

1. The Victory of Rama: According to the epic ‘Ramayana’, it was the new moon day of Kartik when Lord Ram, Ma Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.

2. Special Day for the Sikhs: The third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalized Diwali as a Red-Letter Day when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings. In 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali. In 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir, was released from the Gwalior fort along with 52 kings.

3. Goddess Lakshmi’s Birthday: The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi.

4. Krishna Killed Narakaasur: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasur and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on for two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival.

5. The Return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic ‘Mahabharata’, it was ‘Kartik Amavashya’ when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of banishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). The subjects who loved the Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.

6. Coronation of Vikramaditya: One of the greatest Hindu King Vikramaditya was coroneted on the Diwali day, hence Diwali became a historical event as well.

7. Special Day for the Arya Samaj: It was the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.

8. Special Day for the Jains: Mahavir Tirthankar, considered to be the founder of modern Jainism also attained his nirvana on Diwali day.

9. Special day for Buddhism: Newar Buddhists celebrate it because Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism on this day.

10. The Pope’s Diwali Speech: In 1999, Pope John Paul II performed a special Eucharist in an Indian church where the altar was decorated with Diwali lamps, the Pope had a ‘tilak’ marked on his forehead and his speech was bristled with references to the festival of light.

[With input and contribution from Tony Colaco, President, Goan Overseas Association of NSW, and Executive Committee member of Council of Indian Australians Inc]

UPDATE: Community Relations Commission [CRC] is the body on behalf of NSW Govt to organise/conduct Deepavali celebration in NSW Parliament on 10th Nov, 2011. 

Yadu Singh/Sydney/1st Oct, 2011
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Related articles

• What do Hindus celebrate Diwali for and what is Diwali (wiki.answers.com)

I wish to clarify this as it is not reflecting my correct views. It is an incorrect statement.

The issue involving this play are obviously not the issue between two nations.  This is an issue between followers of Hinduism and Back to Back theatre, which is doing this play in Malthouse theatre, as a part of Melbourne Festival.

This issue is also not between the people of India or Hindus, and Australian people.

It is a matter only between the organisers of this play and us, who feel that the narratives in the publicity material is inappropriate.

I wish to clarify that a vast majority of Australian people are decent, fair-minded and great people, who have no interest in doing or saying anything which will denigrate any religion or offend followers of any religion. I do not believe they will support anyone either who would do or say something which will cause offence to others without a valid reason.

I am a strong supporter of freedom of speech, but I do not believe freedom of speech is an absolute thing, which gives any one a blanket permit to say or do anything without worrying about the consequences or genuine offence it might cause to others. There has to be a balance between the two.

I am also not demanding a ban on this Play, but I do want it to not denigrate the religious sentiments or beliefs of Hindus. They need to be sensitive towards the feelings of the followers of Hinduism. After all, the promotional material has words for Lord Ganesh like ““a mutated human,” “some form of genetic mutation…dreamt up as a secret weapon by the allies”, “ is interrogated and tortured by the Nazi SS”, and “desperately trying to cover his large elephant head under a wide-brimmed hat and high collar.”  Lord Ganesh has been described as “crushing people and military” and shown to be wearing a child’s nappy. These words and depiction could be quite offensive to the believers.

I expressed my concerns that “Ganesh versus the third Reich” play may create more troubles for Australia India relations, with the background of  the recent issues involving Indian students and others.

We are very aware of  the role of a segment in Indian media, which harmed the image of Australia with its exaggerated reports on students, often using racism tag for things which had nothing to do with race. This same segment can easily hype the issue involving “Ganesh versus the third Reich” as the issue between Australians and Indians. I am concerned about it, but I am also hopeful that people and media in both nations will treat matter of this type with sensitivity, objectivity and care.

I am for the faster growth of trade and relations between Australia and India. Australia, to me, is the best nation of the world.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/28th Sept, 2011

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http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/foreign-affairs/julia-gillard-commissions-white-paper-to-look-at-ways-to-exploit-asian-boom/story-fn59nm2j-1226149322811

Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has outlined in a speech in Asia Society today that Australia wants to tap into the booming economies of Asia, especially China, India and Indonesia. Australia’s raw materials, education and manufactured goods are in high demands in Asia. It is in the national interest of Australia to deal with Asian economies actively.

A white paper will be released by mid 2012, outlining various issues, risks, opportunities and benefits. Mr Ken Henry, ex-treasury secretary is the person who will do this job. This white paper will have detail of the short term initiatives [up to 5 years] and long term initiatives for a period up to 2025.

It is a no brainer for Australia to do so. In coming years and decades, Australian economy will get increasingly integrated with Asian economies. China, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Singapore and other nations from Asia are already our most important trading partners. This is going to increase more in the coming years. The booming economies in Asia have made people call it “Asian Century”, and indeed, it is a smart move for Australia to tap into these economies more actively and speedily.

There will be some political issues which may create some obstacle, but they can all be managed with varying degree of ease. 

As far as India is concerned, there is one potential obstacle which comes to mind. Some have called it an unnecessary irritation. There are enough justifications for Australia to sell Uranium to India and earn goodwill with India. People who know this issue have all suggested that Uranium issue needs urgent attention, and sale agreed, to take the India-Australia relations to a much higher level. PM Gillard should not have any trouble in getting the relevant amendments of the existing Acts passed in the Parliament, because Coalition already supports Uranium trade to India.

 In 2009, the bilateral trade between Australia and India was $20.87 billions. By now, it would have easily crossed $23 billions. With Uranium issue sorted, the bilateral trade can go to the top gear and easily double from the current value in a short to mid term.

To take the trade and relation at the higher level, it would be helpful to have an expertise in the national languages of these nations. In India’s case, there is a lot of points in favour of including India’s national language, HINDI, as a secondary language in the national curriculum. My previous Blog on Hindi is here. http://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/australian-national-draft-curriculum-for-second-tier-languageswhy-is-hindi-missing-from-it/

I am looking forward to this White Paper next year.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/28th Sept, 2011

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http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/hindus-want-to-ban-play-that-has-ganesh-reclaim-swastika-from-germany-20110926-1ktkb.html

Barney Zwartz, the Religion editor of The Age newspaper has reported on “Ganesh versus the third Reich” play being organised in Melbourne festival from 29th September, 2011.

See more details in my earlier posts.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/27th september, 2011

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Bowen-Evans-Knight-Media-release

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/knight/

http://www.smh.com.au/national/postgraduate-education/overseas-students-get-easier-entry-working-visas-20110922-1kncv.html

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/international-student-visa-changes-biased-towards-unis-tafe/story-e6frgcjx-1226144429513

http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/visa-change-to-help-foreign-students/story-fn6ck4a4-1226143636337

These changes are likely to lift the number of overseas students coming to Australia and will give a boost to the economy. This is a good news. International education is worth $18 billion nationally. Everything needs to be done to take it to a bigger level, while ensuring that the system is not rorted again. We do not want “Visa factories” again. These changes are likely to encourage genuine students, wishing to pursue education in Australia.

The main changes are;

• Fast Visa approval process for bachelor or higher degree University courses
• Less onerous criterion for financial support
• Changes in the risk assessment criterion
• 2-4 years guaranteed work Visa after finishing a bachelor degree or higher Uni courses
• Australian International Education will be able to compete with UK, USA and Canada more effectively

The work visa is a master stroke. This allows people to work without any restrictions. I have no doubt that it will make Australia a very attractive place for International education.

Indeed, universities have been given some preference in the new system, largely because they are the places for higher and quality education. These changes will help TAFE too but unlikely to help the private institutions which had mushroomed previously, and many brought bad reputation to the industry and Australia due to poor quality education and exploitation of students. These fly by night operators and shonky providers had done enormous harm to this sector.

Quality control and monitoring of providers would be the key to keep Australia in the fore front. University sector gets about 25% of its budget from overseas students. This dependence on overseas students should not be allowed to dilute the standards of education in the universities.

These Visa rules will be reviewed periodically by the Education Visa Consultative Committee [EVCC] which will recommend changes as and when needed.

These are welcome changes and should help the growth of the industry. Michael Knight, Ex NSW Minister and the author of the report, has done a good job.

Finally, NSW Govt should do every thing to promote its universities to the overseas market, especially China and India, by removing the apprehension about safety issues, working towards some system for accommodation support in the beginning, and establishing a system which will deal with exploitation of students. The bogey of racism and racist attacks which some overseas media had reported without real basis can be tackled effectively. NSW delegation is visiting India in November. In addition to every thing else, it should obviously also have a focus on this sector. Nothing will assure Indian parents better if they hear from Indian Australians of high standing that Australia is a safe place to study, live and work. I believe that the $5 billion international education industry in NSW can easily grow to a higher level, if key players work smartly and effectively. Victoria is the number one destination for these students currently, but it could easily be NSW. After all, overseas students will come to NSW as a prefered destination, as it is a fantastic place with beautiful cities, beaches, renowned universities and multiculturalism in its DNA. This will happen definitely, provided NSW has been marketed smartly in the key markets.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/23rd September, 2011

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Related articles

• Visa changes ‘biased’ towards universities (news.theage.com.au)
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• Visa changes to help ‘genuine’ students (news.theage.com.au)

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8776050/Hindu-fury-over-Australian-play-that-pits-god-Ganesh-against-Hitler.html

The Telegraph [UK] covers the controversy involving a play in Melbourne which is going to use the image of Lord Ganesh.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/21st Sept, 2011

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Yadu Singh/Sydney/20th Sept, 2011

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• Hindu fury over Australian play that pits god Ganesh against Hitler (telegraph.co.uk)

With this background, I find it very disappointing that Back To Back Theatre, in collaboration with Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne, is doing a play “Ganesh and the third Reich” in Melbourne Festival on 29^th Sept, 2011. This play is going to use Lord Ganesha as matter for comedy and laughter. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika

 <<<Swsatka                                               >>>>Nazi swastika

Lord Ganesha does not need to go to Germany to deal “one to one” with Hitler! Nazi swastika is a corrupted form of the Hindu swastika and had no similarity with the original swastika which meant “Good luck”, unlike what Hitler was using it for. Nazi swastika was a sign of hatred and evil. Nazi variety has crosses at a 45 degree angle while the original one has horizontal and vertical arms with 4 dots.

