25 May 2022
It was nice to have a verified Facebook page.
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Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
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Sydney, 12 March, 2020
Dr Harry Harinath, the chairman of the Parramasala board, confirmed about 30 minutes ago that Parramasala (13th to 15th March 2020, Parramatta) has been postponed. The board met around 4.30pm today and discussed the prevalent Coronavirus situation in Sydney.
Keeping the public health implications in view, and cancellations from many participating cultural groups, the board took this difficult but necessary decision.
Coronavirus infection is increasing exponentially.
As of 12/3/29, globally there are 129,158 people with infection and 4,749 deaths. In Australia, 156 people have been infected. Most of them are in Sydney.
It’s preferable to stay away from the crowds. Many events have been canceled throughout the world. The prudent and smart thing to do right now is to follow “social distancing” to avoid getting infected and avoid infecting others. Social distancing has many parameters and includes avoiding body contacts with others (hugging and shaking hands) and keeping a distance of at least 3 feet from others to avoid receiving and sending droplets from nose and mouth. It must be noted that many infected and infectious people have no symptoms and do not know that they are infected.
I praise the Parramasala board to take this difficult but correct decision.
“Following significant feedback from communities and growing concerns over COVID-19, the Parramasala Board has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Parramasala Festival. The safety and wellbeing of our communities is of the highest importance to the board, stakeholders and event managers of Parramasala.”-Parramasala Board.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 12 March,
2020
India has decided to suspend all visas for travelers from overseas. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13 at the port of departure and will be valid till 15 April 2020. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders are also included in this policy . There are a few exceptions to this ban.
This is an extraordinary decision. We are in desperate times and every possible step must be taken to stop the spread of this devastating infection.
WHO has yesterday declared this to be a pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected more than 126000 people and caused 4616 deaths as of today (12/3/20) in more than 100 countries. The latest frontiers are Italy and Iran. Australia has 127 cases with 3 deaths (NSW with a total of 77 and 11 diagnosed yesterday) as of today.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 7 June, 2019
Every community group and every community leader from Indian Australian community should reflect on what their core responsibilities are.
They should introspect on what they have been doing so far and what they should be doing henceforth.
They should reflect on whether they are focused on and meeting the key needs of the community.
They must go beyond their events and festivals.
Taking selfies with politicians can’t and mustn’t be the end goal.
We mustn’t allow ourselves to become a target for derision in front of the political leadership and the broader community.
What’s being done to cater to the needs of our seniors when they are in their later years of their lives and need placements in aged care facilities? Are there adequate facilities and opportunities available for them to enjoy the company of other seniors while they are reasonably healthy and mobile? Is once a month gathering adequate? Should it be a weekly occurrence? What resources do they need and how can these resources be made available? These are the questions, which we must ponder over as a community. If someone is providing facilities to seniors, including aged care facilities, what we should do to support that work? It should be collaboration, not duplication with unnecessary competition. We should be asking about what we can do to support every good thing and activity.
Talking about community facilities, we don’t have a single place which we can call “India House”, a place with sufficient facilities, where cultural activities can be organized and where community meetings including meetings of seniors can take place. This place can be the hub for a variety of services ie health education, mentoring for settlement and assisting people in other areas. India House can be delivered if we work together. If numerically much smaller communities in NSW can have facilities like this, then there is no way we can’t have a facility like this for ourselves. Here too, we will need to work collaboratively. Btw, it we were focused and were watchful, GOI-funded Indian Culture Centre would have been situated somewhere in Western Sydney, not at the Consulate General of India premises in the Sydney CBD.
Domestic violence is not uncommon in our community, but there isn’t any group in our community, which is involved in genuine work to support the victims. Real work, not just claims, is desperately needed. Women need to come forward and lead this project. Recently, some people were approached by a victim of domestic violence, who has recently arrived in Sydney. Not sure about what they could do, they came to my office. We called around but no help was available. I contacted the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Sydney and organized a meeting between them and the victim there. They too have their limitations, but agreed to provide some legal help. They gave 3 names from the panel of lawyers. One of them does conveyancing work and doesn’t usually do such work. This person would obviously be of not much help. The second one told the lady that they only do work for perpetrators (defence lawyer) and the third one told the woman to go to a disreputable migration agent in Western Sydney. I have made a complaint about it to CGI, and requested them to review and revamp the panel of lawyers urgently.
Even though we are big in numbers in NSW and have numerous associations, nothing should prevent collaboration among us to work together in organizing a common and big Indian Republic Day and Indian Independence Day events. It look crazy to hold multiple fairs of the same type in the same suburb, often only a week apart. Collaboration, not unnecessary competition, is urgently needed.
There are often instances when someone in the community, especially visitors, gets into difficulties of various nature. Fund collections are started haphazardly, with inadequate accountability and transparency. Money has been swindled at times and money thus raised has been misallocated at times. Not only it is wrong in principle and under law, but it also creates negative impressions and perceptions about benevolent activities in our community. We can and should do better. We must deal with it collaboratively.
There is nothing wrong in joining political parties, but not much is right to take leadership roles in community associations to progress their political prospects. Contesting elections while holding key leadership roles in community associations is not a desirable trend. Community associations are meant to be non-political entities. Their leaders should remain non-political. Contesting election is a political activity. The purpose behind taking leadership in community associations must be altruism, benevolence and selfless service, not self-promotion.
Giving awards and recognizing people is good, but giving awards to undeserving people, calling them “role models” or “excellence in community service” is counterproductive and undesirable. It makes no sense and it doesn’t help the community if awards are given to people after taking money for the awards. “Cash for awards” should cease to happen. There can’t be any justification for awards to those, who sell visa sponsorships for cash, fleece people or exploit vulnerable people like new migrants and international students.
The list is big and the work could seem daunting, but we have to start somewhere.
Nothing can be done if we don’t pull our sleeves up and get into the work with determination and optimism.
While doing this, we should seek guidance and blessings from our sensible seniors, who are able to rise above their pet or favorite associations and look at the whole community as their own. To achieve productive outcomes, we do however need to avoid Dhritrashtras धृतराष्ट्र (a blind king who was not able to see or judge the shortcomings of his offsprings) and Shukracharyas शुक्राचार्य (The guru of demons, who supported bad elements despite full knowledge of their bad behavior).
Remember, United we gain strength, and with division, we fail and fall as a community!
Jai Hind. 👌🇮🇳🇦🇺👌
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 23 May, 2019
Hearty Congratulations, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the spectacular victory!
👌🇮🇳👌
PM Modi, Indians everywhere including NRIs have supported you & BJP actively and openly.
They want India to take a much higher position in the world.
It’s possible with you as India’s Prime Minister.
We remember your visit to Australia between 15th and 18th Nov, 2014 with fondness. Your speech at All Phones Arena, Olympic Park was superb and memorable for thousands of Indian Australians.
After your attendance at G20 summit in Brisbane on 15th and 16th November, you had started your state visit to Australia. Indian community was excited with this visit. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister after PM Rajiv Gandhi visited Australia in 1986.
I was in the venues where you interacted with the community in Sydney and Melbourne, in addition to your address of a Joint session of Australian Parliament.
With your image as a decisive and a “can do” leader, Indians, not just in India but around the world, are optimistic that things will change for the better and the Indian economy will grow even more rapidly.
When I wrote a post in June, 2014 (https://yadusingh.com/2014/06/13/what-indians-in-australia-expect-from-the-modi-govt/) I mentioned many things which people expected. Many of those things have either been delivered or getting delivered. Prime Ministerial visit to Australia was one of them. Nuclear trade deal has already been signed.
Based on my interactions with many Indians in Australia, there are a few more things that people expect the new government to deliver.
1. Genuine dual citizenship: This has been discussed and debated for long. There is an almost universal demand that overseas Indians be given a right to hold genuine dual citizenship with voting and property rights, if the country of their citizenship has no issue with this and if there are no security issues with granting dual citizenship to any particular overseas Indian. If USA, UK, Australia and most of developed and democratic countries as well as some countries in the region see no issues in granting dual citizenship to their citizens, then people argue that there is no rational basis for India to deny dual citizenship to Indians. PM Modi, you and your government have the political capital to deliver this long-standing demand.
2. With Lok Pal coming in effect, it’s vital that the anti-corruption body is strengthened and resources to do an effective job.
3. The PM’s global Overseas Indians Advisory body should be revamped. People in it should be those who have significant presence, influence and interactions among Indians in their countries. The practice of Indian diplomats recommending their sycophants to become members of this body should be done away with.
4. Country specific Overseas Indian Advisory body: Countries with significant overseas Indian populations (Australia is certainly one such country) should have an advisory body of not more than 10 people, which can be used for consultations and other advisory purposes, not only by the local GOI authorities/agencies, but also the relevant authorities/agencies in India. Its term should be for not more than 2 years.
5. Annual consultation between High Commission and Community: Previous High Commissioner of India in Australia, Smt Sujatha Singh, started a novel, and productive, mechanism to meet the community representatives in Canberra on a yearly basis. Representatives from Indian community from all over Australia would assemble on a weekend to discuss and suggest things to Indian diplomats. Later High Commissioners did not continue this practice. The communication from High Commission and community has been limited and confined to a small group of people, who are close to HCI and their hangers-on. Previous practice of community consultation needs to be reactivated.
6. Free Trade Agreement (FTA): The pace of the discussions and negotiations should be accelerated so that FTA can be concluded soon. This will accelerate bilateral trade which is about $16 billion. This is important as Australia already has FTAs with Japan, South Korea and China.
7. Hindi teachings in Australian Universities: To increase India’s soft power and increase the numbers of India-literate Australians, India should consider seriously funding such teaching courses in at least one University each in Sydney and Melbourne. Discussions should be had between relevant authorities to explore equal sharing of cost between Australia and India.
8. Facilitations of Australian Universities and TAFE to have campuses in India: Many Australian institutions are ranked quite highly in various world Universities ranking systems. Collaborations in this field should be actively facilitated and encouraged, following a pragmatic and win-win module. Indian regulations to facilitate this should be considered.
9. Recognition of TAFE diploma in India: Many Indian students come to Australia to train in TAFE institutes. Many then move on to Universities to complete degrees. In addition to the diplomas not being recognised to the extent that the students wanting to pursue this study in Australia do not even get the education loans, Association of Indian Universities (the peak body responsible for recognising foreign degrees) does not recognise even Bachelor degrees that may have resulted from a credit transfer after a diploma resulting in the degree component being lesser than 3 year duration. (Diploma to Degree). This is a unique feature of Australian Qualification framework and so should be understood by Educational authorities. Quite a good numbers of Indians in Australia have earned their degrees through this pathway. TAFE institutes are a unique institution and it will be beneficial for India to consider recognizing diplomas from TAFE.
10. Bilateral Internship positions for Australians and Indians: Institutes and Universities of repute in both countries should be encouraged to develop mechanisms to have short term (3-6 months) placements for students and researchers to enhance collaboration in science and research.
11. Indian media’s bureau/representatives in Australia: During 2009-10, Indian media reported issues involving Indian students in an exaggerated way, erroneously attributing racism in literally every incident. They did not interact with local long-term Indians. It was harder for media to have a grasp of the ground realities. It will be helpful if key media outlets consider basing their representatives in Australia to cover Oceania. With increasing trade related activities between Australia and India and with increased number of Indians here, there could be sufficient justification for such decisions. Indian Govt can encourage media houses to take up this matter. A good beginning could be of a posting a full time Press Trust of India (PTI) reporter in Australia.
12. Indian Consulate in Brisbane: Queensland is an important state for Indian investment. Indian business houses like the Adani group have an important and a significant presence in this state. It is important to have an Indian Consulate in Brisbane.
13. India House in major capital cities: There are more than 750,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia, with a big concentration in Sydney and Melbourne. People believe that there should be Indian cultural centers (India House) in Australia, at least in Sydney and Melbourne. While some funding will be raised locally, a significant part of the funds should come from Indian Govt. Govt of India (GOI) Funds, if any, allocated for something of this nature to be established in the Indian Consulate premises in Sydney CBD should be reviewed and re-allocated for a center of this nature in areas like Parramatta or Blacktown, where the Indian community has a substantial presence. Sydney CBD is not a practical or appropriate site for an Indian Cultural Centre.
