SAY IT AGAIN

New Zealand’s prime minister is emerging as the progressive antithesis to right-wing strongmen like Trump, Orban and Modi, whose careers thrive on liberal, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

William Dalrymple, writer and historian

I really want a leader who makes us feel comfortable. Who is very flexible and yet restrained where needed. Who gives us space. Who is popular with both men and women. Indian and yet adaptable to the modern. Who is wide at the top… and narrow at the bottom. #MainBhiCHURIDAR

Vir Das, stand-up comic

Election Handouts

PAWAN LUTHRA wrote an opinion piece on how the Indian community has missed out on some much needed opportunities during election time.

Emie Roy wrote: A very interesting article by Pawan Luthra on how the Indian Australian community should have put the stockings up to receive substantial gifts such as cultural centres and ethnic aged care facilities rather than portraying ourselves as a bunch that wait for melas and festivities that crop up in every suburb every week. Of course, celebrations are a great way to stay together but as a community with a migration history of more than a century, it’s high time we paid heed to the necessities of ageing groups as well.

Indian Links At Nsw Elections

We reported in our March-2 2019 issue on some Indian-origin candidates in the upcoming state election.

Sheba Nandkeolyar wrote: A great article to get to know the Indian links. Enjoyed the Gladys Berejiklian interview and also loved reading about you, Pallavi Sinha: your community contribution and professional initiatives. Looking forward to seeing you in the Legislative Council.

Arunesh Seth wrote: To believe her nicety, you have to meet Durga Owen. Seven Hills area will be lucky to have her as their state MP. Prabir Maitra wrote: Durga Owen will be a great member of Parliament for Seven Hills.

Shriska Pillai wrote: Go Durga go. You can and must win.

AIR INDIA MARKS INT’L WOMEN’S DAY

India’s national carrier flew an all-women crew into Sydney for the third year in a row on 8 March.

Naresh Singh wrote: Proud of Indian airlines and our Indian women.

Poonam Mehra wrote: Congrats, well done. So proud of you wonderful, hardworking ladies. Payel Ray wrote: Why did the men have to hold the knife or rather the women’s hands as the cake was cut? Aren’t our women expert enough to cut the celebratory women’s day cake? Domination at every level! I notice that the men were not initially keen to cut the cake but photographers and videographers wanted them to be part of the celebration so they followed suit. I guess in situations like this we as readers and viewers need to point out where we draw the line and what we are really celebrating here. I see patriarchy and domination writ large in this moment of celebration!

The Return Of Modi

LINDSAY HUGHES asked in his article: Will Modi return to power just because Congress has nothing to offer?

Matana Pachuau wrote: I think Modi has overpromised and underdelivered. Having said that, I am not sure if Rahul Gandhi can compete with him. Narendra Modi might still have the steam to get through. Prashant Brahmbhatt wrote: I wish he will stay on as PM for another ten years.

Chandra Kishore wrote: For certain, Modiji has put India on the world map.

A huge shout-out to all the women before me and are currently in this space. I could not have done this without them paving the path, it's awesome, an Indian Canadian woman gets her own NBC show!

Lilly Singh, YouTuber

Today 49 years ago, sitting in a posh Hotel in Mysore India. Had the whole dining room exclusively to ourselves celebrating my 16th birthday. Nearly died after eating a hidden HOT chilly, no amount of water helped the pain. Things we never forget.

Gus Pegel, Australian writer