One of most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism, Lord Ganesha, is regarded as god of wisdom, good luck and destroyer of obstacles, and is invoked at the beginning of businesses, projects and undertakings. Hinduism is a tolerant religion and respects other religions. It is one of the oldest religions and has been around for more than 5000 years. It is also the third largest religion of the world with more than one billion followers.

 I believe that People need to be sensitive to the beliefs and feelings of other people. Using Lord Ganesha in this manner is inappropriate and will be offensive to many followers of Hinduism. 

CIA-press-release-Lord-Ganesha

Depiction of Lord Ganesha in this manner is going to become an Issue in India and among Indians, and is likely to create a controversy between India and Australia, which is unnecessary.

Further more, agencies which receive public funding in Australia, can’t be associating with any action, commentary, documentary or play, which lampoons the beliefs, deities or feelings of people from any religion.  

I urge Melbourne Festival, Arts Victoria, Tourism Victoria, and City of Melbourne to consider the hurt, which people might experience from such parody of one of the most revered deities of Hinduism, and act with sensitivity.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/19th Sept, 2011

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Anna Hazare was taken to Tihar Jail, where infamous politicians like Suresh Kalamadi of CWG scam and Mr A Raja of 2G spectrum scam are being kept.

This did not go well with the people of India. There were protests every where in India, and even overseas. The Govt of India saw the mass support for Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement and buckled under pressure. They agreed to release him in the evening, even though he was sent to the prison for 7 days, and also allowed the “Hunger strike” to go ahead in Delhi.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anna-Hazare-to-fast-at-Ramlila-Maidan-from-tomorrow/articleshow/9645206.cms

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Who-is-Anna-Hazare/articleshow/9644794.cms

Anna Hazare and his team, including vast numbers of Indians, want Indian Parliament to pass a stringent anti-corrption Bill [Jan Lokpal Bill] to tackle rampant corruption in India. Govt of India, however, wants to pass a weaker Bill, excluding some of the people who, Anna Hazare & team [including Kiran Bedi, Shashi Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal, Swami Agnivesh] want to be included in the Bill.

Corruption is a fact of life in India and it affects every one and every walk of life. It is a big menace. People are sick of it. It needs to be tackled effectively and immediately.

The concept of accountability has to be implemented. A strong anti-corruption Bill will go a long way in tackling this menace but it will not be sufficient unless accompanied by a persistent campaign via mass media and some changes in the education system. This would also need the provision of sufficient funds and personnel to allow the Jan LokPal to do its job in a timely manner.

Corruption can be controlled provided there is a will power in the system. The example of ICAC [Independent Commission Against Corruption, www.icac.nsw.gov.au ] in NSW is a good example.

There is a public movement in India and this is telling the Govt that people are sick of corruption. Govt should listen to the feelings and moods of the people and get on the business of eradicating corruption.

The current state of corruption is not tenable.

Anna Hazare is not just a name. It is in fact a name of a movement which has support from the masses. Govt has a choice to make. Listening to people and do something about is going to give the Govt some brawny points while ignoring or, worse, suppressing it is going to cause a lot of harm to them.

Anna Hazare movement is creating history. Just like Indians in India, I and my friends are supporting this movement. While we can’t do much sitting in Australia, we can definitely participate in this movement, and support this movement, by writing to the Consul Generals of India and High Commissioner of India in Australia.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/18th Aug, 2011

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I am pleased to report that Sydney’s 2Day FM Radio station and Kyle Sandilands have realised the mistake in their comments and issued an apology. This apology has been on air by Kyle, and in writing by Adam Lang, General Manager of 2day FM Radio station, who had sent a letter to me yesterday.

This is from what Kyle has said.

” I’m apologising….. anyone that’s Indian that listens to this show knows that I love Indians…. I don’t discriminate. I love everyone. I don’t care where they are, where they are from, what colour they are, I just made the mistake that the river which, to me, looks polluted, I said it was a junkyard and I did not realise it was holy.”

This is what Adam Lang said. ” In this instance, I hope that you feel that Kyle Sandilands and 2Day FM have taken full responsibility for the offence caused by remarks made. The offence was not intended but that consequence is absolutely accepted and we do sincerely apologise.”

I have heard the audio and it is good.

The Council of Indian Australians’ Press release is here. CIA_Press_Release_No12_2Day-FM-apologises

With this, the matter arising from Kyle’s comments has been resolved to our satisfaction. We are happy that it has been resolved so quickly. This chapter is now closed.

I urge Indian media in India and Indians all over the World to close this chapter too. There is no need for any campaign or protest anymore. Desi Kangaroos TV clip is here.  http://youtu.be/LwIsrAaKilU

As I had said in my Sydney Morning Herald interview yesterday http://tinyurl.com/4xvkx2s , this matter was not between Australia and India. It was between Kyle and the listeners. It did affect Indians all over the world however. A lot of Indians were upset but some also agreed with him.

In Australia, just like India, press is free. Govt of Australia does not control press here, just like India. The protest by us and people every where else did work. This is a sign that media in  a free country does listen to public opinion.

Let us take emotions out from this debate now. River Ganges is a Holy river in Hinduism. Accepting it as a Holy River is fine and true, but it is not enough. National Govt and State Governments in India have not done enough to stop pollution of this river or any other river. This is unpardonable. How can they allow so much waste going into this River in the cities along the course of Ganges? 

Protests and campaigns are fine and justified, but they alone will not achieve results. There is a need to take real action to stop pollution of Ganges and recover it from the damage. Will that happen or will this outrage die out in a few days? Will people forget that the basic issue is that India has allowed Ganges and other rivers getting so polluted?

Let us take the message that India has a serious issue of pollution of its natural resources and let us accept that it is all man-made. All of us already know it and Kyle’s comments have only re-inforced this fact. We have been shown a mirror and the things were not pretty. That needs to change.

Although we do love to blame bureaucracy and political system for the problem of this nature, it remains a fact that we too are responsible for it. It is about time that we accept this fact and do something effective and fast.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/3rd Aug, 2011

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Kyle Sandilands of 2Day FM made some anti-India comments. Sydney Morning Herald covered this matter. It was a balanced report.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/2nd Aug, 2011

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See the link below.

http://t.co/iDNuWrQ 

 It has the sound bites of the grossly offensive anti-India comments by Kyle Sandilands of 2Day FM.

They are hurtful, unnecessary and objectionable to Indian Australians, to whom India will always have a special place. Unlike Kyle, we do not believe India is a “shit hole”. River Ganges, which Kyle is ridiculing outrageously, is accepted as a sacred river by the followers of the Hindu religion. His comments are getting into the realm of religious beliefs of Hindus and he seems to be questioning them.

These comments are the products of arrogant,  insensitive and uninformed mind.

I wonder how much Kyle knows about India before he made these objectionable comments.

2Day FM management should ask him to apologise for his hurtful comments.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/29th Aug, 2011

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Link is here>> http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1sqpz/MiningampTechnologyA/resources/index.htm Page 40-41.

I am keen to hear from you about your views, points and counterpoints. I enclose this Radio interview about Uranium mining in Australia. http://radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/in-focus-uranium-mining-business-and-trade-2/

Yadu Singh/Sydney/12th July, 2011

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We raised the matter involving an incorrect map of India in DIAC [Dept of Immigration and citizenship] website.

See this post for details of this matter. http://tinyurl.com/3oxh9pg

We also wrote to Australian Foreign Affairs minister, Mr Kevin Rudd and Immigration minister, Mr Chris Bowen, under whose ministry, DIAC operates.

We also wrote to Indian High commissioner in Canberra and Consul General of India, Sydney.

Social media-Twitter and Facebook- were used to generate awareness. We do have access to Australian top political leaders via our social media outlets.

As this NDTV report suggests, the incorrect map is going to be removed from DIAC website. http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/no-j-k-arunachal-pradesh-in-oz-map-of-india-111792

Council of Indian Australians[ www.cia.org.au ] and myself are really proud of ourselves. We are also proud of our friends for being involved in this campaign. Genuine thanks are due to Australian Govt authorities for acting quickly in a matter which was causing a serious concern to Indian Australians, and [I guess] to India.

A wrong has been righted, and we are proud to be a part of the campaign to get it done.

Finally, this re-enforces my views that Australia is a great nation.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/13rd June, 2011

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Even Arunachal Pradesh appears to be shown outside India.

See the Link here.

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/statistics/country-profiles/_pdf/india.pdf

This is wrong and objectionable, and should be rectified.

Jammu & Kashmir is an integral, inseparable and inalienable part of India and will always remain so.

Let me remind those who do not know the relevant history. J&K became an inalienable part of India on 25th October, 1947 when King of J&K, Maharaja Hari Singh, signed the “Instrument of accession” with India. This Instrument was executed between India’s then Governor-General, Lord Louis Mountbatten, and Maharaja Hari Singh on 27th October, 1947. All rulers of States and Kingdoms in India were entitled to choose one of three options- join India, join Pakistan or remain independent-at the time of Indian independence in 1947.