14. Overseas Indians’ property in India: Many overseas Indians are seeing that their properties are illegally occupied and face threats to their safety when they visit India. Court cases go on for extended periods of time. Indian Penal Code and relevant laws should be amended to tackle this menace.
15. Interactions between GOI agencies and Indian Australian community: It is often felt that GOI authorities in Australia do not interact with people sufficiently and respectfully, thus leading to a communication gap. It is a common experience that there is a significant gap between what we expect and what is delivered. It is also felt that GOI officials often get embroiled in local community politics and play “favoritism” games depending on who they like or dislike. It is quite irrational and subjective. Steps should be implemented to improve the situation and GOI agencies instructed to be more helpful and to improve their networking with the community.
16. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs visit to Australia: With approx. 750,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia, a biennial visit of Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs or the Minister of State should be included in the official GOI travel calendar. This will help facilitate interactions with the community and facilitate linkage between the GOI and the community.
17. Streamlined grievance redressal mechanism for Overseas Indians: Overseas Indian Affairs ministry has often not been very helpful and help has often not come in a timely fashion due to excessive bureaucratic influences. This should be reviewed and streamlined.
18. Exchanges between Academicians and civil Society leaders: We need regular bilateral exchange visits of academics, journalists, leaders and civil society leaders. This will help improve relations between the two countries. The scope and numbers should be increased.
In summary, it will be of mutual benefit to the community in Australia and India if the Indian government is proactive in considering the interests and welfare of the Indian community down under.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/23 May, 2019
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
previous posts:
2. https://yadusingh.com/2014/06/13/what-indians-in-australia-expect-from-the-modi-govt/
Sydney, 7 March 2019
Our community remembers Prabha Arun Kumar today.
It was on 7 March, 2015, when she was murdered in the evening, while returning home from work and walking through Parramatta Park.
From all the published information, it was a targeted and pre-planned murder. She was not robbed.
Culprits haven’t been found, arrested or charged 4 years after this heinous and gruesome murder of a young mother of a young child, despite much efforts including visits of NSW Police to India to speak to her family members and husband.
We are concerned about the progress of the investigation and lack of outcome.
We remember Prabha today and hope that her murderer (s) is/are caught and brought to justice soon.
RIP.
Dr Yadu Singh
25 December, 2018
सिडनी, १ अक्टूबर २०१८
हिन्दू धर्म का कुछ हिन्दुओं ने सदियों से अपने फायदे के लिए दुरूपयोग किया है, और हिन्दू धर्म का अत्यंत नुक्सान किया है. यह अब भी जारी है. ऐसे हिन्दुओं का सम्बन्ध धर्म से बहुत कम पर अपने निजी फायदे व अपनी राजनीति से ज्यादा है. ये नकली हिन्दू है. हिन्दू होने का बस केवल नाटक करते है यह लोग. इन्ही की गतिविधियों से भारत देश में आज हिन्दुओं में इतना विघटन है. ऐसे लोग हर जगह है. ऑस्ट्रेलिया में भी है. ऑस्ट्रेलिया क़े नकली व तथाकथित हिन्दू नेता हिन्दू समाज को कंट्रोल करने का इरादा रखते है. अपनी एक ख़ास राजनैतिक सोच थोपना चाहते है. वे लोग हिन्दुओं क़े मठाधीश बनना चाहते हैं. वे यह चाहते हैं कि हर हिन्दू उनसे आज्ञा लेकर ही हिन्दू धर्म से सम्बंधित कोई काम करे. कुछ समय पहले अन्य लोगों द्वारा भी एक ख़ास मेला करने पर उनपर दवाव डाला गया कि वे मेला न करे. उनको बुली करने का प्रयाश किया गया. जब दवाव असफल हो गया तो मोहल्ले मोहल्ले में अपना वही मेला करने की पद्यति शुरू करना भी इनकी गतिविधिया हैं. इसके पीछे धर्म नहीं कुछ और ही कारण हैं. ये तथाकथित व नकली हिन्दू नेता सोचने को तैयार ही नहीं बल्कि अक्षम भी हैं कि हिन्दू धर्म व राजनैतिक सोच दो अलग अलग बाते हैं. अजीब नौटंकी सोच हैं इनकी. मजाक तो यह भी हैं कि अब ये लोग देश भक्त व कौन सच्चा हिन्दू हैं कौन नहीं हैं का तमगा भी देते घूम रहे हैं. किसके पोस्टर में किसका लोगो (चिन्ह) लगे, इसपर भी इनका कन्ट्रोल रहे ऐसा ये लोग चाहते है. आप को पता ही होगा कि कर्म के आधार पर बनी व परिवर्तनशील वर्ण प्रथा को जन्म पर आधारित व अपरिवर्तनशील वर्ण प्रथा में बदलना एक स्वार्थ पर आधारित घोर अन्याय व अनुचित कुकृत्य था. आपको यह भी पता ही होगा की यह कुकृत्य किसने किया था. आँखे खोलेंगे तो देंखेंगें की वही लोग अभी भी वैसी हरकते कर रहे हैं. सामने न भी हों तो परदे क़े पीछे से कठपुतिलियों को संचालित करके अपना पुराना हथकंडा चला रहे हैं. हिन्दू धर्म को अपने निजी हितों में दुरूपयोग करना बंद होना चाहिए. इसके लिए हम सभी हिन्दुओं को इन स्वार्थी तत्वों के द्वारा इस इस प्रकार के हिन्दू धर्म के दुरूपयोग के खिलाफ बोलना पड़ेगा. इन हिन्दू धर्म के ठेकेदारों से यह कहना होगा कि तुम लोग सुधर जाओ और सही रास्ते में आ जाओ. अब हमें बोलना होगा “तुम आवाज़ दो, हम साथ हैं” इन चालू लोगो को ठीक करने में. क्योंकि हिन्दू धर्म किसी की बपौती नहीं है.
Sydney, 16 September, 2018
I had the opportunity to be with Australian Telangana Forum (ATF) members today at Upjohn Park, Rydalmere, NSW, while they celebrated Telangana Day.
This celebration included Telangana style Barbecue at site and home-cooked food, sweets and drinks.
I was made at home and was asked to give away certificates and prizes to various people and kids.
Their hospitality, zeal and “can do” attitude is worth admiring. No wonder that Telangana people are my very close friends.
Jai Telangana! Jai Bharat!!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 15 September, 2018
Attended (Lord) Ganesh Utsav, organized by Telugu Sandadi Group at Parramatta River Foreshore, Parramatta, NSW. Superbly organized event with huge crowds. Congratulations to Telugu Sandadi Group and Telugu community in Sydney.
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) was a proud supporter of Telugu Utsav.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 3 September 2018
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 2 September, 2018
I wrote this 8 years ago. It was true then and it’s true today.
Yadu Singh
8 years ago
A new fashion has started in our community recently. New and newer groups are being formed. They are often called sub-continent this or sub-continent that. They don’t put Indian word before their name. I have a problem with it.
I am aware of the term “Indian subcontinent” but not just “subcontinent”. India is a predominant country in Indian subcontinent. That is why it is called Indian subcontinent. All territory of this was of course Indian until 63 years ago. Present day Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of this BHARAT or India.
If any one wants to form a group from the Indian subcontinent, it should correctly be called “Indian subcontinent” this or that. If they have an allergy with words “Indian” or “India”, then they should say so and tell us why or at whose behest.
One would expect that the president of any group which has “Subcontinent” word in its name is from India as Indians will constitute the majority of such grouping, but membership can have anyone from them to be their leader as a matter of their right. Membership would obviously come from any country which is part of Indian subcontinent geographically. It can’t have any person who is manifestly anti-Indian in his/her thoughts, designs and conduct.
And most importantly, the group must accept that Kashmir is an inseparable and inalienable part of India.
Federal Election is very near. This is a tough election because ALP PM Mr Kevin Rudd was removed in a very unusual way. People have called this a political assassination by ALP factional bosses and union leaders. Political parties are desperate to retain/regain powers. They may therefore send their workers to infiltrate our community and become our “leaders”. This may be done to hijack our votes.
We need to be careful in these matters.
We must know which so-called community leader [s] is/are employee [s] of political parties/associated entities.
We should be careful with the designs of “leaders” who are not from India, but might be parachuted as our leaders. They may in fact be anti-India, but trying to become our “leaders” for their personal benefits.
I have seen several such people who have been trying to get into our community for their business interests with the help of some simpletons from our community. I hope our own simpletons from our community will use their brains [?] and see the true game of these people who are mixing with us for their benefits, but are not friendly with India or Indians.
I will accept an Indian as my leader for Indian community matters, but will not accept some one who is not from India, or who is anti-India.
Our community needs genuine community leaders, not political party operatives masquerading as our leaders. Let political party leaders concentrate on political party politics, not community politics!
You have been warned!!
Yadu Singh/Sydney/31st July, 2010
Sydney, 2 September, 2018
Happy Father’s Day!
The relationship between a father and his child/children is unique and special.
Let’s celebrate this special relationship today and everyday.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 26 August, 2018
I am copying the article 👇👇 about Sandeep Jadhav winning Victoria’s father of the year.
Congratulations, Sandeep and your family, especially your daughters, Sachi and Kushi.
Girls write heartwarming letter for ‘hero’ dad
Yahoo7 News25 August 2018, 8:51 am AEST
Girl’s touching letter about dad that won him ‘Father of the Year’
The 49-year-old father-of-two beat more than 1000 other nominees to become Victoria’s Father of the Year.
A Victorian dad has beaten more than 1000 other nominations to become the state’s father of the year, thanks to a touching nomination by his two daughters who describe him as a “real life superhero”.
The reason for Sandeep Jadhav’s honour is best summed up by his 13-year-old daughter Sachi.
“He is always encouraging me to have a go even if you fail, take on a challenge even if you don’t succeed and to always be kind to others,” she said in her speech at Friday’s ceremony.
<img alt=”Sandeep Jadhav is Victoria’s father of the year, thanks to a touching nomination by his two daughters who&nbsp;describe him as a “real life superhero”.” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5k8GI6FN6Bw0jIv0RcqnFQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/_V.8MzqlNijF6AA6Lq5rpw–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/20184db75c8d5ebcee3dcbb2b27327d3″ class=”caas-img”>
Sandeep Jadhav is Victoria’s father of the year, thanks to a touching nomination by his two daughters who describe him as a “real life superhero”.
More
Sachi and her 16-year-old sister Kushi secretly put their dad’s name forward.
They wrote a letter explaining: “Our dad always says, think outside the box and if you cannot think outside the box, then you should make the box bigger.”
In the letter, the girls said their dad was a “real life superhero”.
“He doesn’t wear a cape though, because he wears army uniform. He is always busy protecting the country. When he has free time he is busy mentoring,” the girls wrote.
<img alt=”In the letter, the girls wrote their dad was a “real life superhero”. Source: 7 News” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4HwwOJ7q2e_Y5M1VtJltlw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/5TYDbfx.X3bvqPoN.2tbYw–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/bf632b136347a58ec3937c599408a078″ class=”caas-img”>
In the letter, the girls wrote their dad was a “real life superhero”. Source: 7 News
The 49-year-old is an electrical engineer in the army but also volunteers as a tutor and mentor, helping hundreds of students with maths and science.
Mr Jadhav described the honour as “a tremendous surprise”.
“Last week I didn’t know about this,” he said.
<img alt=”Sachi, 13, says her father has inspired her to dream big, with ambitions to become the prime minister of Australia. Source: 7 News” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3qIvkOFTURTEMGpr0SoFXw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/L3kqhGPerGbUh._hIHjNOg–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/3879f0f80744fe0291a68d1b6c7a4abc” class=”caas-img”>
Sachi, 13, says her father has inspired her to dream big, with ambitions to become the prime minister of Australia. Source: 7 News
His wife Kiran is also proud.
“The thing I love about him is he treats all the students exactly like what he treats the girls,” she said.
Sandeep said he enjoys helping people.
“When somebody comes to me and says ‘Thanks Sandeep’, or ‘Thanks Sunny’ – it’s a huge feeling for me,” he said.
