OPTIMISTICABOUT INDO-OZ RELATIONS

ROBERT JOHANSON, AO

Fordistinguished service to the banking sector, toAustraliaIndia relations, and to tertiaryeducation governance and financial administration

'' alwayssay - there's more diversitybetween Kash1nirand Kerala than there is between Norwayand Greece," said Robert Johanson fondly as helookedbackon his two dozen tripsto India in thelastdecade. Thisyear, hismarked con11nitment to Australia-India relationswasrecognised with anAustralia Dayhonour, alongside his respected career in banking, having servedon theboardofBendigo and Adelaide Bankforover 30years.

In the field oftertiaryeducation, too, the veteran banker has donned many hats - chairingthe investment Committee and servingas Deputy Chancelloratthe UniversityofMelbourne and now, board men1berofMelbourne Business School.

Still, he re1nains almost surprised to receivethe award.

"It's agreathonour Son1e mightexpect it, but Ididn't reallyknow I was being nominated," he admitted.

As Chairman ofthe Australia India Institutesince 2011, and Chainnan of Australian FriendsofAsha forSlums since 2012, he's no strangerto the Indiansubcontinent. Reflectingon the relationshipbetweenthetwonations, whichhas certainlyseen itsupsand downs in the21st century, Robert looksahead withoptimism.

As he explains, diplomacy today has evolved from thedaysofcontestbetweena handfulofbigpowers.

"We're all becomingincreasingly aware ofthe relationship with India and

IAttheKumbhMela

Australia. As ti1ne has passed,with the changingrole ofthe United States and developments in China,it'sbeen itnportant for India andAustralia tostrengthenties."

Havinghada pivotal role in establishing the Australia India Institute,howdoes heenvisionits rolein facilitating this relationship?

"Overthe last 10years,it'sbeenan interestingexperience togetinvolved and see howtheinstitutedeepensthe engagementbetweenIndiaandAustralia. Theinstitutefacilitatesacademicresearch andcollaboration, but there's abroader scopeaswell. We've assistedwhen political figureslike Prime Minister Modicame tovisit Australia. We've helped organise exchangesand round tables.The institute recognisesthe crucialroleofmobilising theyouth," Robertelaborated. Acrucialpart in thjsdeveloping relationship, he pointsout, is understanding India asa "rich,diverse andcomplexcountry"with astill overwhelminglyruralpopulation.

Through hisworkwith Australian FriendsofAsha, theAustralian branch ofAsha India, he hasseen thisfirst-hand. Thecharitableorganisation,createdbyDr Kiran Martin in 1988,addressessocial, health,andeducation issues affectingslum dwellers in New Delhi.

Thepride in Robert's voice isevident when hesharesthe successstoryof Mahinder, whowasbornandraised in a Delhislum,andwenton to complete his master'sincomputerscience at the University ofMelbourne in 2018.

"Overtheyears,we're seeing howlives are beingtransformed through education," Robertsaid.

Inthecase ofAustralia, whose tertiary education sectorwasshaken upwhen borderswere closed practically overnight, he identifiesa realopportunity.

"Australiabecame structurallyreliant oninternational students. Theseoverseas studentscontribute notjust through money, but to the richness and multiplicity ofuniversities. Out ofthis crisis, there'sa realchance to reset."

In fact,heextendsthis philosophyto most aspectsoflife since the pandentic.

"Hopefullywe don'tjust rush to resu1ne life as it was. It'sa chance tosit back and pause. Toreassesshowwe work,howwe live, bowandwhat weconsume, andour relationship totheenvironment," Robert said. "It's achance to rediscoverwhat's reallyimportant."

YoucansupporttheworkofAshabyvisiting www.australianfriendsofashaslums.org.au

Rhea L Nath

'' am pleased and honoured," DrAnand NaidooofCoffsHarbour NSW told Indian Link, abouthis Australia Day felicitationthisyear.

He added laughingly, "It never crossed my mind that I would be put up for this honour.

Wondered whyanyonewould bother!"

Dr Naidoo came toAustralia from South Africa as ayoungdoctorin 1978, servingin Sydney and Coffs Harbour.

Whatwould he sayhas beenbis career highlight?

TAKING MEDICINETO REMOTE COMMUNITIES DrANAND NAIDOO, OAM Forservice topaediatric medicine

"Saving n1anylives,workingas a regional paediatrician. But that'swhatwe do. Ifyou've been in this line ofworklongenough, you'll havefacedseveralsituationsin whichyou've been able to save lives and help youngfamilies."

To serve ina regional settingis another highlight, he noted, takingmedicine to regional and remote communities, even though Coffs Harbouris notexactlyremote.

"The advantages for ruraldoctors ofcourse,