Peace and harmony in our community-appeal from FIAN

The Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN), through their press release given below, urges every member of our community, irrespective of their faith or political belief, to contribute their efforts in strengthening peace and harmony in our community.

Australia is our home and is a successful multicultural and multi-faith nation. We all are stakeholders in its success, wellbeing and image. It is in our interest to keep Australia to be peaceful, which allows us and our children to achieve their best.

We, as a community, must be proactive in reaching out to people, who might get involved in bickering, confrontation or brawl like what happened in Harris Park recently. While condemning the recent brawl, we ought to act as a team to quell the trouble before it erupts in a major confrontation and even violence. Having said that, we ought to recognise and accept the concepts of freedom of speech, but should avoid mischievous and unproductive commentary, which has no chance of doing anything worthwhile except division and ill-feelings in our community in Australia.

FIAN also believes that burning national flags and making derogatory comments against religious symbols of any religion are moronic and unhelpful activities, which will only create division, confrontation and disunity. Abusing people based on their nationality, ethnicity or faith may come under hate messaging and hate speech, which may have criminal consequences. Threats of violence or inciting violence are clearly criminal activities.

FIAN believes quite strongly that our community should work on what binds us together than what may potentially divide us. Issues involving foreign lands should be left overseas. There is no logical or practical benefit in bringing overseas issues to Australia.

Our community is smart, successful, peaceful and considerate. Let us build on them.

FIAN believes that we are better “together” than “divided”.

Let us work together in enhancing the name and image of our community as model citizens of Australia.

Dr. Yadu Singh President Fianinc1@gmail.com 0413 375 669