<img alt=”Sandeep Jadhav with wife Kiran and two daughters Sachi and Kushi. Source: 7 News” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tI27waOxjBn9l.KUwQldAw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/E2PZvChblO8FdZ6ra1mdyQ–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/221d6a385ed92f9b061d2ab403c395d6″ class=”caas-img”>
Sandeep Jadhav with wife Kiran and two daughters Sachi and Kushi. Source: 7 NewsSandeep encourages his daughters and his students to dream big – and that’s exactly what they’re doing.
“I really want to become the prime minister of Australia. It’s a long shot, but I’m willing to take the challenge,” Sachi said.
With her dad’s support, anything is possible.
Sydney, 26 August, 2018
Happy Raksha Bandhan!
Let’s promise and offer support & help to everyone, who needs this support & help.
Let us stand up with those, who are in need of support, assistance and guidance, irrespective of race, religion, gender or age of the needy.
This is my promise. This should be your promise.
Humanity FIRST.
Dr Yadu Singh
INFORMATION: Due to the passing away of a family member of Mr Ajay Singh (Redline Legal), he has to fly overseas urgently. We are therefore postponing this seminar to a future date. This seminar “Law and You” will not take place on Sunday, 9 September. Inconvenience is regretted. More information to follow.
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Invitation
Community Education Seminar “Law & You”. Sunday, 9 September, 3-5pm. Free event. | RSVP | Share | Promote | Thank You 🙏🙏 |
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
6 July, 2018
India Day Fair is an annual mega multicultural Fair in Sydney. -This is its 4th year-Organized by Federation of Indian Associations of NSW -Saturday, 11 August, 2018, 12-8.30pm, Parramatta Park-It has everything including fireworks -And it’s a FREE event. No entry fees-Alcohol free event-All welcome.More info: fianinc1@gmail.com http://www.fian.org.auDr Yadu SinghFederation of Indian associations of NSW
24 April, 2018
I participated in the celebration of Israel’s 70th Independence Day in Sydney yesterday. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies organized the celebration at Four Seasons hotel in the CBD, which was attended by the Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, Minister Ray Williams, many MPs, MLCs, Leader of Opposition, Luke Foley, diplomats from more than 20 nations, multicultural community leaders and faith leaders. Israel’s Ambassador, H.E. Mark Sofer, was in attendance too. He spoke and outlined the achievements of Israel in the field of innovation, technology and agriculture. Premier described the close relationship which NSW has with Israel in a variety of fields. There was a short video speech from Israel’s Prime Minister, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu.
Like previous years, this event was a high profile celebration. The typical Israeli cuisine and select top grade wines were enjoyed by the guests. The hospitality was excellent. As would be expected, the security was elaborate and tight.
I was pleased to be at the celebration and caught up with many including the Premier, Leader of Opposition and MPs and MLCs.
Dr Yadu Singh
Friday, 13 April, 2018
Today is Vaisakhi, which is being celebrated by Punjabis, especially Sikhs throughout the world.
Vaisakhi commemorates the beginning of Khalsa Panth. Vaisakhi is also the Remembrance Day of Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Today is the day when farmers celebrate the beginning of the harvesting season in Punjab. Vaisakhi is also celebrated as the Sikh New Year!
On Sunday, 8 April, 2018, National Sikh Council of Australia organised a spectacular Vaisakhi celebration at Ryde Civil Hall. The organising committee included Mr Ajmer Singh Gill, Mr Bawa Singh Jagdev, Dr Yadu Singh, Mr Gurcharn Singh Kahlon and Bill (Baljinder) Singh Nanda. 300+ people and several political leaders were in attendance.
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
Sydney/16 March, 2018
Announcement:
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney, 8 March, 2018
A few days ago, I received a message via Twitter that Australian Greens Senator, Lee Rhiannon, has recently made a statement in the Senate about Jammu & Kashmir. This rumor monger from the neighboring country was peddling the rumor about this so-called recent statement. I was surprised because there was no such recent news in Australia. After doing a research, I found out that Senator Lee Rhiannon made this statement on 23/11/16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnGC3m6Dcxw
After watching the video, it became apparent that Senator Rhiannon wasn’t aware of full facts, and was grandstanding, which is quite typical for politicians.
Here is the background why Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is an inalienable and integral part of India, and it will always remain so.
Let us revisit the facts of history for those who do not know the relevant history. J&K became an inalienable part of India on 25th October, 1947 when ruler (King) of J&K, Maharaja Hari Singh, signed the “Instrument of accession” with India. This Instrument was executed between India’s then Governor-General, Lord Louis Mountbatten, and Maharaja Hari Singh on 25th October, 1947.
At the time of Independence of India in 1947, rulers of Princely States and Kingdoms in India were entitled to choose one of the three options- join India, join Pakistan or remain independent. J&K joined India.
Here is the Link for more details.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammu_and_Kashmir
American Professor Christine Fair’s exposure of the anti-India propaganda on this matter is worth watching.
Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_aoYNQrOOu0
Relevant UN resolution is described in the link below.
UN resolution 47: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_47
“The Resolution recommended a three-step process for the resolution of the dispute. In the first step, Pakistan was asked to withdraw all its nationals from Kashmir. In the second step, India was asked to progressively reduce its forces to the minimum level required for law and order. In the third step, India was asked to appoint a plebiscite administrator nominated by the United Nations who would conduct a free and impartial plebiscite.
The resolution was adopted paragraph by paragraph and no vote on the resolution as a whole was taken.” From the Wikipedia link above.
Pakistan has never fulfilled the first step and continues to illegally occupy 1/3rd of Jammu & Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, POK) till date.
Besides, Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan signed in 1972 binds two nations to resolve their issues bilaterally. It supersedes any preceding agreement (s) including the UN resolution. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simla_Agreement
Maharaja Hari Singh’s Kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir obviously and legally joined India. The Maharaja made the correct choice. He was a smart King. J&K is now part of the progressive, prosperous, secular, multicultural and democratic India.
India and Indians will never allow anyone to undo what was done by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947. Terrorism and unrest supported from across the borders will never be allowed to succeed.
In my view, and in the views of Indian Australians, there is no need or justification for elected Australian politicians i.e. Ministers, MPs, MLCs and Councilors to participate in unproductive and objectionable anti-India rhetorics.
There will be peace in Kashmir and the region if/ when terrorists groups, based in territories outside India’s borders, stop receiving support, training, funding and patronage of the State and non-State agencies. The concerns in this regard have come not only from the USA and the UNO, but also the BRICS.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 1 March, 2018
Happy Holi folks!
Holi is a well known Indian festival and is called the Festival of Colours.
This year, Holi falls on March 1 and March 2.
Holi will start with Holika Dahan, which takes place in the night between 1 and 2 March. People will gather, worship, sing, dance and party around the bonefire.
Rangwali Holi (festival of colors) will take place next morning ie 2 March.
In India, this is a free-for-all festival of colours. People play and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water. People from all segments, age and gender take part in the festivities.
It is celebrated all over India and countries where Indians, especially Hindus, have migrated to. People exchange pleasantries and good wishes, visiting homes of friends and relatives.
In Australia too, Holi festivities are organised by Indians in various cities. In Sydney, Holi events are lined up in Strathfield Park by Strathfield Australians of Indian Sub-continental Heritage (SAISH), and Dolls Point by South Asian Australian Association on Sunday, 4 March, 2018, in which I will take part.
More details of Holi festival: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, 10 February, 2018
Many of us have been following various reports coming out of print and digital media, and various television and radio channels relating to the Adani’s projects in Australia. As you would be aware that this has been the largest investment by an Indian company in Australia and has become a signature project strengthening ties between Australia and India. Adani has invested a lot of resources and time on its projects in Australia and continued to progress in-spite of huge resistance coming from anti-coal groups.
The information that we gathered from the publicly available information, they have invested over $3.3 billion in Australia since 2010. We as a community have been closely watching and monitoring the progress of this project and of late are getting very concerned about how a project of this magnitude is being unfairly targeted.
The projects that are being undertaken by Adani is a private investment and we normally do not comment on the positions taken and decisions made by a private company. However, the reports coming out of the media have caused us serious concerns as a community who love the Australian way of life and believe in providing ‘fair-go’ to everyone irrespective of one’s affiliation to a particular community, race, or sexual orientation.
We strongly feel that we are not giving a ‘fair-go’ to Adani, and we have been creating one hurdle after another. Again, based on the publically available information, we understand that Adani’s projects have gone through onerous approvals processes (at federal, state and local levels). These approvals were challenged at various courts of law (including the matters relating to the impact on environment), and after due consideration of all the facts, and based purely on the merit of the projects, decisions were given in favour of the company. Once the company has followed the due process and has adhered to the law of the land in which the projects are being developed, we believe they have full right to proceed with the business. If we raise the same issues that have already been considered during the approval processes and the court processes then we are conveying the message that either we do not wish to follow the verdict of the law or we are ignorant about the process undertaken. In either situation, this impacts negatively the company that is trying hard to develop the project.
We were dismayed with the backflip from Qld Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, during last election after supporting Adani Group for years. Crash politics was at play in her decision.
Our dismay is compounded with recent statements from the leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten, who seems to put his party’s interest before Australia’s interests. Votes of anti-investment Extreme Left groups in Batman seat of Melbourne are more important.
It is becoming very clear that the activists disguised as the protectors of the environment are not only disregarding the law of the land but also, to some extent, undertaking unlawful activities. This is clearly demonstrated by the protests to stop the rail traffic or disturb the operation of the port and creating life threatening situations.
We are also disturbed by the fact that the politicians (especially those with far-left views) are using the project for their political benefit. This is evident from the recent election in Queensland and the upcoming by-election in Batman – governments who have made various comments in media supporting the project in the past are back-flipping at the time of election to capture green votes. The parties may be able to garner few additional seats by using these petty tactics, however, we strongly believe that it undermines the fabric of a “fair go” and the Australian way of life.
In a democratic society, everyone’ voice needs to be heard. It applies to both the sides- activists as well as that of the proponents of the projects. Also, the oppositions should be based on facts and not on some ill-informed views and opinion.
Some important facts are:
– India is one of the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide on a per capita basis
– There are over 300 million Indians that do not have access to power
– The project is intended to provide electricity to thousands of villages in India
– Will generate significant jobs in Australia
India has been one of the fastest growing economies of the world. India with its huge middle-class population, in need of improving the standard of living of its masses through provision of luxuries of life, which we as Australians take for granted, is on the cusp of becoming one of the largest economies of the world. Australia is very well placed to benefit from the growth of India. The success of Adani project will provide a very positive message to the Indian investors who are looking to invest in a stable and investor friendly country. The trade between India and Australia will suffer a massive blow if we let our petty politics to jeopardize investor sentiment.
Adani Fact Sheet:
Adani has been building a long-term future with Queensland and Australia
Adani’s presence in Australia
• Adani commenced its journey in Queensland, Australia more than 7 years ago when it acquired mining tenement in August 2010 and have its presence in following business:-
• Adani Australia is developing the “Carmichael Coal Mine” project which will be the first mine in the Galilee Basin, Central Queensland.
• Adani Australia is developing multi user, open access 388 km Rail linking the mine to Abbot Point Terminal
• Adani Australia owns and operates existing Abbot Point Port Terminal.
• Adani Australia is progressing 2 solar projects located at Rugby Run, Queensland and Whyalla in South Australia
• Over $3.3 billion has been spent to date on the projects. It is the largest Indian Investment to date
• Adani Australia currently employs more than 800 people across all our operations.
Environment & Approvals Journey
• The Carmichael Coal Project has been granted approvals under 7 different Commonwealth and Queensland Acts.
• Adani has obtained 112 approvals and permits from both State and Federal government
• There are over 1,800 strict conditions across these permits and approvals.
• Adani had ZERO land holder objection to the Carmichael Coal Mine under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or Mineral Resources Act 1989.
• Their approvals have been tested in the courts and Adani has won ALL the court cases to reach this stage
• All the litigations were filed by anti-coal NGOs to delay and disrupt the development.
• Adani has all the agreements (ILUA) in place with all 4 Traditional Owners. Only a minority of one group (W&J) has challenged the agreement which has been funded by foreign NGOs through back channels.