J&K joined India in 1947.

Pakistan came into being on 14th Aug, 1947, and it celebrates its Independence day on 14th August.

India celebrates its Independence Day on 15th August.

Here is the Link for more details.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammu_and_Kashmir

Maharaja Hari Singh’s Kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir obviously joined India. The Maharaja made the correct choice. He was a smart King. J&K is part of the progressive, prosperous, secular, multicultural and democratic India.

India and Indians will never allow anyone to undo what was done by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947. Terrorism and unrest supported from across the border will never succeed.

I also want to see that something serious is done to facilitate return of Kashmiri Pundits [KPs] back to Kashmir, from where they were forced to go into exile in other parts of India. KPs are living in exile in their own country. I and millions of Indians feel for the plight of KPs.

It would be helpful if relevant parties have a proper geographical and historical knowledge in these matters.

LOC [line of Control] in J&K, depicting what is happening on the ground, can be shown, just as UNDP Map does. Arunachal Pradesh is clearly an Indian territory and Governed by India.

My view is that DIAC India map is a genuine oversight, and can be fixed easily. I don’t think even for a minute that it has been done deliberately or done with malafide intension.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/09th June, 2011

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PS: DIAC had removed the map within days after this post. See the subsequent post in this Blog. Yadu Singh/25th Sept, 2011

Picture from SMH newspaper

It is grossly offensive and totally unacceptable to see the picture of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi ] on a swimsuit. I am a liberal Hindu but I do follow Hindu religious values. As a practising Hindu, I was undoubtedly angry when I saw it.

I am pleased that Lisa Burke, the maker of the Label, Lisa Blue, from Byron Bay, NSW has seen her folly, apologised for this mistake and has decided to withdraw the swimsuit from the production.

Reacting to the concerns from multiple sources, Lisa Blue issued a generic press release which is being copied below;

That is the end of the matter, as far as this issue is concerned.

We need to recognise that this was a matter specific to Lisa Burke of Lisa Blue which she has dealt with effectively. It is not a matter between India and Australia, as some from India are trying to project. Things need to be seen in a proper perspective and context.

I am aware that many online commenters have justified the picture on that swimsuit, using the logic of “freedom of speech or expression”. I do not agree with it at all. No one has a right to hurt/insult the religious feelings and beliefs of millions of people. Using “freedom of speech or expression” in this matter is inappropriate.

I am dismayed that Hinduism is often at the receiving end in these matters. Not too long ago, someone used the pictures of our deities in some other offensive manners somewhere else in the world. We have not forgotten the stupid and offensive paintings of Hindu Goddesses by that cretin named MF Hussain in India. He claims to be a painter which is an insult to the word “painter”. I am yet to see him painting symbols of other religions in that offensive manner.

Hinduism is a peaceful religion and Hindus are generally peaceful people but that does not mean we have to accept people abusing our religion and religious beliefs. We have seen the behaviours of intolerant people towards our religion and religious symbols in India in the past but we are not going to allow that to be repeated anymore.

We don’t abuse others’ religions or religious beliefs and WILL not tolerate others abusing ours.

I am proud of the values and beliefs of Hinduism. Like other religious doctrines, it does have some weaknesses which should be worked on by our religious leaders but it is definitely a great religion, teaching compassion, love, non-violence, tolerance, inclusiveness, sacrifice, peace and the value of KARMA.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/10th May, 2011

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• Lisa Blue ‘Lakshmi’ Swimsuit Causes Outrage Among Hindus (PHOTOS, POLL) (huffingtonpost.com)

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Life is a complex thing. We live, eat and work. That is a routine which we all go through. We have fun and face moments of sadness sometimes. We attack [? criticise] people at times and get attacked [?criticised] by people too. This is all a part of living. This is all a part of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam”!

There are things we do with which we experience satisfaction and there are things with which we don’t feel satisfied at all.

Helping our own family members and getting thanked for is clearly satisfying but is also our duty. Helping someone who is not exactly part of the family and getting thanked for is definitely more fulfilling and satisfying. I have no doubt about it at all!

I met Vishal Sarawat, a flying student in Sydney, in a meeting organised for the exploited students in 2009. He is from Gaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. He was a sincere, decent and genuine Indian student who had arranged the funds in India and came to Sydney to train as a Pilot. He came to Sydney to train and return back to India.

Unfortunately, things did not go according to his plans. He paid the fees but did not get what was expected.

He went through a lot of emotional and physical pain.

I sensed his anguish and felt the need to help him. This then led to an effective networking with media, VETAB, Govt officials, ESOS, Lawyers and Ministers. Cash Cow programme [Four Corners, ABC], for which we gave our assistance, helped us a lot. It was my initiative for Flying school students.

His story is here. >>>>>>>>MyStory-Vishal-Sarawat

Knowing him well over more than 20 months, he has now become a younger brother to me.

I am proud to have been able to help him against the massive exploitation by this school.

I declare right here that  I did it without any personal benefit or consideration. I had no conflict of interest in this matter either.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/21st April, 2011

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http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/gujarati/highlight/page/id/156471/t/Hindi-not-included-in-National-Curriculum-draft

Nital Desai, Producer, SBS Radio-Gujarati had done a fantastic job in this matter.

Thank you to her and SBS Radio-Gujarati!

Yadu Singh/Sydney/15th April, 2011

I took them as my younger brothers, gave them my office to use on the weekends and provided them all the help I could.  They have had a torrid time which I had seen first hand. My medical background was quite useful as I could also provide psychological support to them.

You might remember that Four Corners [ABC] made a documentary on their plight in 2009. It was my efforts that their case was featured in that programme. I had a direct role in getting their story aired which helped us significantly.

This project included working with them actively, interacting with this Aviation school, VETAB officials, ESOS officials, NSW Govt and Federal Govt officials. Whenever we needed help, we sought it from Indian Govt officials in Australia, although there was not much we needed from them. It was our project and we had to get the result.

With the persistent work for well over 12 months, we achieved the result which even we had not imagined.

They received full refund of their fees which they were entitled for. Some of them had already returned to India and they also received the refunds. This helped them finish their training or get on with their lives. They could help their parents who had taken big loans for their training in Australia. The total refund was more than $250000.00.

Please click the LINK.>>>>>  Arun-Kumar-letter

I am hugely satisfied and extremely proud that I could help them. They deserved this.

I also declare that I did not have any conflict of interest here and did not benefit from my work in any way!

This is one of the community work which I have been involved in but this is not the only one. More reports will follow.

As I have said many times before, I am not just a medico. I am also a passionate and proud community member. Life becomes much more fulfilling and interesting if we are able to give something back to the community of which we are a part. This is my guiding principle! 

Some examples of my work are here.>>>>>http://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/community-workwhat-i-have-done-so-far/

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/11th April, 2011

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http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-will-introduce-lokpal-bill-in-monsoon-session-pm/773913/2

Anna Hazare was not alone in this protest. Shanti Bhushan, Retd Supreme court Justice, Santosh Hegde, Swami Agnivesh, Baba Ram Dev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Mallika Sarabhai, Kiran Bedi and RTI activist, Arvind Kejriwal were all with him. Millions of Indians were supporting him and numbers were growing by the minute. India media also supported him in this fight against corruption.

As we all know, corruption has become a menace and a massive problem. You might recall Rajiv Gandhi saying famously that only 19 Paise out of the 100 Paise from the Govt money was reaching those who the money was meant for and rest was gobbled by the corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. It was 19 Paise in 1980s and I am afraid it might not even be 10 Paise now. Something had to be done!

Our great social activist, Anna Hazare, and the whole India have achieved a massive win. They have forced a backdown from the Govt of India which has agreed to introduce a “Lok Pal Bill” in the Parliament by 30th June, 2011. This Bill/Act will have significant powers to combat corruption in India. Govt’s initial Bill was not good enough and was therefore rejected by Anna Hazare and the  Indian people. http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/why-hazare-others-oppose-govt-s-lokpal-bill-2010-96609

The Bill will be drafted by a 10 member committee, to be chaired by Minister Pranab Mukerjee and co-chaired by Mr Shanti Bhushan, a very reputed Jurist. Mr Bhushan, one may recall, is the same Barrister who fought a case against Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi  in the High Court, Allahabad, which led to the judgement that her election was invalid.

The Lok Pal Bill will spare no one from corruption and will include the provision of an outcome within a period of 12 months. Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs, bureaucrats and parties are all covered. http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/what-is-the-jan-lokpal-bill-why-its-important-96600

Lok Pal insitution will be chaired by people who are selected on merits and without political favour. It will be totally independent.

I am hoping that it will be more or less like ICAC [Independent Commission agaist Corruption] in NSW. http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/

I am very happy that Indian Govt was compelled to listen to the demands of the Indian People without use of force or bullets.

That democracy is thriving in India is beyond doubt.

What has been achieved is nothing but a milestone in the history of India!

Having said that, there is a word of caution which we must not ignore. Some concerns have been raised about the accountability of the so-called “civil society”. “Who are they responsible and accountable to” has been asked. We need to remember what Edmund Burke, a famous member of the House of Comons, had said before. ” This cynicism about politics and, by extension, Parliament only makes you think ill of that very institution which, do what you will, you must religiously preserve, or you must give over all thoughts of being a free people”.

