Looking back - and ahead A

s 2009 draws to a close, let’s cast a look back at the year that was and assess the events that affected us as citizens of the world, as Australians, as Indians, and as Indian Australians.

In a year which saw the world slowly take its first steps out of the worst recession since 1929, India tried to assert its growing importance to the world. Among its neighbours China too emerged as a major player on the world stage, and Pakistan almost lost out to terrorism. These however seemed lost to the world amidst the cacophony of the problems in Afghanistan. Australian politicians indulged in never-ending debate about global warming, and local Indian Australians were thrust in the spotlight with issues of racism.

2010 will only see more debate on each of these issues, with new challenges thrown in. President Obama will be further tested on Afghanistan, and the pressure will be on to accomplish their mission and bring their 100,000 plus troops back home. The anti-US forces, whether in Afghanistan or Pakistan, will work hard to endure any onslaught till the announced end of this deployment. If they gain hold of Afghanistan to unleash terrorism globally, it will be disastrous for the civilised world.

India and China will also lead the world out of the global recession. With a growing population, a majority of whom are under 30, India has an edge over

By PAWAN LUTHRA

other nations thanks to its bank of trained and educated youth. Rather than being a factory to the world, or its back office, India can consolidate and increase its position in the value chain.

The world will work its way out of global downturn as it always does.

The pain caused by the credit crunch will subside though mortgage stress in countries like Australia and the UK and the US will still be felt.

Australia will go to the polls in 2010 and it is almost certain that the Labor Party under Kevin Rudd will return.

Current estimates are that the Greens and Independents will gain ground from the Coalition - this does not auger well for the option of Australia selling uranium to India.

Australia’s rejection of India is astounding considering that it is trying to lead the world in working towards reducing global warming, and yet not agreeing to sell uranium to India for its growing energy needs.

Another point which will emerge after the next elections will be, where will Labor leader Kevin Rudd go from here? Will he still be around for the third term, on his 56th birthday in 2014, or will he eye something bigger on the world stage, such as a leadership position at the United Nations? One wonders whether it is worth getting early odds from TAB on this. For Indian students, it will be a water shed year. While more colleges will go under as they seek to meet their bills with declining revenues and stricter government regulations, the state and central governments have yet to formulate a sensible long-term strategy around the issues of education exports. Money has to be invested in this $15 billion industry in terms of a compensation scheme, an ombudsman to help the colleges and students, etc. These have yet to be articulated six months after the issue hit the headlines. Limited community consultation on these issues means that most reports from the various task forces will be big on promises but may not allow for practical solutions for students on the streets.

From a global as well as a local perspective, it certainly promises to be an exciting year, and we will continue to analyse and report on these issues.

From the team at Indian Link, I wish you all a very safe 2010: may it be a healthy and happy year for you and yours.