• In Summary, Adani has been subject to rigorous and at times multiple approval processes over nearly 8 years at both State and Federal level that have been tested and upheld in the courts resulting in net delay of approximately 3 years
Benefits of Project
• Adani Australia will create more than 10000 direct and indirect jobs at full capacity of mine
• Over $22 Billion in the form of Royalties and taxes which shall be reinvested by government into community
• The Coal from Carmichael project will replace the poorer quality of domestic coal burn in India and will reduce the associated carbon emission
• This project is intended to provide energy security to those in the 18000 villages in India that have no access to electricity and thus lifting millions of Indians out of energy poverty
• Will build a strong economic relationship between Australia and India
Important links:
As concerned people, we appeal to both sides of politics to provide confidence to the investors in Australia by providing unequivocal support for the Adani project who have spent years to obtain approvals from the government and through the court processes.
We as Australians should certainly provide assurance to the investors that Australia is open for business and would assist anyone who follows the law of the land with full support and protection for it to grow and at the same time benefit all Australians.
Finally, ALP and Bill Shorten should listen to people, Mayors and Union leaders operating in regional Queensland, who are supporting this investment, instead of listening to anti-investment extreme Left activists and groups. Bill Shorten and ALP should give a “Fair Go” to Adani Australia, and not backflip this late in piece after saying YES for years.
There are formal processes to go through for any development. If Adani Australia complies with all those conditions they have any right to go ahead with the development. One should be challenging the process that gives the approval, not the applicant.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 26 January, 2018
G’day everyone.
Today is Australia Day!
It’s our national day, which will be celebrated throughout the nation with a variety of ceremonies, picnics, barbecues, parades, citizenship ceremonies, announcement of Australia Day Honours & Australian of the year and fire works.
It’s a public holiday.
Australia Day commemorates Landing of First Fleet at Port Jackson & raising of the flag of the Great Britain at Sydney Cove on 26 January, 1788.
Enjoy Australia Day celebrations and festivities today.
I wish my co-Australians a happy Australia Day!
More details: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Day
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 22nd March, 2016
Holi is a well known Indian festival and is called the Festival of Colours.
This year, the official date of Holi is 23 March but these celebrations take place either side of the specified date.
Holi starts with Holika Dahan, which takes place on the night before Holi. People gather, sing, dance and party around the bonefire.
Rangwali Holi (festival of colour) takes place next morning. This is a free-for-all festival of colours. People play and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water. People from all segments, age and gender take part in the festivities. It is celebrated all over India and countries where Indians have migrated to.
People exchange pleasantries and good wishes, visiting homes of friends and relatives.
In Australia too, Holi festivities are organised by Indians in various cities. Only the other day, Strathfield Australians of Indian Sub-continental Heritage (SAISH) celebrated Holi in Strathfield Pak, in which I too took part.
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, 7th March, 2016
People assembled at Prabha’s Walk (Lane Way in Parramatta Park connecting Amos Street and Pitt Street) at 7 PM on 7th March, 2016.
I conducted the proceedings, as the co-ordinator of the Vigil.
The remembrance Vigil was to remember and reflect on the brutal murder of Ms Prabha Arun Kumar at 9.30 PM on Saturday, 7th March, 2015, while she was walking from Parramatta Station to her home in Amos Street, Westmead, after finishing the double shift of work that day. Murderer (s) have not been caught yet.
I spoke about the summary of the developments so far since 7th March, 2015. I outlined that from media reports and from Police comments, we know that the motives of Prabha’s brutal murder were not robbery and sexual assault. It was a well-planned and pre-meditated murder. I also said that we are not concerned about who they are, where they live and what their motives were. We just want them to be found, arrested and brought to justice.
About 50 people were present.
Parramatta MP, Mr Geoff Lee, Parramatta Police LAC Commander, Mr Wayne Cox, newly-arrived Consul General of India, H.E. Mr B. Vanlalvuwna and Mr Rajeev Kumar, Vice Consul, Consulate General of India were present.
People walked down in a silent procession from Amos Street side of Laneway (now called Prabha’s Walk) and assembled at the site of the Plaque with the name of Ms Prabha Arun Kumar, which was installed last year.
After welcoming the people, I asked Geoff Lee MP, Commander Wayne Cox and Consul General H.E. Mr B. Vanlalvuwna to say a few words.
Mr Lee talked about the lighting and CCTV installation in the Lane Way after Prabha’s death. He wished that culprits are caught soon.
Mr Cox said that Police are working very hard to crack this heinous crime. There is a specific Unit which is working tirelessly to catch the culprits.
Mr Vanlanvuwna said that he has joined the Consulate only 2 weeks ago, but the file of Prabha’s brutal slaying was the first one he went through to apprise himself of the matter.
A few other members from the community expressed their feelings and sadness. They included Rekha Rajvansi and Sashi Lal. Arti Banga of http://www.DesiAustralia.com and Indira Devi of Blacktown Voice provided commendable support.
Mr Pravin Gupta read out his emotional poem dedicated to Prabha and her daughter, Meghna.
Ms Jaala Edmunds, a woman who lives in the area, laid flowers on the park bench dedicated in Prabha’s memory. She said “I was touched when this happened and very shocked her last moments were spent here. I never met her but I always think about her.”
This was followed by a minute’s silence to reflect on what happened to Prabha and grief of Prabha’s family, especially her daughter, Meghna.
Flowers and Candles were placed at the bench, which has the Plaque on the name of Prabha.
National Media, local media and a few from Indian ethnic media were present.
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I have received this message from Prabha’s brother, Dr Shanker Shetty.
“Hello Dr Singh. I am touched by the effort taken by you and the your team in organising the vigil. I watched the video online and was moved by the no of people who remembered Prabha even a year after she left Parramatta.
The tributes online and in the newspapers are reflective of the way the community has been affected by the incident and the way they have responded to this tragic incident.
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http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/3775192/prabha-remembered-at-community-vigil/
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Dr Yadu Singh/Co-ordinator, Prabha’s Remembrance Vigil, held on 7th March, 2016
dryadusingh@gmail.com
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
Please join the remembrance vigil for Prabha Arun Kumar
7.00 PM, Monday, 7th March, 2016
Prabha’s Walk (Corner Argyle and Pitt Streets), Parramatta Park, Parramatta, NSW.
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Murderer (s) have not been found, arrested and charged yet, 1 year after she was so brutally murdered
http://www.2ue.com.au/news/anger-grows-on-murdered-indian-woman-in-parramatta-20150310-1409p8.html
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Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/28th Feb, 2016
dryadusingh@gmail.com
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.facebbok.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, NSW
25th Feb, 2016
Our friend, and Chair of the Australian Republican Movement, Peter FitzSimons, wrote to me, exhorting Australians of Indian heritage, to join and support Australian Republican Movement.
I am a staunch Republican, and know, from my interactions & discussions, that a great majority of members from Indian Australian community are Republicans too.
You can start showing your support with signing this petition. https://www.change.org/p/australia-deserves-an-australian-head-of-state
Remember that India opted for one of its own to become the President of India, instead of having the British Monarch as the Head of the nation at the time of its independence on 15th August, 1947.
It’s about time!
Yadu Singh
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Peter FitzSimons wrote;
I write to you now as Chair of the Australian Republican Movement, though some call us “BUTTER” because we are on a “ROLL!”
But I digress . . .
Peter FitzSimons AM
Sydney
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Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, NSW
26th Jan, 2016
Australia celebrates its national day, Australia Day, on 26th January, 2016. It is a big day for Australians. It is celebrated all over Australia with patriotism, fun and fervour.
It commemorates the day when First Fleet landed at Port Jackson in 1788.
Indian Republic Day is celebrated all over India on 26th January. This was 67th Reublic Day. It commemorates the date on which Indian Constitution came into force in 1950, replacing Government of India Act 1935.
In Delhi, there was a splendid Parade at the Rajpath, which is in the heart of New Delhi. French President, Francois Hollande, was the Guest of Honour for the Republic Day celebration this year.
Indian Australians celebrated both the National Days by joining in the Indian Flag hoisting by Consulate General of India followed by taking part in various Australia Day celebrations all over Sydney.
Happy Australia Day!
Happy Indian Republic Day!
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.Facebook.com/dryadusingh
We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2016
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney, NSW/22nd Dec, 2015
[Source of Pictures: TOI article, Ravi Lochan Singh’s Blog and DIAC press release]
With 29016 people from India who were granted migrant Visa to come to Australia in 2011-12, India is now the top source of migrants to Australia. This is 12.7% more than the previous year. This is likely to continue for years to come. By now, Indian-born numbers have grown four fold in the last 15 years, while Chinese-born numbers have grown by three fold..
The Census in 2011 told us that there were about 400,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia. If we add the numbers up to June 2013 and add the numbers from people of Indian heritage from other countries plus those born here in Australia, the number of people of Indian heritage could well be about 500,000 by June 2013.
With 21768 Indians in 2010-11, India was the third top source of Australian migrants. With 29546 Chinese immigrants, China was the top source then. Things have obviously changed.
The latest list outlining the sources of migrants also tells us that 7 of 10 countries are from Asia, the region where Australia has its major trading partners.
China with 25508 is the second top source and Great Britain with 25273 is at the third spot.
India has many good universities with a large number of young people with the skills and English which Australia needs. These skills are in the fields of medicine, IT, teaching, nursing, Engineering, accounting, management and many others. These are all high value skills which are in great demand all over the world. Australia is now competing with other countries quite successfully.
I am quite pleased that increasing numbers of Indians are choosing Australia as the place to migrate to, despite exaggerated negative coverage of Australia in the Indian media in the recent past. This is the best certificate that Indian media was not factual in its reporting back then.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/4th June, 2013
Yadu Singh
Australian Financial Review
21st June, 2012
India tops migrant mix
By PIP FREEBAIRN
First they were British and Irish, then Greeks, Italian and Vietnamese, but now the fastest growing wave of migrants to Australia are Indians.
The 2011 census showed yesterday that the number of Indian migrants in Australia has doubled since five years earlier with around 150,000 new migrants arriving here.
The proportion of Australian residents born in India rose from0.7 per cent in 2006 to 1.4 per cent in 2011 as their number increased from 147,106 to 295,362.
Their growing contingent joins longer-standing migrants such as Yadu Singh, the president of Indian Australian Association of NSW. He came to Australia in 1991 to train as a cardiologist and enjoys the quality of life. He denies that Australia is perceived as racist and dangerous.
“Despite all the nonsense, Australia is a welcoming country and Indians know that. It was the Indian media that overreacted to the events a few years ago.
“Indian migrants know while there are a few [racists], the rules and regulation of this country are not in anyway racist.”
Dr Singh is referring to a series of incidents in Melbourne in which robberies and assaults on trains and in public places were perceived as being racially motivated.
Most Indians live in NSW, followed by Victoria, and most are located in capital cities. Melbourne had the highest proportion of Indian-born residents, at 2.7 per cent. But a regional bonus in the points test for permanent migration status means some Indian migrants are now branching out to Newcastle, Wollongong, and Bathurst.
Indian-born Australians are most likely to speak English at home, followed by Hindi and Punjabi, a language spoken in Northern India and regions of Pakistan.
The census reveals that the number of Punjabi speakers grew the fastest of any language in Australia – by 207 per cent between 2006 and 2011.
The growth of Hinduism has also matched the growth of Indian migration. While only 1.3 per cent of residents identify as Hindus, its numbers of adherents have almost doubled from 148,000 in 2006 to 275,534 in 2011.
Census director Andrew Henderson said the growth of Indian migration meant the Indian-born had overtaken Italian-born as those migrants moved into their second generation. “It is fundamentally shifting the cultural mix in Australia,” he said.
Australia and India share a number of cultural touchstones, not least widespread English usage in both nations and a legacy of common colonial histories. Cricket also binds the two nations, with Test matches that involve India in Sydney and Melbourne attracting large vocal crowds in support of the visiting team.
Indian permanent migration to Australia hit a monthly peak of almost 1800 in early 2008, before dipping to 680 in 2010 but has recovered to 1350 arrivals a month in early 2012.
Many Indians come to Australia not just for economic opportunity but to take advantage of the education system. Dr Singh said Indians who came to Australia tended to be young and highly educated and were often seeking further training in accounting, medical degrees, or nursing.