In our system, we must not try to create an alternatives to the Parliament. Indian Parliament [SANSAD] must remain the ultimate source of power. It can’t be bullied or undermined by anyone. Parliament must remain supreme but must be able to listen to people, gauge their mood and deliver things which the country needs. It will undoubtedly have more chance to do so if our Parliamentarians are of superior quality-morally, intellectually and spiritually. That brings us to the issue of the process of election to the Parliament. This process needs to be reformed, improved and protected from corrupting influence of casteism, communalism and money-ism.

India had witnessed a successful reform movement which has been termed a mini-revolution today but we need many more revolutions to get to a stage when we all can say “Mera Bharat Mahan or My India is great!” with utmost joy, satisfaction and pride.

Corruption in India must be eradicated or at least controlled. The first stage has been successful but it would require a long and hard struggle to reach the final result.

Lok Pal will be a giant step in getting the result.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/09th April, 2011

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Here is the ACARA draft report and also the link for comments and feedback.

http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/languages.html

Recognising the importance of languages in addition to English [which will obviously remain the primary language], ACARA has recommended 11 second tier languages which should become part of the national curriculum. In the first stage, they will be Mandarin and Italian. Later on Korean, Japanese, Indonesian [clubbed together as national priority], French, German and Spanish will be added. This will then be followed by Arabic, Modern Greek and Vietnamese.

Pupils will be required to learn one of these languages for 300-400 hours upto year 6, 130-160 hours in year 7 and 8, 130-160 hours in years 9 and 10 and further 200-240 hours in year 11 and 12.

Many states have an active second language programme but NSW is not one of them. This is so despite clear evidence that learning a second language helps broaden the horizon, understand other cultures and improve performance generally.

Hindi, the national language of India, is not even mentioned anywhere. This is a serious omission, ignoring the importance and relevance of this language for Australian students and Australia generally.

I want to clarify that ACARA is not recommending any language to be considered equal to English. These recommendations are about the 2nd language, in addition to English.

Here is why ACARA should include Hindi in the national curriculum.

• Substantial number of Hindi speaking population within the rapidly growing Indian Australian community of about 350,000 which puts it in top 10 and higher than Indonesian and Korean.

• Indian Australians are now Australia’s fourth biggest migrant community.

• India is the second largest source of students and overseas skilled workers in Australia after the UK.

• India is now Australia’s third largest export market, up from 13th a decade ago, and our 7th largest two-way trading partner. In 2009 two-way trade grew to almost $21 billion—a 9.5 per cent increase on the previous year [A$16.51 billion in goods and A$4.36 billion in services].

• Hindi, the most prominent of all the Indian languages, is the official language of India and is the second-most spoken language in the world (after Mandarin). It is spoken by 600 millions.

•  Less than 11% of India’s population speaks English. Expertise in Hindi would have important consequences not only for productive cultural, trade and diplomatic exchanges, but also for  intelligence and security issues between Australia and India.

• Having proficiency in Hindi, Australian businesses will have a significant advantage in all sectors of economy but specially so in behavioural and soft skills across sectors, IT, Retail, Automobile, Sales, Service, Financial services, Banking, Telecom, Manufacturing, Hospitality and Healthcare-in Australia and India.

At least in NSW, the increasing demand of Hindi  is not met by weekend community schools called Saturday School of Community Languages (SSCL) Centers in Liverpool, Hills Sports High School, Strathfield or other Hindi Schools run as part of NSW Community Languages program (Thornleigh, Green Valley, Rooty Hill, Girraween, Quakers Hill) appropriately due to time and distance issues. Only one school in NSW, West Ryde Primary School, provides Hindi teaching in the regular school timetable.

By introducing Hindi in normal hours, at least in some selected population centers of Sydney and major regional cities, it is likely, just like  Japanese, that the enrolment will increase substantially, not only from students from Indian Australian community but also from non-Indian background communities.  

The argument for including Hindi in the national curriculum is strong and compelling. It needs to be taught in the schools as a regular subject, like other languages, not just in weekend schools, run by community groups.

Australia has a significant strategic, economic and cultural interests in Asia, in particular China, India, Japan and Indonesia. While taking care of the importance of China, Japan, Korea and Indonesia, India must not be left out. “Missed opportunities” can not be allowed to be the game in regards to India.

ACARA should review it recommendations, modify the curriculum and include Hindi in it as one of the priority languages.

Senator Chris Evans, Minister of Education and Kevin Rudd, Minister of Foreign Affairs should give a serious consideration about the merits of Hindi for the inclusion in the national curriculum.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/02-04-11

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[Some input for this Blog has been taken from multiple sources, including Ms Mala Mehta, Mr Jagdish Chawla and Mr Tara Chand Sharma, with thanks & gratitude]. Details on request.

http://ten.com.au/ten-news-sydney.htm?movideo_p=44238&movideo_m=99168

Here is the Sydney Morning Herald [SMH] coverage.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fear-strikes-as-temple-showered-in-bullets-20110329-1ceuo.html

SBS Radio-World news coverage.

http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/Podcasts/radionews/episode/155201/Attacks-on-Hindu-temple-in-Sydney 

Indian Channel, IBN-CNN  coverage.

http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/147600/oldest-hindu-temple-in-australia-attacked.html

This Indian Channel does talk about our “panic” which might be an exaggeration but was a reasonable report overall.

SBS Radio-Hindi coverage.

http://radiotime.com/WebTuner.aspx?ProgramId=191655&TopicId=34802556&

Yadu Singh/Sydney/29th March, 2011

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The email  to me on Monday, 21st March, 2011, said;

“ There were some shots fired at the Auburn Sri Mandir on Saturday, 19 March
Some incidents have taken place at Minto where people have entered temple put graffiti, thrown eggs, and also demanded something from the priests.”

I had already contacted temple committee people like Mrs Leela Gune, with our support. We have also contacted the priest.

Over the last few years, there have been several attacks on Auburn Sri Mandir temple, last one only a few months ago. Police investigated that matter too. Despite that, attacks have not stopped. They seem to have been escalated.

This last attack and the previous attack have been covered by  The Indian newspaper.  I have read the latest coverage which provides detailed and balanced information on this matter. Every person who cares for the issue of this nature, community harmony and freedom to practise religions should read this coverage  and give a thought to what is going on and what has to be done.

We do not attack anybody’s place of religion and we should not tolerate someone else attacking ours.

We need to come together to demand effective action in these matters.

I also believe that the attack on Sri Mandir temple is not an issue just for me, you or temple committee but it is an issue for every body else in NSW who is decent, tolerant and fair-minded. We need to support the temple committee and Hindu Council of Australia and be a part of the team to demand effective action.

To the Temple committee and Hindu Council, we are with you  for this matter! You can count on us!

The problem is clear but solution is not. We, as a community, have to think about the solution and the strategy. Keeping quiet is definitely not an option.

Australia is a multicultural society and there is no place for attacks on the places of religions.

I and  my close friends including the executive committee of Council of Indian Australians Inc had a discussion on this matter last Tuesday and have resolved to work with the temple committee and Hindu Council of Australia actively.

I also believe that the coverage on temple attacks should not be confined to only our community newspapers. It needs to be covered in the main stream media too.

Having said that, we do have to express our appreciation and admiration to The Indian newspaper for covering these attacks so prominently. Well done, The Indian newspaper.

We are a part of NSW and we need to go beyond our own ethnic media for a wider coverage, impact and support.

This is an issue for all peace loving and tolerant NSW communities, not just for the Indian Australian community.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/25th March, 2011

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It is a matter of utmost sadness that someone loses their child in this manner. It would be very hard to imagine what Ms Tosha Thakkar’s parents would be going through after the news about their daughter’s murder reached them. Her father in Vadodara, Gujarat  is quite ill. My heart goes out to them.

This young lady had been in Australia for about 3 years, pursuing an accounting degree in Sydney. She was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed by a neighbour, Daniel Stani-Reginald who is an Australian of Sri Lankan heritage. Her body was stuffed in a suit-case and thrown in a canal. There is a view that she might have been alive when thrown away in this manner. This is absolutely cruel. She did not need to die this way. It is all very shocking. That some people can do this type of cruel things to other humans is beyond me. My heart goes out to Tosha.

Full credit goes to NSW Police for investigating this murder very quickly and arresting the alleged perpetrator who is in the Jail now. His bail has been refused. It is expected that alleged perpetrator will face the full force of law for his alleged crime. Hearing of the case will commence on 9th may, 2011 at Burwood Local Court.

I know that at least some in Indian media tried to characterise it as a race based crime before knowing full facts but this was rectified after more info became available. It is always advisable to wait for full facts before arriving at any conclusion on anything. This was the exact point I had emphasized when I was called for my opinion by Aaj Tak and other Indian news channel last Monday.

A  Facebook site named ”R.I.P-Tosha Thakkar” has been set up.

Our sincere condolences to Tosha’s parents in Gujarat, India and her relatives and friends in Sydney.

R.I.P, Ms Tosha Thakkar!

Yadu Singh/Sydney/18th March, 2011

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This is not very good for the democracy because our system works better if there is an effective opposition along with a good Govt. For the interests of NSW, we need ruling and opposition parties to perform smartly and effectively. ALP will need to do a serious soul-searching and review to help it get its house in order. It will need to re-connect itself with the people and rank and file members of the party. Its policies and decisions must have genuine input from its rank and file members who do the real work. Making decisions at the party HQ or parachuting candidates without real inputs from its members create a demoralizing effect on the members.

