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A coveted honour for one of Indian Link's most prolific contributors

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

Usba Ramanujam Arvindhas won the MuJticulmralJournalist of the Year Awardat the i\foJticLdtural and lncligenous Meclia Awards th.is year.

A journalist with 25years of experience, Ushahas been associated with IndianLink over the past 16 years,writingextensively forour award-winning newspaper on a broadrange of issues shaping the migrant population.

As one of llldianLink'ssenior most reporters, Usha has helpedraise awareness on criticalissues affecting the ethnic minority, andin the process, amassedan impressiveportfolio of writing.

"I am deeply honouredby the recognition,"Ushasaid at her honour. "It has been aprivilegerowritefor a quality publication that setshigh benchmarks for itself while reaching out to such a wide audience across Australia. Over thecourse of this journey, I have metso manypeople, builtsucha richnetwork of contacts and learnt so manynew th.ings Jchas been a rewardingexperience andone that has helpedme findmy feet in a newland."

*An analysis of theplace of Indian history in the SW history syUabus Science communication has grown to become one of Usba's specialities. In the last twelve months alone, she bas produced informative pieceson:

*Australia's meclical cannabis trials

*Anovel drug deliverysystem in cancer prevention pioneered by an Australian company

*A new cancer app that will aidinformation delivery and patient care management

*A peanut allergy breakthrough by WA scientists

*Tree-root shapedanchors beingdeveloped at SydneyUni

*A feature on a Sydney Uni academic much inAuencedby Inclianmaths genius S Ramanujan,coincicling,vith the release of the film TbeMan IV'hoKna111Infinity

*Profiles on J\NU nanotechnologist Prof ChennupatiJagadisb AC;SydneyUni marlmnatician Prof NaliniJoshiAO; UNSW material scientist Prof Veena SahawaillaOAM,andoncologist andwriter Dr Ranjana Srivastava.

Social issues are quite a passion for Usha. In 2015-16,herarticles helpedraise awareness about

*Sustainablyproducedschool uniforms manufacmredin Inclia

*Seniorwomen's well-beingin minority communities

*The needs of carers

*Differently-abledyoungsters

"Throughher in-depth coverage and sensitive portrayal of core migrant issues, Ushahasnot onlypresentedthe evolving dynamics, but also won the trustand respect of community members, thereby helpingcreate a strong and resilient society," IndianLinkCEO Pawan Luthra saidin his congramJarorynote.

Theseasonedwriterhas gaineda reputation for her well-researched and analytical stories on contemporary issues.

Usha's mostacclaiu1edpiecesina prolific year this year,haveincluded:

*Thegrowth of the'motherrongue' movement Ln SW schools

*Writing from the Subcontinent at tl1.is year's Sydney Writers Festival

*Theparticular needs of senior citizens of Inclianbackground

As a dance critic, Usba's reports on the thriving classical Indian scene in Sydney maintain critical impartiality. Her particular emphasis is on youngsters who keep tl1eir heritage and traditions alive.

Passionate aboutencouraging youtl1in various areas ofendeavour,Ushawrote this yearabout a teenage motmtain climber,a 16-year-old cricketingprodigy, an 18-yearold documentary film-maker, andyoung colleague at IndianLink Riram ivl..itra who recentlywon a Cricket VicroriaAward for media.

As an experiencedscribe,Usha bas consistentlygeneratedideas and follc>wed leads to produce cover stories, specialreports andanalyses of events affecting tl1e community. She bas interviewedvisiting clignitaries,political leaders, industry heads andcommunity represenratives.

Her tmiqueselling point is her ability to report on allaspects of the community. Beit cuttingedge technology or age-old rraclitions, business or Bollywood, cricket or the arts, Usha's inimitable writing stylehas always touchedchords.

"Indians are respected for theirintegrity, work ethic and strong desire to enrich the environment tl1eylivein, distinguishing themselves across soman)'platforms in theprocess,"Usha said. "l have reaJJy enjoyedreporting about these achievements, particularlywomen in STEM.They have tl1e power to change other people's Jives".

As a first generation migrant, her work has focusedon the community but bas helpedbuildstrongties with mainstream as well, sparking a vibrant bilateral exchange. AboutIndian community journalismin Australia, Usha has a dear understanding of ourresponsibilities andduties.

"\Vhi.le Incliannewspapers have broughr the communitytogether and raised its profile in tl1emainstream byreporting aboutlocal achievements and feel-good stories, journalistshave equal responsibility toturn the spotlight on unsavoury aspects. Forinstance,taxevasion, vocational educationscams,rortingloopholesin the system,domestic violence, andwage ine9ualities faced bycasual rnigraor workers. It is our duty ro enlighten both our readership and authorities to prevent sysremic abuse that will only ruin our wellearnedreputation."

Sheadded, "Astl1eprofileof Inclians inAustralia continues to change, I would like ro engage further witl1 the community across a range of issues I have not explored before."

Our heartiesrcongraml.ations, Usha.