Indian-born Australians tend to be younger than the median age of the total population, 36 compared to 47.
Hass Dellal, the head of Australian Multicultural Foundation,which advises government, said the new wave of migration indicated that Australia was engaging more in the region.
“But we are not taking advantage of the opportunities it brings, economically or culturally. We need things such as languages in schools so that we can make the most of the advantages of our multicultural society.”
I was waiting for the latest Census 2011 data. This is out today. It has some very interesting information.
My take is that increasing numbers of young and highly trained Indians are choosing to migrate to Australia. This is despite a negative campaign against Australia, which was run by a segment of Indian media in recent years. It proves that Australia is a fantastic place to live, work and settle. Indians have rejected Indian media’s campaign to create a false characterisation of Australia as a racist nation.
One could argue that India is losing so many well-trained young people but I doubt it is a relevant factor anymore. There is unemployment and under-employment in India, which is made much worse by perpetual, if not permanent, reservation system which reserves 50% jobs/training positions and even promotion opportunities to people who have been historically discriminated. India’s so-called loss is Australia’s gain. Australia should continue to attract and accept skilled migrants from all over the world.
Indian Australian community has grown significantly in recent years and will continue to grow in coming years. There is an urgent need to network this community [particularly newer migrants] for mentoring/guidance in regards to settlement issues and integration in the Australian community, and also pastoral care, when needed.
Indian community associations and leaders need to analyse how they can provide guidance to newer migrants, when such guidance and mentoring become necessary.
One does not need to be an Einstein to predict that Indian Australian community will achieve increasing importance in Australian politics. They will constitute significant proportions in many constituencies. I predict, and in fact hope, that some “good” people from amongst us will enter Australian Parliaments and Local Councils within next 5 years.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/21st June, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/2b8zvkz Visa capping bill 2010 is a disgrace-says this Blog.
I am enclosing an editorial by Pawan Luthra, Editor, Indian Link newspaper. He has written a very pertinent and a brilliant piece on this matter. Thank you, Pawan.
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“The Visa capping issue
… is becoming the international students’ worst nightmare, says PAWAN LUTHRA
Minister Chris Evans could have the power to effectively order potential migration applications to be declared null and void if the Migration Amendment (Visa Capping) Bill is passed. This means that applicants will not be given a chance to appeal this decision and will have to leave the country within 28 days. With the Coalition remaining quiet on this and a minimal fuss from the Greens, chances of this becoming law are strong. Those most affected are potential migrants, a number of whom are students who may have studied in Australia for over two years. They have contributed thousands of dollars to the Australian economy, been model guests in this country and, in the future, could do Australia proud.
But now they’re becoming victims this game of politics masterminded by the Labor government which has been caught flat footed from the events in the student community since the past year. It is a transparent tactic of the Labor government, seeking to deflect focus from its refugee policies. It is easier to lay blame for the expansion of the student and migration market on the Howard government, rather than work to capture this special resource of talent already existing in the country. Caught within this political crossfire are the hopes and aspirations of thousands who have been waiting for over two years to have their visa applications processed and who now may have jobs, partners, children and other assets. They may have to abandon all this, as the possibility of being thrown out of the country within 28 days of Minister Evans decision imminently looms.
The Migration Amendment (Visa Capping) Bill 2010 would enable the minister to cap the number of visas issued in a given year to applicants with “specified characteristics.” This could include chefs or hairdressers or any other occupation. Once the designated annual cap is reached – which could conceivably be set at zero – all outstanding visa applications with the same characteristics will be terminated. So its wasted dollars for someone who has spent thousands in getting their health checks, skills assessed and qualifications recognised. Yes, the visa application fee will be refunded, but all other costs will be borne by the applicant. This does not include the cost of education which the applicant may have embarked upon in Australia with a dream of applying for residence based on the general intent of the laws at that time.
What the Labor government is doing isn’t wrong, but the sentiment is indeed immoral.
As depicted in the famous Australian movie, The Castle, Daryl Kerrigan fought a property development company which wanted to acquire his house to extend the airport. In the climax, the barrister representing Kerrigan said that it was not a house which the property developer was acquiring; it was a home of dreams and memories. Similarly, a migration application can be terminated abruptly and without notice, but it is at the priceless cost of destroying the dreams and ambitions of thousands of potential migrants. It is a heartrending sight and their despair is palpable.
Now is the time for community leaders to speak up and fight for the rights of these students. Public statements and petitions have been made by well intentioned individuals; but it is time that our Indian associations take this cause forward, in a test of true and vocal leadership. Visa capping in its current form is wrong and this message needs to be sent, loud and clear, to Canberra and the Rudd government.”
Editorial by Pawan Luthra
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Similarly, Anuj Kulshrestha, Editor, Hindi Gaurav, has written a great piece on this matter. He has included comments from some of the leaders from “Friends of International students” with his write-up. Thank you, Anuj.
http://www.hindigaurav.com/community-news-0-65
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Indian Sub-Continent Times [ http://www.theistimes.com/mr-evans-its-democracy-not-anarchy/ ] has written a great article on this issue too. Thank you, Ashok Kumar.
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Please click www.fairgo4internationalstudents.org/ and support the petition against this Bill.
“United we win, divided we lose”.
Regards
Yadu Singh/Sydney/28th June, 2010
Updated on 11th April, 2011.
Information
Here is my account about what I have done so far and what I am doing right now.
1. Community work in General:
1.1. Leadership roles in Indian community Medical Associations, Continuing Medical education and Health education of general community.
1.2. Helping poor people from our community ie visitors, overseas patients and Indian students when they are in need of health care in Australia without sufficient financial resources.
1.3. Helping poor students in my district with scholarships etc.
2. My work as the co-ordinator of the Indian Consul General’s committee on students’ issues:
Indian Consul General’s Community Committee on Students’ Issues, Sydney, NSW was formed at the Indian Consulate on 6th April 2009. It did intensive work and completed its task in a very efficient manner. After accomplishing its mandated task, it dissolved itself at the end of June 2009 and communicated this to the Indian Consulate on 1/7/09.
The committee had Harmohan Walia,Vish Viswanathan, Shubha Kumar, Stanley D’Cruz and Dr Yadu Singh as its members. I was its co-ordinator.
This committee had done following activities;
#met students numerous times.
#organised a students’ forum on 16th May at Strathfield.
#co-organised a students’ forum with UIA in Strathfield on 6th June.
#arranged help to a woman student who was a victim of domestic violence.
#arranged help to 2 women students who were stalked by another Indian co-worker.
#arranged meetings with minister of education, NSW and her senior advisers and students from an aviation school-Work in progress.
#arranged a meeting with the president, NSW upper House [Mr Peter Primrose] and Ms Helen Westwood MLA and students.
#arranged meeting of an aviation school student with consul General [this student gave him his papers].
#arranged a meeting with a community minded lawyer and aviation school students.
#met the mother of a student of an aviation school. This lady’s husband had died only 4 weeks ago due to the serious stress involved in losing the money with the school in Sydney without the required outcome.
#arranged and participated in TV coverage of students’ issues on Channel 7, 9, 10, SBS TV, ABC TV, and Bloomberg.
#participated in the coverage on ABC radio, SBS radio, SBS Hindi radio, 2UE, JJJ, Indian Link radio, Radio UMANG, 2GB radio and SBS Kannada Radio.
#arranged talk-backs on these issues on SBS radio and Radio UMANG [98.5MHZ, Fridays,8-9 PM]-now stopped.
#participated in coverage on SMH, The Australian, Daily Telegraph, other newspapers and AAP.
#participated in the coverage on Indian newspapers in Australia [The Indian, Indian Link, Indus Age, The Indian Sub Continent Times, Indian Down Under].
#participated in TimesNow, NDTV, CNN/IBN, Headlines Today, AajTak and other Indian TV Channels.
#participated in the coverage on main Indian newspapers and PTI.
#involved with some top-grade Australian media programmes with wide audience in getting students’ issues covered.
#arranged funds for the accommodation for the relatives Mr Rajesh Kumar [the petrol bomb victim from Harris Park] within 24 hours.
#met commander Robert Redfern , Parramatta Local area Command of NSW Police several times.
#did what we could do to persuade/help the students when they were on the Harris Park streets for 3 nights.
#participated in the community leaders’ meeting with chairman, Community Relations Commission [CRC] at CRC HQ
#participated in a CRC organised meeting with Indian students at Parramatta RSL.
#participated in the community leaders’ meeting with the Premier, Mr Nathan Rees
#Met Indian Consul General and Consul several times
#helped a prominent Indian TV channel with a documentary on true situation in Australia. One of us [Yadu Singh] was the citizen Journalist.
#discussed and formulated the strategy to solve the problems of our students.
#submitted our strategy to the NSW task force and other relevant authorities.
#provided leadership in the matters relating to Indian students.
#gave our after hours and week-ends for students’ work and provided pastoral care to the needy students.
#provided/facilitated medical help to the needy students/their family members.
#met the visiting Indian journalists at the Consulate.
The committee members were all hard-working people with top-grade integrity. They did not have any conflict of interest in the matters relating to Indian students. None of them were involved in the students’ placement in a school [after taking a commission], running of any such school or running of any business which could have a potential conflict of interest in any manner.
All members worked with full dedication, cohesion and team feeling without any undermining of one another. This itself is a rare thing for an Indian group. We are proud of our work and ourselves.
We appealed to every person from Indian background to stay away from any leadership role if they were involved in any activity which did/could create a conflict of interest in these matters but we did not succeed in this matter.
We raised our voice forcefully against the exploitation of Indian students by some Indian employers.
We also appealed to the Indian newspapers and Radio programmes to ask questions from every leader [on students’ issues] about their involvement in any activity which created a conflict of interest in those matters. We suggested that the media should start with the questions on conflict of interests when interviewing those leaders.
3.My work beyond/outside the Consul General’s committee on students:
a. helped the refund of >$12000 to a student of a Flying school.
b. arranged legal assistance to the students from this Flying school from a solicitor in Sydney and Canberra.
c.1. facilitated a good outcome between parties involving VETAB, Flying school and students.
c.2. held several meetings involving VETAB high authorities, the Flying school and students in VETAB and my offices.
d. organised further refunds/savings [including waiving of about $50000f the legal fees in regards to a legal proceedings in the Supreme Court where students had lost their case and costs was awarded against them]] for a Flying school students from ESOS scheme with the help of VETAB, DEEWR and federal education dept which is worth >$250000 . I was the key and the only Indian person in this work for these students. I did this as I felt it was my duty to help students from my community who were feeling powerless in Australian system.
e. held meetings involving a Flying school people, VETAB and students.
f. helped payment of >$2400 to a student which was originally denied by his employer.
g. arranged funding of about $1000 to the family members of the “Petrol bomb” victim.
h. donated $500 to a students association.
i. arranged sponsorship for foods, meeting hall and public liability insurance for a students’ association [worth >$1000].
j. mentoring students for their careers and future in OZ.
k.1. donated $500 to AHIA’s seniors.
k.2. donated $500 to Fiji floods relief fund via International congress of Fiji Indians and organized $2000 donations from other doctors
k.3. donated $500 to Sanatan Arya Pratinidhi Samaj, Sydney.
l. donated a good amount [>$2000] for needy/deserving causes involving victims of earthquakes, accidental deaths, injuries and illnesses.
m.1. helping several students including assault victims for their work comp, treatment and issues involving their parents.
m.2. Liaised with NSW Police high ups in regards to the assaults of 2 Indians in Sydney.
m.3. Advised/mentored several others in regards to the steps they needed to take when they were assaulted.
n. established a benevolent fund for the community with further activities in the process.
o. participated as an active member of the working party with CRC on students including inputs for Z card.
p.1. took leadership role via the media including Indian and Australia media [Chanel 9, SBS, NDTV, Indian ethnic newspapers].
p.2. helped Radio National in making a documentary on students [see details in this BLOG elsewhere].
q. raised the issue of OZ Uranium sale to India during the Australia India Day celebration on 24th Jan, 2010 where several ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLC, and media people were present.
r. helped community members’ relatives/parents including FIJI Indians’ when they needed medical help.
s. helped students with their medical treatment of all types when they needed such help. This included getting a student admitted for the urgent treatment of his Kidney stone trouble which was threatening his Kidney.