In regards to Indian Australians in NSW, it is now well known that this community has a significant presence in Western Sydney. Strathfield and some area in South West Sydney also have a significant Indian Australian population. No party can ignore this community anymore. This fact is now well known and is evident from the efforts by both major parties to work with our community recently. We know that ALP had formed a group from our community mid last year and Liberals have also networked with this community nicely. The perception that ALP is closer to Indians is not accepted to be true at all these days. Both are accepted to be close to us although Liberals have to work a little more to deal with the erroneous perception about them being not as close to migrant communities which is where ALP has been smarter.  When we debate things rationally and see things with a proper perspective, it should appear that Libs have been fairer to India [policy to sell Uranium], with which we have unbreakable bonds.  Putting every thing together, it is an undeniable fact that none of the major parties can ignore Indian Australians in Western Sydney seats if they want to be in the power.

With my personal interactions with Indian Australians, I am certain that our community will vote in the similar fashion as the general NSW community. Awards, grants, invitations and recognitions to some among us will not have any real impact. The issues in NSW are same for us just like they are for the general community. Our voting behaviour will be similar to the general community despite attempts by some ALP members from Indian community to project it otherwise. We simply can’t be fooled or taken for granted. We are smart people!

Having said that, I think it would be prudent to make a comment or two here about the efforts by political parties to develop better relations with our community. ALP did start the process of more active networking with us by forming a group of some ALP members of Indian community but it did not act smartly. Unfortunately, it was led very poorly. Trying to control some of our community associations was plainly stupid because it was disliked and helped no one. This group was not inclusive and left out many prominent ALP members from our community who have been in ALP for decades. It’s president does not appear to have a good understanding of Indian community. He comes from a Union background and has been running a smear campaign against some people  just because he did not like them, had disagreement with them or those people did not agree with his style and brand of politics. Division, not inclusion was his “Mantra” to serve factional interests. Running a campaign against Mr Susai Benjamin and branding Indian Australians in Toongabbie ALP branches as branch-stackers are not examples of brilliant politics. It is beyond me to understand why a  group of Indian ALP members will run a campaign against one of the Indian sub-continental persons from the same party unless it was done as a part of the ALP factional politics. Ultimately, it all has turned into nothing but factional fights with avoidable adverse outcome for an Indian Australian. This is inexcusable. 

If NSW ALP  is listening, I will advise them to dissolve this group without any delay or reform it seriously. This reform must include having a person from Indian Sub-continental background as the president of the group. Such person should know the dynamics of Indian community. This body should be an inclusive body of all Indian ALP members without factional considerations. In the current form, it has not helped ALP at all. If any thing,  it has actually harmed ALP by making many Indian ALP members and many non-members unhappy and angry with it. This will have an impact on March 26th and Toongabbie ALP candidate will have a maximum adverse impact.

ALP Govt has supported many things from our community but their timings have been such that they have appeared poll-linked or driven. Many have called them indirect bribes to put them mildly. They have not appeared sincere. Even Premier’s award for Indian Sub-continent community services were done in hurry and were mismanaged. They have not been perceived to be done fairly. How can Govt or CRC have a very active member of ALP sitting in the judging panel?  He should not have been there at any cost. He is actively involved in fractious politics in the community with obvious perception of conflict of interest. I am sure they could have done better but they put politics before anything else. Almost all people I have spoken with have expressed disgust about the way these awards were managed. They want these awards to continue but they want them to be done fairly and transparently, keeping conflict of interest principle in mind.

Liberals have shown their interests in developing good relations with Indian Australians which they should work on more when in Govt after March 26. I have seen federal and state Lib leaders in Indian community events. They have been working very hard to develop a much better networking with this community. Their decision to sell Australian Uranium to India has been mentioned repeatedly and it has gone down very well with our community. Liberal party is now perceived as a party which has a better understanding of India, Indian interests and Indian geo-political positions. I have no doubt that their efforts will bring significant benefits to them and to our community, if we deal with them smartly. We, as a community, need to deal with both major political parties and must not allow ourselves to be used by any single party which is what has been happening thus far.

Liberals/Nationals are likely to come to power after 26th March is beyond doubt. No wonder that some from our community who have been ALP supporters until recently are now flocking to Liberals in all sorts of manners. Many of such people have no understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Self-interest alone is driving them. Writing  high-sounding but false positions after their names do not bother them. Causing shame to themselves or our community is not their concern as long as they get what they are looking for. We all need to be careful about them just as much Liberals need to be careful about such people. They will neither help our community nor Liberal party.

Indian Australian community is getting recognition by both parties for their numbers in Western Sydney which is good. We, as a community, need to do more to be a significant player in politics and political processes of Australia. We must work together, irrespective of which party we believe in, in getting some from our community in the Councils and Parliaments-state and federal. To achieve this, we need to join political parties. Our numbers in Western Sydney are our strength and similarly our numbers in political parties will be our strength there too.

While doing this, we must however ensure that only good people are supported for these roles. Nobody with sub-standard qualities is encouraged. We don’t need  Indian style politics in Australia and definitely, we do not need to mortgage ourselves with any one political party, based on the propaganda by that party. Our support and votes for any party or candidate must be based on policies, principles and quality of the leadership, not just on awards, bribes or grants which are announced weeks or days before the election. We must not allow anyone to fool us. We are, after all, smart people and our votes are not for sale!

Failing in all this will be our social irresponsibility which we can ill-afford. It’s about time that we make our presence felt by all and every one!

Yadu Singh/Sydney/10th March, 2011

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 South Asian Australians form about 15% of Toongabbie state seat. The contest for the seat is between Nathan Rees [ALP] and Kirsty Lloyd [Liberal Party]. Quite a large proportion from South Asian Australian community in this seat has traditionally supported ALP but it is not certain that it will happen this time. Quite a lot of members from this community are unhappy with ALP.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/28th Feb, 2010.

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PRESS RELEASE

Council of Indian Australians Inc celebrates Australia Day & Indian Republic Day

At Bowman Hall, Blacktown, NSW

Friday 28^th Jan 2011

In a glittering and colorful function at the Bowman Hall, Blacktown, NSW Australia, the Council of Indian Australians Inc [www.cia.org.au], the peak body of the Indian Australian community in Sydney, celebrated the Australia Day and Indian Republic Day on Friday, the 28^th January 2011. Council of Indian Australians Inc. was also formally launched. A high quality and colorful Souvenir was released on the occasion.

The guests started arriving at 6 pm and very soon, the 500 capacity hall was full with guests who included The Hon Kristina Keneally, Premier of NSW and The Hon Mr. Barry O’Farrell, NSW Leader of Opposition. Mr. Amit Dasgupta, the Consul General of India and The Hon Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chairman of Community Relations Commission, along with Indian Australian businessmen, the representatives from the Media, Presidents of some of the leading Indian Associations in Sydney, and guests from the Indian Australian community including doctors, IT professionals, engineers, students and other professionals were there.

Consistent with the high profile nature of this event, politicians came from both major parties. They included NSW Government ministers i.e. The Hon John Robertson, The Hon Peter Primrose, The Hon Barbara Perry and The Hon Paul Lynch. The Hon Amanda Fazio, The president of Upper House of NSW parliament, Ms Michelle Rowland MP [representing Prime Minister of Australia] and The Hon Laurie Ferguson MP were also there. From the Liberal party, Senator Marise Payne [representing Federal Leader of Opposition, The Hon Tony Abbott ], Ms Gladys Berejiklian, The Hon David Clarke, Mr. Stuart Ayres, MP, Ray Williams, MP, and His worship Mr. Mike Thomas, Mayor of Baulkham Hills Shire were present there. Councilors from Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Parramatta, Holroyd and North Sydney participated. They were Cr. Trent Zimmermann [North Sydney], Cr. Nick Tyrrell [Blacktown], Cr. Justin Taunton [Baulkham Hills], Cr. Dilip Chopra [Hornsby], Cr Kevin Connolly [Hawkesbury], Cr Jess Diaz [Blacktown], Cr Ross Grove [Holroyd], Cr Tanya Davies [Penrith], Cr Mark Davies [Penrith], Cr. Prabir Maitra [Parramatta] and Cr. Vasee Rajadurai [Holroyd].

 Several candidates for the next NSW election were also present. Their presence was also acknowledged.

Media was represented by Indian Link  Newspaper and Radio [Pawan Luthra & Rajani Luthra], Indus Age [Minu Sharma & Rajesh Sharma], Punjab Times [Harpreet Singh and Mrs Kiran Singh], Beyond India [Moti Visa], The IndoAus Times [Hemendra Negi], Desi Kangaroos [Ashwin Ravi & Chandni Rav], Monika Geet Mala [Vikram Sharma, Shailja Chandra], The Indian Sub-Continent Times [Ashok Kumar], Navtarang Newspaper & Radio [Prakash Chandra & Sneh Chandra], Indian Down Under [Rekha Rajvanshi], NTDTV Australia [Ying LEE], Hindi Gaurav [Swechchha Kulshrestha] and NDTV [Deepti Sachdeva].

Ajoy Ghosh, the function director, organized every aspect of the evening beautifully and smoothly. Ms Lucky Singh, as the Master of Ceremonies, got the program off to a flying start with a brief introduction of the significance of the Australia Day and the Indian Republic Day and then started the program with national anthems of Australia and India which were sung by young school children.  The entire hall, with all the guests standing, echoed with “Advance Australia Fair” that was followed by “Jana Gana Mana”.

