cOVER s TORy

is respected for its doctors and engineers, leading IT corporations which are even very prevalent in Australia. A lot of the work of Australian companies is dependent on Indians. So the Indians are very well regarded, of which I am very proud. We are also very well represented by entrepreneurs. The explorer spirit, to get out of our comfort zone and to be entrepreneurial, has served us well. Also, we have a lot of upand-coming people in the student sector. The Indian community is vibrant, energetic, enthusiastic, and sometimes very exuberant. They are passionate and excited about things.

PL: But does the Indian community in Australia make the same impact as say the Chinese or the Jewish communities?

NG: There is no doubt that the Indian community at times can be a bit dysfunctional, and not as united as it should be. It’s the exuberance or inexperience, or high charged egos. Regretfully people sometimes don’t look at the big picture and just look at the small circle around themselves. Some communities have gone beyond this, as say the Chinese. They do seem to combine and gel well. So I suppose one issue for our community to work on would be to be more cohesive amongst ourselves. This would do us a world of good. But I don’t see any great issues amongst our community and that excitement of spirit is a characteristic of India. We always have a new and exciting way of looking at things.

PL: What can the Indian community do to contribute better to their adopted home? Do you see them becoming actively involved in mainstream politics? A record number of Indians were in the fray this last general election – how could they have done better? What did they do wrong?

NG: Well, it has to be about giving and not only about taking. They can make things better by participating in all forms of politics, from local to federal. The willingness to give back to the community and the society they now call their home – engagement in the community beyond their own interests, gets you acceptance and understanding. This might be through community groups, or charitable things. As a community we need to be able to do something where you may not get recognition or fame, but lets you learn a little bit more and enhance the relationship. The community could also be a little bit more tolerant within itself and more accommodating . There should be more (representatives), and I’m sure that there will be more. To be a successful politician, or member of parliament, it’s all about doing something for your community. To be really successful you shouldn’t just expect the Indians to vote for you, nor should you expect to be voted in just because you are Indian. It’s about what you are prepared to do for your community. In Australia, so long as you can demonstrate that you are a hard working person, irrespective or where you come from, you will be successful.

PL: Do we see a senator in you? How does ‘Hon. Nihal Gupta’ sound to you?

NG: (With a bit of discomfort) I’m very happy with what I do and I think there are people who are much better qualified than me. I like contributing to the mainstream and want to make a difference.

PL: How about making a difference from the inside out?

NG: Very flattering, but I have been asked the question before, and I’m quite happy to do what I do. And I work very hard to make that difference. I prefer to be in the background, rather than on stage. I have a busy schedule which I enjoy. A lot of work has to be done. There are a lot better suited people for the role, but maybe that’s something I could tuck away into the future.

PL: And what if there is a call nominating you to the Upper House as a Senator?

NG: Let’s see if the call comes first.

PL: Finally, what drives you, Nihal Gupta?

NG: (After a pause) The love of life. I feel abundantly fortunate. We live in a wonderful country, I am blessed with a wonderful family, beautiful children who have done very well. My son Rahil and daughter Nimisha have made my wife Monica and me extremely proud, one is pursuing an MBA at Harvard, the other is working in a top advertising company in New York. I am healthy. I exercise regularly, do not drink and only eat healthy food as I believe that being healthy gives me the energy levels to do all the work I do.

“So I suppose one issue for our community to work on would be to be more cohesive amongst ourselves. This would do us a world of good”

Nihal Gupta

As a community we need to be able to do something where you may not get recognition or fame, but lets you learn a little bit more and enhance the relationship

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