t. helping the community members from India and South Asia with a concessional fees structure because they are part of my community [a service worth more than $50000/year].
u. met NSW Premier, VETAB authorities and NSW Education authorities on students’ issues
v. did all this work without any personal benefits or COMMISSIONs unlike some of our “leaders”. SEE my BLOG for more details.
w.1. trying to clean the community leadership and making them accountable.
w.2. Exposed commission taking by some leaders of an Indian community association in Sydney.
x. taking a leadership role against unfair portrayal of Australia as a Racist society by Indian media.
y. mentored medical doctors from India in regards to their training and registration issues including achieving a successful outcome for a house surgeon who was facing exclusion from the medical work due to her unfair treatment in a Sydney hospital. I worked very actively with this young doctor and her supervisors including Hospital administrators to get her into the internship at a different hospital. She passed her assessment and is now working in Sydney.
z.1. many other charity work in India including scholarships for poor students in India.
z.2. running a weekly Radio UMANG [Health radio] programme.
z.3. worked as a catalyst in resolving the issues between Indian consul General, Sydney and some businessmen with a successful outcome.
z.4. took an active and a leading role in resolving the issues between Indus Age [after a controversial ad] and the community, and achieved a successful outcome [with an apology and a promise to not publish such ads again].
z.5. Formed a community committee [total 10 people in it] against Visa Capping Bill in May 2010 and lobbied with the Gov ministers and Media against this Bill which was very harmful to the students. Worked actively for this committee, visiting community gatherings, temples and Gurdwaras to collect signatures against this Bill. We also met the Immigration minister, Mr Chris Evans, asking him to not proceed with this Bill. See www.fairgo4internationalstudents.org.
z.6. Formed a national organisation called National Council of Indian Australians [NCIA, www.ncia.org.au] with participation from all over Australia [all states and territories representatives].
z.7. Spoke as a lead doctor in the Health Summit, organised by GOPIO, Sydney, educating/informing people on Health matters on 4th Dec, 2010.
z.8. Helped a family locate their son [International student] http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/a-dumped-bike-a-glimpse-on-sydney-stations-cctv-what-happened-to-indian-student-abhijeet-20101006-166rs.html
z.9. Raised $7100 as a team for Qld Flood relief on 28th Jan, 2011.
z.10. Took up the issue of attack on Sri Mandir temple, Auburn and brought it to the national media.
z.11. Took up the matter involving HINDI in the Australian national draft curriculum-Languages and wrote to ACARA.
z.12. Campaigned for removal of an incorrect map of India in DIAC website and succeeded.
I have not listed every thing I have done or am doing. Much more is being done presently.
I had to write this down because some of my detractors were making comments like “what has he done for the community”.
Just to let you know that it gives me a sense of satisfaction to do some community work beyond my medical work.
Yadu Singh/Sydney/22nd November, 2010
Indian students are apparently happy to come to Australia. It is OK with me but we want only those who are coming here to study and have sufficient money for living/tuition expenses, proper manners, certificates and English standards.
FISA is irrelevant and it is about time that its advisers, owners or controllers stop talking nonsense. I urge Gautam Gupta and Ajay Unni [both are not students presently & have not been so for several years] to review what they have been saying. Enough harm has been done to Indian Australian community’s reputation by irresponsible statements and bringing “racism” for every crime/incident in relation to Indian students. The level of their leadership is obvious from their 10 point charter [See elsewhere in this Blog]. I want to tell Gautam Gupta that I am opposed to his views and that he does not speak for all from Indian Australian community. I seriously doubt that he speaks for many from students or Indian Australian community.
Yadu Singh/Sydney/14th March, 2010
Report
Australia India Day Function
[Celebrating Australia Day and Indian Republic Day]
Held on the 24th Jan, 2010 [6-11PM]
Venue – Ryde Civic Centre, Ryde NSW 2112
Australia India Day Function Council celebrated its first Australia / India Republic Day at the Ryde Civic Centre, Ryde on the 24th January 2012. The program was an astounding success with more than 500 prominent Indians, representatives from over 20 Indian Associations, and star-studded politicians from both the Labor and Liberal parties from State and Federal level attending this event.
The celebration started with the singing of Indian and Australian anthems, followed by entre which was followed by the first part of the entertainment programme. The guests were welcomed by Harish Velji and the MC was Dr Yadu Singh. Vote of thanks was given by Ms Shubha Kumar.
At no time in the past 20 years, any function organized by any Indian Association/s had such massive response for such events. The only limiting factor in getting more numbers to attend the event has been the capacity of the Ryde Civic Centre function hall.
One of the major aspects contributing to the success of this program was the enormous representation from both the Labor and Liberal parties. ALP took 2 tables and Liberals took 1 table in our function. More than 40 political leaders and party workers from both sides attended the event. Prominent people from the political leadership included:
Hon Ms Maxine Mckew [Parliamentary secretary, Fed Gov & representing Prime Minister of Australia], Hon Mr Joe Hockey [Shadow Treasurer, Fed Parliament & representing Hon Tony Abbott, Leader of Opposition in Fed Parliament],Hon Mr David Borger [NSW Minister], Hon Mr Peter Primrose [NSW minister], Hon Ms Barbara Perry [NSW minister & representing NSW Premier], Ms Angela D’amore [Parliamentary secretary, NSW], Hon Mr Laurie Ferguson [Parliamentary secretary, Fed Gov], Mr David Clarke MLC [Shadow Parliamentary secretary & representing Mr Barry O’Farrell, Leader of Opposition, NSW], Mr Phillip Ruddock [Shadow Cabinet secretary, Fed Parliament], Mr Greg Smith [Shadow Attorney General, NSW], Hon Ms Amanda Fazio [President, Upper House of NSW], Hon Ms Tanya Gadiel [Deputy speaker of NSW parliament], Mr Chris Hayes MP, Mr Michael Richardson MP and Mr Shaoquett Moselmane MLC.
Clr Mark Adler – Canterbury Council, Clr Tony Hay – Hills Shire, Clr Barbara Burton – Hills Shire, Clr Vaseekaran Rajdurai – Holroyd Council, Clr Bill Whelan, Hawkesbury Council, and Crl Trent Zimmerman, North Sydney Council also attended this function.
Hon Mr Amit Dasgupta, Consul General of India, Sydney and Mr Gautam Roy, Consul from the Indian Consulate, Sydney also graced this function with their presence.
In a highly emotional and charged up speech, Mr David Clarke [representing Mr Barry O’Farrell] from the Australian Liberal Party, said that if his child goes to India he is sure the parents in India would treat him as their son and look after him. On a similar manner, he urged that the Australian Moms and Dads to treat the Indian students as their own sons and look after them. He went on and paid tributes to India and its traditions by saying that ‘India practices what it preaches.
Ms Barbara Perry [representing the Premier of NSW] spoke eloquently about the contribution of Indian Australians and declared that violence against Indian/international students will not be tolerated. She said that students are very welcome in NSW. She was dressed in Indian attire which people appreciated with enthusiastic applause. She spoke about the interest of NSW premier and Gov in working actively with the Indian Australians.
Hon Joe Hockey, speaking at the function, said the Liberal party is fully committed to its policy of supplying Uranium to India. Dr Yadu Singh, while responding to Hon Joe Hockey’s speech encouraged the Labor party to consider similar policy and implement it as early as possible. He explained that the issue of NPT is not relevant in case of India after India has been given an India-specific exemption from NPT by the NSG [Nuclear Suppliers’ Group] in Vienna last year.
Ms Maxine Mckew also spoke very highly of India, Indian Australians and multi-culturalism in Australia. She also explained that India and Australia have a great relations and it will get even better despite some hiccups. She was very impressed with the enthusiastic participation of women Indian Australians in this function. Her speech generated a thunderous applause from the audience.
All the speakers from both the major parties spoke highly of India, Indian traditions, Indian sports – in particular Cricket, and the Indian political landscape, which stood the test of times for more than 62 years since securing independence from the British rule in 1947. All speakers were enthusiastically applauded by the audience.
The event was also graced by Mr Amit Dasgupta, the Consul General of India. Speaking on the occasion the Consul General touched on two fundamental issues. On the issues related to the Indian students the Consul General paid glowing tributes to the NSW Police force and the political landscape of NSW for containing the student issues in NSW. As a clear indication to vindicate this matter the Consul General said that out of the 1340 attacks on Indian students in 2009, only 13 such attacks occurred in the state of NSW and South Australia – the States which fall under the jurisdiction of Mr Amit Dasgupta. He further stated that these statistics do not however condone the vast majority of attacks on Indian students that occurred and still occurring in other States. He urged that the law enforcement agencies and the political parties should work closely in this direction and ensure safety of the Indian overseas students
On a second major issue, the Consul General spoke about exploitation of the Indian students by Indian business – in particular the food/restaurant industry whereby the restaurant owners pay less than the wages stipulated under the labor law. He insisted that all business owners must do ethical business. He further went on to say that ‘I will not attend any function where he is not assured of suppliers to that function follow ethical standards in conducting their businesses’. The entire hall including all the politicians from both major parties echoed with a big applause.
The overwhelming response to this event is an indication of the ‘changing times’ and ‘changing outlook’ to the leadership and responsiveness to the current issues and challenges being faced by various sections of the Indian migrant and student community living in the State of New South Wales.
Surely the representation of more than 40 students from the International Student community is an indication that they want to hear from the leadership and also from the large number of politicians on their views and actions proposed to be taken to address their issues. The Chief of VETAB [Ms Margaret Willis] and her assistant, Mr Shona Tannock and Mr Robert Redfern, Commander, Parramatta Police command [representing NSW Police Commissioner] were present as our guests. Ms Willis’ and Mr Redfern’s presence was meant to send out the message that quality of training and safety of students are 2 key issues in relations with Indian students.
It is noteworthy that students had paid at a very subsidized rate and all others including the organizers, except a very small numbers of VIP guests, had bought the tickets for their participation in the function.
The representation from more than 20 Indian Associations is a clear indication which shows they are bewildered with the current policies and practices, and financial management of our current top associations and leaders. The one fundamental reason for this large support stems from the fact that they found a new leadership in the AIDFC which can respond to the current issues and make representations at both Australian and Indian Government levels with a solid and united voice. Some of the major Indian organizations who supported the event included the India Club, The Sydney Sangat, Australian Punjabi Business Association, Australian Indian Business Congress, Punjab For Ever, The Australian Tamil Association Inc (ATA), Hindi Samaj and the Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association (AMU) in addition to others.
ACR International Tours and Travels added spice to the event by offering one return air ticket through Singapore Airlines for auction. The auction added nice A$1,000 to the much badly needed money for the ‘benevolent fund project’. Mr Navneet Chaugar was the winner of this ticket. For the raffle draw which helped us collect about $750, the Good Guys offered a Plasma 26 inch TV which was won by Councilor Bill Whelan of the Hawkesbury City Council. Congratulations to the winners!
Media-both Indian and Australian, were represented with Indian Link, The Indian, Punjab Times, Hamare Rang [Pakistani] and most importantly, Channel 9 team present in the function. This was the very first time that Channel 9 crew was present in an Indian function.
Many other ethnic community leaders also graced the occasion with their presence.
The Future – the AIDFC Benevolent Fund
AIDFC has made a number of public announcements at the function to the community as a part of its commitment for the future. Prominent among them is the creation and implementation of the AIDFC’s Benevolent Fund. We are committed to get this fund going and make a significant contribution to the well being the Indian migrant and student community, our fellow Australian community and finally to our mother country – India.
Finally we promise you that we will provide you a solid leadership and will representation at various levels. We will have clean governance in all matters of the AIDFC management – in particular finance management. We will adopt an ‘open book’ approach in all these areas. Consideration will be given to broaden the current AIDFC to include more Associations, individual members and businesses. The community will be getting more frequent updates in the coming weeks and months!
Ghungurus Group of Shalini Patel was the provider of the entertainment programme which was of 50 minutes duration and had the mix of Bhangra and Bollywood songs/dances. Every one enjoyed it tremendously.
Catering was done by Billu Group with great food, dessert and wines.
This function was so well attended and so well done that it has become a matter for the discussion among Indian Australians and the political eaders in NSW and Canberra.