This was followed by an address by Dr Yadu Singh, the President of the Council of Indian Australians wherein he gave a brief background of how this organization was started, the efforts that went into building this body over the past twelve months, “the pledges” that the committee members   undertook, and the three governing principles under which the body will function – integrity, accountability, and good governance.  Dr Singh went on to stress the much urgent need for the coming into existence of a new body as the peak representative body for the Indian migrant community in the light of poor functioning and rot taking place in the some of the existing peak Indian organizations in NSW.  Dr Singh, on behalf of the Council of Indian Australians, promised a fight for a fair go for every Indian Australian, work tirelessly for a better say for the Indian Australians, and finally clean governance with transparency.

Dr Singh introduced each speaker as they on came on to the stage. The first to speak was Ms Michelle Rowland, MP who represented the Hon Julia Gillard, The Prime Minister of Australia. Senator Marise Payne represented the Hon Tony Abbott, The Federal Leader of Opposition. They both described their personal experiences with India and Indian Australian community. They spoke about our community in glowing terms.

NSW Premier, Ms Kristina Keneally, who wore an Indian “Salwar Kammeez”, mesmerized the guests with her fantastic speech where she talked about Australia-India relations, the AR Rahman concert, Paramasala festival, Indian subcontinent community service awards and Parliamentary Friends of India which NSW Government has organized over the last 12 months. This was followed by yet another excellent and touchy speech by Mr. Barry O’Farrell, Leader of the Opposition who described how close both India and Australia were – in particular how both countries fought together in the Battle of Gallipoli. He also talked about how both countries enjoy the common culture “of the sport of cricket”. He described how proud he is with the achievements of Indian Australian community in various fields.

Dr. Singh introduced Mr. Stepan Kerkyasharian (CRC Chairman) as a person who is always there when the Indian community needs any help and described his experience of working with CRC for Indian students’ issues. Mr. Amit Dasgupta, the Consul General [CG] of India was introduced by Dr. Singh as a “Karm Yogi” and a Consul General who has achieved so many things for India in Australia. CRC chairman and CG spoke very highly of the Indian Australian community in NSW and its achievements.

The evening was made even more exciting with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition going to each table and making the guests feel good by having photographs and also having some lively chat with the guests.

The Council of Indian Australians, in partnership with Basava Samithi (Sydney), awarded a community service award to Dr. Chandrasekhar Gowda for his extensive services to the community. The felicitation was read by Deepti Sachdeva of NDTV and Memento was presented by Premier Kristina Keneally.

The programs that added color and excitement to the function included Bollywood dances, Bhangra, classical dances, and Indian fusion music from “Surya” live band which was enjoyed by all. The spectacular dance performance by Bollywood actress, Sanghmitra Kumar, was the highlight of cultural segment of the evening.

Dr Singh introduced the Committee members to the guests and talked about the wonderful work his team had done – particularly in putting this function in less than 5 weeks time. He went on to outline the plans for the future and the programs the Council is likely to take in the months and years ahead.

Dr Singh talked about the natural disaster that struck Queensland where an estimated 22 lives were lost and estimated damage bill is in excess of 15 billion dollars. He said that in a small way, the Council of Indian Australians is contributing to the cause by donating a sum of A$2,000 from its existing funds carried over from its last year’s function rolled into the Council’s funds and another sum of A$5,100 raised in the form of auctions of memorabilia – an AFL Jersey singed by Mr. Kevin Sheedy, and two cricket bats signed by the great Indian Cricket all rounder – Kapil Dev.  In total this new body – hardly less than few months in existence has donated $7,100 to the Queensland Flood Relief Fund.

Mr. Bhart Bhushan of Bathla Group and Mr. Ajay Raj Deshwal, owner of the Maya Da Dhaba took part in the auctions with a big heart and in the process each contributed to $3,000 and $2,100 respectively.  The Council of Indian Australians thanked both Mr. Bhart Bhushan and Mr. Ajay Raj Deshwal for their whole hearted support for the noble cause.

Mr. Ashwani Sharma of Hindu Council of Australia [HCA] donated the cricket bats. Dr. Singh acknowledged this donation and thanked Ashwani Sharma and Hindu Council of Australia for this great gesture. This donation from HCA is entirely consistent with the great work they do for the needy people.

Gigaforce and Macquarie Bank, made the evening very interesting by organizing lucky draws.

Maya Da Dhaba provided excellent food with wine. Ajay Deshwal did a lot more for this function than what was expected. Every guest who came for the function went with some excellent comments – the most important comment being “how can we be a part of this exciting team” and help in building a strong Council of Indian Australians!!

Vote of Thanks was given by the secretary, Mr. Stanley D’Cruz who thanked everyone for participating in the function. He also exhorted Indian Australians to work with us for the interests of the community. The function closed at midnight.

Released by Stanley G. D’Cruz

Secretary

Council of Indian Australians Inc.

Tel: 0412922179

Email. indwater@bigpond.com

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yadu Singh/Sydney/31st Jan, 2011

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See you in The Council of Indian Australians’ Australia Day & Indian Republic Day celebration on Friday, 28th Jan, 2011.

Details>> CIA-Public_Flyer_V2

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/31st Dec, 2010

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Consul General of India [Sydney] Mr Amit Dasgupta also attended this function.

Media personalities like Kumud Merani, Neena Badhwar and Hemendra Negi were alsp present there.

It was organised with a short notice. Everyone enjoyed the interaction with Mr Rajagopal.

Links are here.CIA-pressrelease-MPRajagopal-function-26thJan-Final

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/27th Dec, 2010

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www.cia.org.au

is

 celebrating

Australia Day and Indian Republic Day

On Friday, 28th Jan, 2011, 6-11 PM

At Bowman Hall, Campbell St, Blacktown, NSW 2148

CIA-Public_Flyer_V2

CIA-community-invitation-28Jan-Function

Do join us! All welcome!! See the Flier!!!

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/24th Dec, 2011

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I am very happy with this development because I want to see some serious investment by Indians in Australia and Australians in India. I want to see very deep relations between India and Australia. These relations need to be financial, political and strategic.

Lanco is a great business and its chairman Mr Lagadapati Madhusudan Rao is a respected business leader in India. They are a significant player in the Energy and Infrastructure sector in India. With what they are going to do in Western Australia where Griffin is based, Lanco will be a significant player in that state’s economy.

Lanco will be developing a Port and rail facilities in Banbury in South Western region of WA which will help them in linking Coal mines in Collie to Bunburry. They will guarantee jobs of about 400 people who are working with Griffin. Lanco has outlined their plan to triple if not more, the output of coal within a short term. They want to go from the current 4 million tonnes output to 15 million tonnes which will obviously provide employment to many more Western Australians. Griffin’s Administrator, KordaMentha, doesn’t see any problem in getting the approval for this business transaction from the creditors and the Foreign Investment Review Board. They must be thrilled as the business was sold for $850 Million rather than expected $700 Million. Secured creditors will get 100% of their money. This is a good news in itself.

Lanco  will get a boost in its business because it is going to approve the supply contract which the Griffin’s administrator is finalizing with Perdaman Chemicals [Coal to Urea] plants and this will be for about 2.8 million tonnes. Lanco will not have any problem in selling the remaining Coal as it plans to export Coal to power-hungry Indian Energy businesses. Lanco itself is in that business. Additionally, Lanco may also bid for Griffin’s boss Ric Stowe’s Bluewaters Power Stations along with bidders from USA and China and Japan.

I congratulate Lanco for investing in Australia and becoming a big player in Western Australian economy. I must also congratulate my good friend, Gautam Sharma, and his hard working colleagues, for assisting Lanco in acquiring Griffin. For those who don’t know Gautam, he is originally from Andhra Pradesh, India. He studied in IT in Bangalore followed by UTS, Sydney. He has done a lot for Indian students. We have been in regular contact ever since and he played a big role in our Australia Day and Indian Republic Day celebration on 24th Jan, 2010. Like me and my close friends, he loves India and Australia equally and takes the good values from both.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/18th Dec, 2010

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Related Articles

• Lanco Infratech Buys Australian Thermal Coal Mine (panasianbiz.com)
• India’s Lanco buys Australian thermal coal mine (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Linc Energy soars as coal asset suitor seeks $850 mln (reuters.com)

 After my last Blog post on this important topic, I have  sought and received communication from the Leader of Opposition, Mr Barry O”Farrell.

It appears that a letter was written by the Premier to Mr O’Farrell after the press release on this matter was issued.

Mr O’Farrell advised that Mr Victor Dominello, MP [Member for Ryde] will be the Co-Convenor on behalf of the Coalition. He is well known in our community and is a supporter of our community, just like Mr Andrew Mcdonald, the other Co-Convenor.

My take on this matter is that the Leader of Opposition, Mr O’Farrell should have been consulted before issuing the press release  and the Press Release should have included the names of  both the Co-Convenors. Parliamentary Friends of India is a NSW Parliamentary group, not a group from a single political party. It must have full support from all sides in the Parliament. Otherwise, it will not work  effectively for People of NSW.

Both parties are friendly with Indian Australian community and we welcome it. ALP leaders including our Premier are friendly with Indian Australians, just like Mr Barry O’Farrell and Liberal party leaders. Parliamentary friends of India has their enthusiastic support and Indian Australians of all political persuasions welcome its formation.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/14th Dec, 2010

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Dr Andrew Mcdonald, Member of Parliament from Macquarie Fields is the co-convenor. Andrew is well known in the Indian Australian community. I am sure, he will do a good job as a co-convenor. Who is the other co-convenor is not known prersently.

