Letter to the editor

Are we bridging the gap, or exploiting it?

The past 12 months have been traumatic, insightful, interesting and eventful. Uncovering the strength of the Indian Government in their stern approach to challenge the violence against Indian students here indeed was energising for our roots. It has also provided a forum to clean up the undercover exploitation of our own people by our own people. On this issue I applaud the courage our Consul General has shown despite opposition, to ascertain that every business must obtain a certificate of a scrupulous law abiding employer from the government to enjoy our continued patronage.

The concert of A R Rahman was nationally applauded as a grand success. Record collection of 75,000 spectators in Parramatta Stadium, without incidence of drinking or violence, must also be a record for Australia. We graciously accept these compliments as we are Indians who enjoy life in peace and harmony.

We are thankful to the NSW Government who chose A R Rahman as part of Sydney Festival.

The hype of celebration continued with the festivities of Republic Day/Australia Day function. The flag hoisting was as gracious as usual which has now become part of our community calendar to which most of us look forward with a great deal of fondness.

My concern was the two competitive Republic Day/ Australia Day functions on two consecutive nights which duplicated the efforts of dignitaries who attended it. I consider this unnecessary and divisive. Both functions required a great deal of time, energy and cost to organise. Both were equally noisy from the performers’ as well as the audiences’ platforms. Speeches were repeated and so was the theme of cultural programs. I was not alone in questioning the wisdom of the wastage.

The Indian community of NSW is a relatively small ethnic group despite its estimated Australian population of 250,000. Although we proudly promote unity in diversity, we lose the concept of it when we disagree with each other. Instead of reconciliation, we are adopting retaliation to challenge those we disagree with. We do not bridge the gap, we exploit it.

Australia now has a rich supply of exceptionally intelligent, passionate, energetic, motivated and dedicated Indians whose energies must be tapped for the best outcome, especially when they are engaged in loosely organised unremunerated social and community activities. They have ideas about leadership but may not have skills and maturity for it. With their outstanding professional performance and passionate heart for their motherland, time, energy and cost efficiency must rank highly. Frustrations of bringing reforms in any community is enormous and a quick recipe for “burn out”.

We do need “whistle blowers” in our community like any other. Allegations against large organisations may not be unfounded and must be investigated for transparency and accountability. There was an unfortunate incident of reimbursement by the family of a reputable committee member who misappropriated the funds of his large umbrella organisation. Nevertheless there are credible people who contribute to our organisations physically, mentally and financially.

Many years ago I participated in a debate through your newspaper about the credibility of Indian organisations, soon after one of them lost a government grant of $35,000 due to internal conflicts. We echoed each other in pledging to bring stability and unity in our community which unfortunately still remains a desirable but unfulfilled dream.

This is yet another endeavour to limit the proliferation of multiple organisations with similar goals and objectives. It divides the community with cracks, conflicts and animosity.

“In the end will be remembered, not the words of the enemy but the silence of a friend.”

Shailja Chaturvedi Hindi Samaj