This function has now become the talk of the town.
JAI HO!
Dr Yadu Singh
President
Australia India Day Function Council (AIDFC)
Email: singhyadu@gmail.com
31st Jan, 2010
http://www.ndtv.com/news/videos/video_player.php?id=1197889 My interview in NDTV about Australia.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/indians_in_australia_speak_out_on_attacks.php
Yadu Singh/Sydney/31st Jan, 2010
http://www.foreignpolicy.in/journals_4.html
Inviting your views and comments.
Yadu Singh/Sydney/29th Jan, 2010
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/australia-ranked-no-2-for-quality-of-life-20091005-gjfg.html
http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2009/chapters/
United Nations Development Program [UNDP] says that Australia is number two in the list of countries for the quality of life. Norway is on the top. Australia will probably topple Norway next year. USA and UK are 13th and 21st in the list. India and Pakistan are at 134th and 141st place in the list of 182 countries. China, Srilanka and Bhutan are higher than India. Niger is at the bottom. UNDP published its Human Development Report for 2009 yesterday.
Hooray!
We know it already that Australia is a great place. Lets make it even better!
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/06-10-09
Join me on
Its fun and I am enjoying it.
Lets tweet to our heart’s content.
Tweet…. tweet….. tweet….
Yadu Singh/Sydney/05-10-09
FISA’s charter is completely impractical and useless. We had published our counter points before. I had spoken with a FISA leader in Sydney who could not give us a straight answer.
I ask FISA leaders to clarify about the status of its charter.
Gautam Gupta and Ajay Unni, do you still believe in this ridiculous charter? Is this still the valid charter from FISA?
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/03-10-09
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MEDIA grandstanding must stop: FISA is making impractical and irrelevant demands.
We are concerned about impractical and irrelevant demands which FISA seems to be making. We have seen their 10 point charter and considered it carefully. We see some serious problems in their thought-process and offer following response point by point;
1) Free two weeks board to welcome Indian students:
If Melbourne’s 100,000-strong Indian community gave each student 2 week’s free boarding it would help them find their feet in a new country. (Note: the City of Darwin has launched borders without borders program with the general Australian community along these lines. Sure the Indian community can help with free accommodation). Together we can help students settle easily as many professional Indians have large homes with empty rooms.
OUR RESPONSE: It is not practical and realistic to expect established Indian Australians to provide boarding for any number of weeks to Indian students. How can one provide such boarding when they do not even know them? There is no justification for such a ridiculous suggestion. FISA’s suggestion is nothing but media grand standing. This type of suggestion is not going to solve the accommodation issues which students face in Australia. It is our belief that education providers who make money from these students must arrange accommodation for the initial 3-6 months at a market cost. This would allow these students to get used to the system here and give them sufficient confidence to be able to find the appropriate rental accommodation.
2) Donate to the FISA victims of crime fund
Indian migrants are one of the richest migrant groups in Australia. Indian businesses and professionals can afford to donate generously to the FISA victims of crime fund so that victims like Sravan Kumar who was savagely attacked in his home in Glenroy are looked after properly.
OUR RESPONSE: FISA is not able to think beyond media grand standing. Any Victim of crime fund will never have sufficient money to cover the medical expense of the nature which Sravan Kumar needs. The ICU fees for one day could be something like $5000 and it could go for more than $100000 for one victim. No community can and will be able to arrange funds of this nature. Making such suggestions is completely unrealistic. Expenses on the treatment for a Victim of crime must be covered by the Gov/Medicare which is the case with the Victim of petrol bomb attack in Sydney. We believe that every student must maintain valid, appropriate and current medical cover insurance for a situation when they need treatment due to injuries or illnesses. This is not the case with many students presently. Ongoing and current medical cover insurance must be a condition for the continuation of the VISA.
3) Free medical checkup from Indian doctors
The local Indian community has thousands of medical doctors and medical specialists. By offering free medical checkups to students we can ensure they are looked after health wise while they are here. This will also ensure a point of contact that is badly needed.
OUR RESPONSE: Medical doctors will/do provide free medical check-ups in some situations but this is not going to be the solution which FISA seems to be suggesting. Medical doctors cannot provide free treatment in case of admissions in ICU etc and cannot provide free medicines. As before, FISA’s suggestion is completely unrealistic and is indicative of media grand standing. Again, we believe that every student must hold a valid, current and appropriate medical cover insurance while in Australia and this must be a condition for their VISA. If they have this cover, they do not need to depend on the charity from anyone.
4) Free legal advice from Indian lawyers
the local Indian community has thousands of lawyers. By offering free legal service the established Indian community can help students on critical issues. Indian lawyers could also join together to lodge human rights cases against Victorian and Australian governments, education institutions and immigrations agents who are ripping off many students with false claims and promises. Lawyers could also help lodge disputes for unfair treatment and discrimination at work.
OUR RESPONSE: Free legal assistance from Indian Australian Lawyers and free service from every Indian Australian for our students would be great but is not going to happen. This suggestion is completely impractical and unrealistic. Our students are getting ripped off by so many and they include agents in India, some education providers and some immigration agents but we cannot see that our lawyers or other professionals would provide free services at all times. We believe that Federal Gov must establish an Ombudsman immediately to deal with these issues. Decisions from the Ombudsman cannot be challenged in a court. FISA must stop media grand standing.
5) More student Hotlines in all Indian languages
we need all community groups to chip in and establish hotlines in all Indian languages. These need to be staffed with qualified counselors. Most students look to the Indian association that speaks their language. Few have heard of FIAV or other umbrella groups.
OUR RESPONSE: Helpline should be in English language and not in Indian languages. All students are able to speak and understand English which is a condition of their VISA. Our students need to integrate. Nobody is going to start help lines in all Indian languages. It would be impossible to arrange funding for such ridiculous ideas. We leave FISA and FIAV to sort out their turf war in Melbourne. What is the stand of FISA in Sydney where they are part of an umbrella group but not chairing the students’ committee of that umbrella group? They were nowhere to be seen when our committee and that umbrella group held a combined meeting recently. Despite FISA and that Umbrella group’s public stand against the Rally in Sydney, they did not follow their words.
6) Safety watch committees
Local established Indian groups could adopt a station to provide community or neighborhood watch committees. If middle class and educated people are at stations at night then the risk of attacks will be reduced. Police are more likely to listen to wealthy professional Indians than students. In addition these safety watch committees can report back to Police and work to reduce poor lighting and other hazards at stations in the poorer suburbs.
OUR RESPONSE: Safety watch by established Indian Australians is not the solution. This suggestion is ridiculous. FISA seems to come out with immature, impractical and inappropriate suggestions. We do not need a parallel security apparatus for Indians in Australia. We are part of the same Australian community and our problems will need to be solved within the holistic approach to safety/security issues. We do need to put sufficient pressure on the Governments/Police to intensify the patrolling, under-cover policing and adopt proactive measures to stop the crimes against our students.
7) Political power – the great Indian vote boycott
Established Indians have huge political power given that they live in large numbers in marginal seats in the Melbourne’s more affluent east. By refusing to vote for the major Liberal and Labor parties until action is taken to ensure students safety they can send a powerful message to state and federal government. Established Indians should boycott voting for major parties until students’ demands are met and their security assured. Politicians are power hungry and will meet our demands if they know established Indians are boycotting their parties. By boycotting both parties, we will also stop the state and federal opposition’s ‘political play acting’ and get them to vote for real changes in parliament for Indian students.
OUR RESPONSE: The suggestion of boycotting the main political parties is a crazy idea. We, in fact, need to join them and participate in the political process in Australia. We will be more effective if we join them. FISA guys, please get real. Indians in Australia do not subscribe to a victim mentality and we do not want any of us to adopt a victim’s mentality. We need to analyze, debate and formulate a proper strategy to stop the crime against our students. We must accept that some crimes will continue to happen as they happen against non-Indians.
8) Public shaming of community rip off merchants
in many cases landlords, bosses, immigration agents and education institutions are ripping off our Indian students. Indian community groups need to name and shame these people who are bringing the reputation of Indians in to disrepute and exploiting Indian students. Each community groups could publish the name of ‘rip off merchants’ on their websites so that students know exactly who they should avoid.
OUR RESPONSE: Public naming and shaming of the “rip off merchants” from our or other communities is again an impractical suggestion. It would lead to legal cases and unnecessary legal fees and damages. No individual or association with sane mind will do the public naming or shaming. FISA guys, please get real. Yesterday, the committee of education ministers and federal education minister has announced a helpline which students can call if they have a complaint and they can do so anonymously. They will also be doing a rapid and effective audit of the “Fly by night” schools which have mushroomed in every suburb in Australian cities. These schools need to be audited effectively if Australia wants to continue growing the $16 billion education industry.
9) Free food kitchens across Melbourne to help students survive
many students are now unemployed or working for as little as one quarter of the legal minimum wage. (Note: The Sikh Temple in Blackburn in Melbourne’s east currently feeds thousands of students seven days a week and is happy to extend this to other suburbs. But we need more Australian Indians to help in southern, northern and western suburbs.
OUR RESPONSE: FISA should remember that they are students and not refugees. Temples should not be converted to Vincent de Paul societies. While community members are able to help on a case to case basis for any genuine or temporary situations, long term free feeding of students would result in too much burden on the local Indian community and might lead into negative effects. Students are expected to have adequate financial capabilities for their stay in Australia according to student Visa conditions. It is not a bright idea to expect the Indian community and temples to provide free food seven days a week for the rapidly growing student population. In addition who is going to fund this type of “free kitchens for students?” and for how long?
10) Local Indians to support FISA demands
Established Indians can call their local MPs and lobby them to support FISA 10 point plan for better student safety.
Many Australian MPs are not scared of students because they do not vote and will not take FISA’s demands seriously. These MPs are more likely to address FISA’s student demands if the local voting Indian’s call, email and write to politicians demanding action on student safety. If Premier John Brumby receives 100,000 letters and Kevin Rudd receives 200,000 letters from local voting Indians then they will both act swiftly on Indian student safety.
OUR RESPONSE: This is nothing but a cheap publicity stunt and a copy cat of typical Indian politics carried out in Australia in the name of student issues. Both Australian Government and the Indian Government have agreed at the Prime Minister level to take immediate measures addressing student concerns including safety related issues. FISA seems to have run out of ideas in getting the local support for their “10 point” demands and it is a joke to think that Kevin Rudd will act only after receiving 200,000 letters. The Indian community will be a laughing stock even if a few members support this funny idea of sending mass mail.
We urge FISA guys to think through anything before jumping with suggestions which are laughable and unrealistic. FISA guys need to discuss with others before going on media grand standing with half-cooked and ridiculous ideas.
Indian Consul General’s Community Committee on Indian Students’ Issues
Sydney, NSW
PS:[1] This was the response we gave to Indian Link newspaper which asked the committee to provide its response/views in regards to the FISA’s 10 points charter.
[2]Please note that the above-mentioned committee had completed its job and provided its reports/recommendations to the relevant authorities. It had then dissolved itself at the end of June 2009. The committee had communicated its decision to the Consul General on 1/7/09.
Dear Indian Australians in Sydney
With the exposure of rorts/scams through the Australian media recently, a significant damage has happened to the image of our community. We can not be happy about it as it is about us. A beginning has to be made to mend/repair the harm to the image and standing of our community.
Recently, a fellow from our community committed suicide in Harris Park, NSW. There were some issues in regards to arranging transportation of the body to India.
Also, recently, a young man died unexpectedly in Sydney. I understand that it was due to a heart illness. The person in question was a heavy drinker and smoker. He was the only son of his parents.
Mental health and cardio-vascular health issues are significant problems in our community.
“Racism” is a much used term which gets used, rightly or wrongly, as an explanation for all sorts of problems. I know one who tried to employ this word when caught travelling on the city rail without a valid ticket!
Basically, we have issues involving health, settlement and leadership in our community which are very relevant for the new arrivals.
For obvious reasons, we will have to do something about these issues. We have to think about the best mechanism/tools to address these issues. We have to help our community where our help is needed. Our community leaders have a special responsibility in this regard.
I do not claim to be “Mr know it all” but I do not mind in speaking my mind. I recognise that others would have good ideas too.