Indian Australian community is growing in numbers in NSW. It is appropriate that there is a better-qualitatively and quantitatively, interaction and engagement between the community and the Parliament. Our community does have a good interaction and relation with the NSW Govt and the opposition. Govt ministers and shadow ministers attend our functions regularly but it should extend to the Parliament too. I would even argue that major parties should consider one or two candidates from Indian Australians for the candidature in the state and federal elections.

Parliamentary friends of India is obviously a bipartisan group. It is crucial that the opposition and other parties in the NSW Parliament are involved in every stage of its formation. Premier’s press release is short on the details. It mentions that she has written to Mr Barry O’Farrell, seeking bipartisan support but there is no info about his response or support. To be effective, this body should have full participation and support from all sides in the Parliament. To do anything else may attract the criticism that politics is being played for the obvious reasons. The idea and the plan must be agreed by all sides in the NSW Parliament to make it effective.

My friends and I appreciate one thing more, specially. It is called ”Parliamentary Friends of India“, not “Parliamentary friends of Indian sub-continent”. I agree with this approach. It is an appropriate decision, too.

We also appreciate that Premier Keneally has announced the establishment of Premier’s Indian Subcontinent Community Awards.

 This is a good idea too but it would have been preferrable if it was called ”Premier’s Indian  Community Awards”, rather than bringing subcontinent word in it. There is a precedent in this matter. NSW already has a system of “Premier’s Chinese community service awards”.

 Indian subcontinent is not a political entity. It is a geographical entity which is often not acceptable to some countries in India’s neighbourhood who do not want to put Indian word before subcontinent.  In USA, where there are millions of people of Indian heritage and many from other countries from the Indian sub-continent, Indian community is accepted and recognised as Indian community, not as a part of Indian sub-continent community. It would not work if done any other way.  

India and people from Indian heritage have a glorious history. India’s economic growth and contemporary conduct in the world affairs is something the whole world is proud of. India is a class of its own. India should be accepted for being India.  Indians should be accepted for being Indians. “Indian” is our identity and we are proud of it. Lumping India and Indians  in “Indian subcontinent”  identity is not right and not acceptable. For any patriotic Indian and for those who are aware of the histrory and story of this great land called India, any identity for us other than “Indian” is not going to be acceptable. I am an Indian, not “subcontinental” or “Indian subcontinental”. My friends agree with me on this. I reject the attempt by some [who don't understand what India is about because they were not born in India or don't have the real touch with India]  to redefine our identity.

Here, I don’t believe it would be out of place to point out that people should always remember that it is Indian Subcontinent, not just subcontinent before they set up anything for Indian sub-continent. People need to know the geography, history and politics involving Indian subcontinent. 

While NSW Premier has done the right thing by putting “Indian” before “sub-continent”,  it remains to be seen whether others in politics will follow her example and do the right thing by putting “Indian” before “subcontinent” in the name of their group?

Yadu Singh/Sydney/7th Dec, 2010

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Mumbai_attacks

Today is 26th Nov. It is exactly 2 years ago when 10 Pakistani terrorists perpetrated terror attacks on Mumbai, killing 175 and wounding 308 innocent people for no reason. These terrorists, one of whom was captured alive is now in a Mumbai jail, all came from Pakistan. Ajmal Kasab  has been convicted for the murders and has been sentenced with the capital punishment.

No body has any doubt that LET and others from Pakistan had organised these attacks on several sites in Mumbai. These organisers, often referred as non-state actors from Pakistan, have not yet been punished.

I have been to Mumbai in October, 2010  for some other purpose but made a point to visit Taj Palace Hotel which was one of the sites which was attacked. I have seen the names of the people who were murdered by these uncivilized animals. That list made me very emotional and angry. They did not need to die.

Today, I am thinking about those who were killed and the grief of  their family members. I am thinking about the children who lost their parents. I am thinking about ladies who lost their husbands. I am thinking about those who lost their brothers, sisters and children. I am thinking about the commandos and Mumbai police men too who lost their lives while fighting for us.

I am thinking about how it happened and why it happened.

I am thinking about who had organised this and many other terror attacks in India.

While thinking about it all, my heart and soul is very heavy with sadness. With sadness, I am furious too.

While thinking about it, I also have a resolve which is that I “will never forget and will never forgive” those who committed these attacks and those who had organised these attacks.

I will forgive these perpetrators/organisers only when they are brought to justice, punished adequately and their terror schools are dismantled totally and permanently.

Vande Mataram!

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/26-11-2010

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• India marks two years since the Mumbai attacks (thehimalayantimes.com)
• India marks 2 years since Mumbai terror attack – Washington Post (news.google.com)
• Dismantle terror machines: India asks Pak (ibnlive.in.com)
• India marks 2 years since Mumbai terror attack (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• You: Dismantle terror machines: India tells Pak (nation.com.pk)
• India marks two years since Mumbai terror attacks (cnn.com)
• Moshe’s grandparents in Mumbai for 26/11 trial (ibnlive.in.com)
• Mumbai Jewish Center in Court Fight (online.wsj.com)

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/migrant-skills-go-to-the-top-of-the-list/story-e6frgcjx-1225950294947

A fact sheet is available at the following link:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener…oints-fact.pdf

A FAQ is available by following this link:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener…ts-testfaq.pdf

Yadu Singh/Sydney/26th Nov, 2010

There is a good news for Non-Resident Indians [NRIs]. Prime Minister, Hon Mr Man Mohan Singh and Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi, have announced on 24th Nov, 2010 that NRIs will  get the voting rights in India. It does not matter how long they have been away from India. They are now able to have their names in the voter list. The only catch is that they will have to be in India on the day of voting. Election Commission of India has been asked to make necessary changes in its rules and regulations.

I think it is a right step. There are more than 11 Million NRIs all over the world. Not all will be interested to be in India to enjoy their voting rights but it will certainly help those who want to do that. Previously, NRIs must have lived in India for al least 6 months before their names could go in the voter lists. No such need any more.

I think the Indian Gov should have gone a bit further here. They should have made provisions for NRIs to be able to vote irrespective of whether they were in India or not on the day of voting. They could have gone to the nearby Indian consulates/Embassies/High Commissions to vote or even better, they could have sent  postal votes.

While this is all good, India needs to move forward a lot more in regards to dual citizenship. Several western countries have already done this. Australia, NZ, UK and USA already have it. To say that it has security implications for India is not a valid argument. There are lot more enemies of India inside India. One example is “that” IAS officer who was selling secrets while working in the Ministry of Home affairs. Another example was “that” officer in RAW who was doing anti-India activities and later fled to USA when he was about  to be arrested. Yet another example is that wretched woman in Indian High Commission in Islamabad who was working for Pakistan.

I believe, just like the vast majority of People of Indian Origin [PIOs] all over the world, that India should allow dual citizenship. People will need to quit their non-Indian citizenships before taking up any constitutional position in India. This is the way Australia manages this issue.

A smart and progressive thinking is required from the Indian Government. India should strengthen the emotional and political linkage with PIOs who are a great asset for their motherland. This, it can do, by granting dual citizenships as long as security and character issues have been cleared for such PIOs.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_the_PIO_and_NRI
http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/oci-chart.pdf

Yadu Singh/Sydney/25th Nov, 2010

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Related Articles

• NRIs can now vote in India (thehindu.com)
• Notification for NRIs’ voting rights out: Minister (topinews.com)

MEDIA RELEASE
 
Indian Australian Community Forms National Representative Body
Melbourne
18 November 2010
 
A group of prominent Australians of Indian origin have today come together to form the National Council of Indian Australians (‘NCIA’). The newly formed group will represent the interests of all Australians of Indian origin.
 
Ravi Bhatia, CEO of Primus Telecom founding co-Chairperson of NCIA said today that “Indian Australians have made wide ranging and significant contributions to many aspects of the Australian society, economy and culture. I, along with other prominent Indian Australians have formed NCIA as a non political organisation to represent and support the entire spectrum of people of Indian origin regardless of their state or region of origin in India. NCIA will be transparent and objective organization and we will set high standards in effectiveness and accountability. ”
 
“NCIA will interact with various agencies and elements of Australian Federal, State and as well elements and organs of Government of India to promote its objectives and assist with policy development as appropriate. NCIA will also interact with community organizations and professional bodies and associations in Australia, India and other countries.  An important aspect of the activities of NCIA will be interaction with Australian and Indian media to promote and present a balanced perspective on various issues of interest to the Indian Diaspora” Dr Yadu Singh, founding co-Chairperson of NCIA said today.
 
Founding President and the Secretary of NCIA, Mr Vasan Srinivasan, today spelled out the rationale behind forming NCIA, saying “there is urgent need for a single unified body that represents the interests of the Indian community in Australia and NCIA will fulfill that role.”
 
“Australia and India are sharing an increasingly close bi-lateral relationship. Australians of Indian origin play an important role in our multicultural country. The time has come for our community to speak with one voice on national issues. Indian Australians want an Australia that is socially harmonious, economically prosperous and that has close economic, political and social ties to India. It is our obligation to speak up and play a role in public debate on these matters” Mr Srinivasan said today.
 
The NCIA will hold a series of meetings and functions in each state across Australia in coming months, as well as seek high level meetings with State and Federal Government.
 
The NCIA is available to provide public comment on the wide range of matters that affect Indian Australians, or Australia’s relationship with India.
 
For Further Information, please contact:
 
Mr Vasan Srinivasan
vasan@uniservices.com.au 
Dr. Yadu Singh
singhyadu@gmail.com
Mr. Ravi Bhatia
rbhatia1@gmail.com 
 
http://www.ncia.org.au
 

[By Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/19th November, 2010]

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One of the things we have seen lately is the fact that there are Indian functions almost every weekend. In Sydney alone, we have had 6 Diwali functions including a big Diwali fair in Parramatta stadium. This Hindu Council of Australia fair was impressive and the biggest fair for/by Indian community. This is great.

With increased numbers, problems faced by some of us have also increased. It is expected. There are some issues however which appear to be more pertinent for our community. Students’ issues is one such example. There is a large number of ex-students who are in a bridging visa and are in fact in a limbo as the processing of their applications has not been progressing.

Negative portrayal of Australia by Indian media last year was often hysterical and imbalanced. This was not fair. Issues were there but the manner of coverage was not right. There were heaps of leaders issuing a variety of  views which were often conflicting. One leader had a habit of calling every incident as a racist incident without even waiting for full evidence. This type of reporting has a potential to create a backlash against Indian Australian community. I am not denying that there were serious issues in regards to Indian students and Indian media, in fact, helped bring them to fore-front but exaggerated and imbalanced coverage in many cases and overuse of  racism word was not helpful. A segment of Indian media literally branded Australia to be a racist country without bothering to check the basis or the facts for that claim.

With the issues created by some students ie documentary frauds, contract marriages and crimes committed by them, the reputation and image of Indian community has had a significant hit. This needs to be tackled too. We have to live and work here and our community can’t afford to have a negative image. Our image of a community of educated people with a relatively much less crime needs to be restored and enhanced.

There are several issues which our community must deal with. Helping new arrivals by mentoring is one of the things which we will need to do as a community. Helping new arrivals to integrate well is a very important mentoring job. Domestic violence and exploitation of our people, often by our own people, must be tackled.

There are issues between Australia and India. The classical one is about the sale of Australian Uranium to India which current Gov does not want to do. We obviously want to see that happen. Non-signatory status of India for NPT has no significance after India was given the India-specific NSG exemption last year with an active support from Australia. India also has a clean record on nuclear non-proliferation.

There are obviously several issues and I have mentioned only a few.

When educated Indian Australians with vision talk about the community issues, they do talk about the need for a national body which can take up the issues which have a national significance for the community. While doing so, they also talk about the mushrooming of “community leaders” every where, many of whom do not have an idea of conflict of interest. Many such “leaders” do not have the pre-requisite for the leadership role. Such national body must be able to work in a co-operative fashion with Indian/Australian Gov agencies including Indian consulates and the High Commission, and business-focused bodies such as AIBC.

We need genuine associations of Indian Australians which can tackle the problems of the community in a genuine way. These associations need to be pan-Indian in outlook and should not have a linguistic or regional outlook, focusing on the language spoken at home or the place of origin in India as the basis for the organisation.

We really have far too many associations and far too many “leaders”. Leaders of all associations must move on after serving for a maximum of two years. It is not a good idea for these “leaders” to use associations as a place for retirement activities. It is totally ridiculous to see “leaders” who are in their late 70s or 80s when they are clearly unable to grasp the situation and needs of our community. Respecting our seniors is one thing [and I too respect them] but that does not mean that we have to put up with their inefficient or inappropriate leadership. Issues of Year 2010 need leaders who can understand them and can do something about them. Our elder leaders [late 70s and 80s], if they have a burning desire to do community work, can do a great job by being the mentors and guides for the younger leaders. Their experience can be invaluable.

All such organisations must work in a transparent fashion. Indian ethnic media needs to do their genuine job to ensure that associations and leaders are doing the right job. Forming alliances with associations/leaders is not a good idea. This is a problem area.

We really need genuine leaders for our community and such leaders must be those who have;

• vision and credibility
• capacity to lead
• ability to communicate with Gov authorities and people
• ability to network and communicate with media
• integrity
• capacity to understand “conflict of interest” and practise it
• capacity to follow the principles of transparency and accountability
• capacity to lead by examples ie can be role models

Being “leaders” for photo ops and doing Melas [Fairs] only is not going to help! Taking commissions for their “leadership” is an absolute NO.

Some discussions are going on in these regards and an outcome is expected soon, hopefully.

One must not forget that we have literally hundreds if not thousands of “associations” most of which are essentially pocket associations of our “leaders”.  We can see how/why associations-based federation[association of association] at the national level will be a failure from the day one. It should therefore be an organisation based on individual membership, taken from the people who fulfill criterion explained above.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/14th Nov, 2010

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Dr Yadu Singh & family

Sydney, Australia/05th Nov, 2010

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Related Articles

• Prime Minister’s message for Diwali (number10.gov.uk)
• President Obama Offers Diwali Greeting (huffingtonpost.com)
• President, PM greet nation on Diwali (topinews.com)

First was the example of the ill-mannered journo named Paul Henry from TV NZ [National TV of NZ] making grossly offensive comments and laughing at the surname of Delhi chief minister, Mrs Sheila Dixit. Even his colleagues were uncomfortable with his comments. I have no doubt that his comments were uncivilized and racist in nature. It showed quite clearly that his upbringing was less than perfect. Indians and Indian Govt were justifiably outraged with his comments. Indian Foreign Minister, Mr SM Krishna was right to summon NZ High Commissioner to his office and convey India’s displeasure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QVzKihKiYI&feature=player_embedded

That Paul Henry is racist against Indians is evidenced by his further utterances. NZ’s Governor General, Sir Ananad Satyanand is of Indian heritage. He was born in Auckland. Despite that, Henry did not think Sir Satyanand was a true New Zealander. How so? Is he not a true New Zealander because he is not White or PAKEHA as Maori people call White people in NZ? It just makes one wonder about Henry’s thinking.

If this was not enough, a NZ radio host, Michael Laws, made some disparaging comments about the Governor General [GG] of NZ, Sir Anand Satyanand’s body size and mentioned something about India and begging. He too showed his racist thinking. His comments were particularly uncivil  as they were about the Head of NZ Government. I would have expected that the GG would be held with high regards by the citizens of NZ.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/indians-abroad/NZ-radio-host-apologises-for-calling-Gov-Gen-Anand-Satyanand-fat-Indian/articleshow/6728766.cms

Look, I have some personal experiences in NZ. While a vast majority of  New Zealanders are decent people, I found that a small proportion of  New Zealanders are ignorant and openly racist. They have a superiority complex over Non-White people. Is it due to the fact that they have subjugated indigenous people [Maori] for centuries and until recently, they were not used to the people from all over the World who would not allow anyone to treat them unfairly? To such ignorant and racist people, I say “grow up”. They need to be confronted assertively.

While we were fuming over misbehaviour from New Zealanders, we get the news of racist comments by some officers in Victoria Police. They were making insensitive comments via emails on a video depicting electrocution of an Indian man over the roof of a train in India and suggesting that it might be a method to fix Melbourne’s Indian students’ issues. Indians and India Govt were again outraged. Indian Minister, Mr Krishna was right to call Australia’s High Commissioner, Mr Peter Varghese to his office and express India’s outrage. He was right because he was concerned about the behaviour of  some from Vic Police force which is supposed to help every one irrespective of the race, gender and nationality of those who are seeking help. Racist views among Police officers will not generate a sense of confidence among people. I was somewhat heartened to note that Victorian Premier and Police commissioner have condemned these police officers, some of whom have been sacked, and some have been fined upto $3000 and placed on a good behaviour bond. Some have quit the Victoria Police themselves, sensing problems in ongoing investigation by Vic Police.  Investigation is on against some more. Vic Police and any other Police force must have ZERO TOLERANCE to racism and racist views among anyone who is part of the Police force.

There are many more examples which I can give but the point has been made. The point is that there are some racist people in Australia and NZ. I do say it with confidence however that a vast majority of people are fair-minded and not racist. This is true of Police forces too. I don’t want to create an impression that we are living in a racist society. Unfortunately, we have racist people all over the world. No country is the exception. India is no exception either. Raj Thakeray is a very clear example. We must remain rational and balanced. We must react proportionately. This is very much applicable to Indian media too.

The scourge of racism is not going to be removed from the world any time soon. There will always be mentally sick people who think their race to be superior to other races. We can’t do much about what people think as long as they are not acting on their beliefs. This is obviously not permitted for those who are in the Police and security agencies. Racist beliefs are a big “No” for Police officials. Police agencies should run campaigns among their personnel to educate them against racism and racist views. Police agencies should be on a look out for any such tendency and Police officers should dob racist officers in, simply because decent and fair-minded Police officers [vast majority] must not allow a small minority among them to tarnish their image. I would like to remind people that Police officers are consistently graded as one of the most trusted people in Australia. This image must be maintained and like Vic Police, they should take firm and severe actions if any one is found to hold racist views or acting in a racist manner.

In case of  NZ  journos, they should be sacked from their jobs by their employers as they are not suitable for their positions. A broadcaster can’t be allowed to behave the way these two cretins did.

I have liked what Minister SM Krishna has done. It was clearly warranted.

As far as we, Indian Australians, are concerned, we should make our concerns and displeasure known in no uncertain terms. We will need to network with other communities and fair-minded Australians [and they are in majority]. We will also need to identify people among ourselves who have a clear capacity to think, lead,  network with others, and communicate. These issues are clearly of national in nature and we will therefore need a national structure to deal with these issues.  We will need to be more organised. The very same strategy should be applicable for NZ or any other country.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/12th October, 2010

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Related Articles

• Police in racist email scandal (heraldsun.com.au)
• Australian envoy summoned over cops’ racist email (topinews.com)
• Australia apologises for racist comments against Indians (thehindu.com)
• Officer quit over racist email (theage.com.au)
• Outrage conveyed to Australian envoy (thehindu.com)