I propose that;
1. we do not encourage the participation of those members of our community who are known to be involved in the exploitation of students or are parts of the scams/rorts, in the social functions/gatherings.
2. we do not support the business owners who fall under the category 1.
3. we have a meeting of community minded people and those who have impeccable integrity with good reputation soon. I propose the United Indian Associations [UIA] president to preside this meeting.
4. we identify those people quickly who are operating as the leaders but have a clear conflict of interest in those matters and ask them to take a back seat.
5. we help set up the system which is there to help our students and Indian Australians when they are in desperate needs for the help. This should include the establishment of a Benevolent Fund.
6. we support UIA to grow and become an effective organisation by discussing, debating, reforming by bringing out the required changes. UIA Constitutional review is long overdue.
7. we urge UIA to become a more open and inclusive organisation by co-opting well-meaning and capable people from outside UIA in its committees.
8. we think about forming a new organisation with the required goals if UIA leaders are not able/wiling to reform UIA to make it a relevant and an effective body.
9. we take a stand against the rorts/scams and ask Australian Gov authorities to stamp out these activities quickly.
10. we start identifying people with leadership qualities and help them reach the places of influences including political offices ie MLAs/MLCs/MPs.
11. we re-energize the leadership by taking a back seat voluntarily if we have been leaders for a long period and have not been contributing meaningfully and encourage others with abilities to take the leadership roles in our associations.
12. we work actively to promote the pan-Indian identity of Indians and discourage the regional identities in Australia.
13. we do everything to promote a better understanding/integration among Indian Australians with themselves and with Australian community in general. The distrust has to go.
14. we work effectively and collaboratively to encourage SBS TV to have the programmes on India/Indian people, based on our numbers, as is the case with other communities.
15. we and Indian Govt Missions work collaboratively to have a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a prominent place in Sydney and Melbourne.
16. we network, interact, co-ordinate and execute the health education programmes which are relevant to our communities.
Until recently, our Indian Australian community has had a great reputation. We want this reputation restored to our community.
We must promote only those who have a genuine ability to lead, understand the needs of our community and also understand the meaning of “conflict of interest”.
Let the seniors guide us in our goals! Let us learn from their experience and wisdom!
The community has to grow and we have to grow with it!
Let the debate begin!
Kind regards
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/03-10-09
AISA is holding a function “Students’ issues:from here to where?”
On Sunday, 11th Oct 2009,
At Granville Town Hall, Granville, NSW [300 mtrs from Granville station]
Between 6-9 PM.
All students are invited.
Please RSVP to aisa.sydney@gmail.com
Visit: www.aisa.asn.au for info.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/03-10-09
I was extremely saddened to hear the news of an Indian student who had committed suicide in Melbourne recently.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/indian-student-commits-suicide-in-australia/519725/
Mr Gurjinder Singh was a student of La Trobe University, doing accounting. He was in Australia only for 3 months. From the newspaper reports, I read that he was depressed about not finding a job in Australia. As we know, international students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week.
He was in his early 20s.
I have been thinking about him ever since I heard about his death. I feel for him and his situations before he committed suicide. I feel for the grief and loss for his parents in India. I have been trying to analyse what went in his mind before he came to this extreme point and took his life.
What happened here? How can a person become so severely depressed within so short time after arriving in Australia? Why his flat-mates and class-mates did not know about his situation? Why nothing could be done to prevent this tragedy?
Obviously, a lot of people failed here in averting a tragedy of this nature.
As I see it, following things come to my mind;
1. his classmates failed in their responsibility by not noticing his situation and turmoil and doing something about it,
2. his flat mates failed in their responsibility by again not noticing his situation and turmoil and doing something about it,
3. his University’s support system also could not do much to prevent this tragedy [may be they did what was needed to done but we are not aware of it],
4. his close relatives could not do anything to prevent his death. A young man felt this desperate and committed suicide and close relatives did not have a clue of his situation! Was this young man pushed into coming to Australia and had lots of expectation from his relatives but he was not helped with the essential things ie money which he needed to succeed in Australia?,
5. the education agents in India who did not inform him about the situation and ground realities re the jobs and the required money for his tuition etc,
6. his University system which could not prevent such a devastating tragedy by informing him at the orientation time about the health matters/systems including the psychological health issues which he could have accessed . There are help lines available which are very useful and are known to prevent suicides. I recognise that his University might have informed him about all this at the time of orientation but he did not use the information. He could have gone to a GP. He had access to the health system in Australia as all students are required to have a health insurance. Alas, nothing of these happened!
7. I am sorry to say this but this young man also failed himself and his parents by taking this extreme step when he could have done many things to get him out of his situation. This could have been about calling help lines, speaking with his class mates/flat mates, speaking with counsellors, speaking with his parents and even returning to India if things were not going to change. Every thing would have been preferrable to the extreme step of committing suicide. A degree from a Uni in Australia and a possible PR in Australia are nothing when we compare them with the “Life”. By saying this, I am not minimising the grief/sadness which his near and dears ones are going through right now. I have a great deal of empathy with every one who is going through this grief but…….
Life is always full of challenges and we need to face the challenges rather than taking the self-harm steps. Most times, we can deal with them ourselves but some times, we would need help from others and we must seek it from them.
Parents and students must be aware of the possibility that a job may not be available in Australia. Arrangements for ongoing living expenses and tuition fees must be made before travelling to Australia. Aus Gov authorities in the relevant Embassy/High Commission must make it amply clear that students can work for upto 20hours/week but jobs in Australia can not be the main or the only source of funding the expenses during their stay in Australia.
To be honest with you, I believe that students should not come to Australia if they do not have a capability to arrange funding for their fees and living expenses without a job in Australia.
Depression is a common problem and people from all age groups, ethnicity and circumstances can suffer from depression. Indians are no exception. It is eminently treatable. No body needs to suffer without the help, support and treatment for it. We of course need to let others know what is going on inside us. Many a times, others would not know about the turmoil inside if we do not seek help, talk about it or let them know what is going on inside us.
Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to the mental health issues and anecdotally, this may be more true in the Indian community.
In this regard, I admire the courage which was shown by Jeff Kennett [former Vic Premier], Andrew Robb [Liberal Front Bencher] and Geoff Gallop [ former premier of Western Australia] when they came out with their depression and sought help.
To prevent any loss of life in this manner, we all must show compassion and look after our friends, class mates, flat mates, relatives or any one whom we know if we find that they are having difficulties in these matters. We need to talk with our close ones and share with them the difficulties we are experiencing.
It does not help and it is not correct if we point a finger of blame, to the premier of Victoria, Mr John Brumby by making him responsible for this suicide as has been done by a non-student “leader” in Melbourne. This is ridiculous. This “leader” is talking nonsense and is playing useless politics. He should be ashamed of himself.
A very sad situation has happened and we all including the Gov agencies need to think about the preventive measures which must be in place to avert such deaths, knowing that International students are under lots of pressure, do not have the traditional support mechanism for them in Australia and some of them may not be able to cope with the circumstances. Schools, TAFE and Universities must review their orientation systems to make sure there is information on health including mental health issues in their orientation programmes.
The education providers must have a system of “student co-ordinators” who should have a close interaction with the students. Pastoral care is a service which is extremely essential in relation to International students.
State Governments must ensure that the education providers in their territories do have enough information on these matters in these programmes and have adequate pastoral care mechanism.
Indian associations must review what they can do to help Indian students when they are having difficulties in dealing with the situations/circumstances in Australia.
There is a significant role for the media in India and in Australia to take up the issue of mental health among International students. Many of them go through a very difficult environment. As Indian students do access the ethnic Indian media in Australia regularly, it can and should do a significant job by making people aware of the mental health and help system available in Australia. Kumud Merani [SBS Radio], Pawan Luthra [Indian Link], Rohit Revo [The Indian] and Dinesh Malhotra [Bharat Times] have the instrument which can be very effective in this regard. After all, we do have the great systems like LIFE LINE and BEYOND BLUE in Australia but this may not be known to our students.
We all have to work together to save lives of those who are going through a difficult time in their lives!
We all need to work together in all sorts of manners to help our students!
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/23rd Sept, 2009.
Here is my Interview on SBS Radio-Kannada
Topic: Indians’ assault in Epping, Melbourne
Interviewer: Mr Chandra Devudu
Prof Sujit Pandit has sent me an email, suggesting that Indians living overseas should demand a rule change in India. This is about the OCI cards. An OCI card holder should not need to have a separate Visa for India.
Here is his email. The word USA should be substituted with Australia, NZ, UK or relevant countries.
Let us send this demand to our High Commissions, Consulates, Minister Mr SM Krishna [MEA], Minister Mr Shashi Tharoor [MEA] and Minister Mr Vayalar Ravi [NRI affairs].
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/21st Sept 2009
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Dr Pandit’s email……
Sujit Pandit to me
Our goal is to make travel to India less stressful and a matter of joy. The current OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)/PIO (Person of Indian Origin) rules are irrational and confusing that often cause hardship to the travelers.
The bureaucrats and politicians do not like to change any rules unless there is overwhelming pressure from the public. So, if you would like to change the ambiguous OCI/PIO rules please write to the Indian ambassador to the USA, the Consular General of India, the Prime Minister of India, the Minister of External affairs, The Home Minister and other civil servants and politicians in India. You may also write to the various Indian media and the Indian action, social and political groups. Please ask your friends to do the same.
If you want to write only a short paragraph then write the following or something like this:
‘When an individual has a US Passport and an OCI card, production of a Visa should not be insisted upon, because the evidence of a valid visa is implicit in the OCI card, which may be deemed to be a certification higher than the Visa itself.’
If you want to send a more elaborate explanation then send them my story:
From:
Sujit Pandit M.D.
2680 Lowell Road
Ann Arbor MI 48103
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2009/s2687996.htm
Also, please have a look at other postings in this Blog.
Regards
Yadu Singh/Sydney/18th Sept, 2009
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/17/2688266.htm
Mr Farrukh Dhondy is a UK-based writer/editor of Indian background. He was interviewed by the ABC AM team today [see the link above].
He is advising students and Indian Australians to retaliate and take law into our hands. Any sane person would see the futility of his argument. How are we going to achieve what we want if we go the direction recommended by him?
His advice to us and Indian students in Australia is totally inappropriate. It may even be crazy and irrational. It is not going to solve the problems.
I give following arguments against his advice:
1. Indians are a small population on numerical strength and can not be expected to win the retaliation game.
2. Indians are not going to become idiots like those thugs who bashed 3 Indians in Epping, Melbourne.
3. Students have come here to study, not to fight in retaliation which would cause more and serious troubles for them.
4. Taking law into our hands will itself be illegal and may end up sending us to jail.
5. Taking law into our hands will destroy any goodwill, Indian Australians have from the general Australian community.
6. Taking law into our hands will be totally counter-productive.
We reject his suggestions as irresponsible, insane, impractical and inappropriate.
We do have to understand the difference between retaliation and self-defence.
We have to find solutions to these problems within the systems of Australia and within the Laws of Australia.
Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd is right in advising the students to not take laws into their hands [see the link above].
I would categorise Mr Dhondy’s comments as ill-advised statements.
He does not live in Australia and would not know the situation in Australia.
We are parts of Australian society and we have to find solutions to the troubles in co-operation with other constituents of Australian society.
Let me re-state that the overwhelming majority of Australians are excellent citizens. They are as frustrated and angry with a miniscule fraction of our people who are racist and do not hesitate to harm others because of the race reasons. To me and other decent Australians, this tiny minority does not qualify to be called “Human”.
Mr Dhondy, please butt out from Australian troubles and issues. You are inflaming the situation.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/17th Sept, 2009
We are very concerned with the news of the assaults of 3 Indians in Epping, Melbourne last weekend. The perpetrators were abusing them with racist language in front of the Police as Mr Glenn Parker of Vic Police stated in his interviews on ABC.
This is not “ON’ and is completely unacceptable.
Australia is not a racist country but there is a miniscule proportion of people who hold racist views. We do not care what views they have about who ever but they must not be allowed to get away when they commit crimes based on racist views.
It is not important whether there were 5, 20 or 70 people who assaulted Indians in Melbourne but it is important that Indians were assaulted apparently because they were Indians. Some of them have sustained horrific injuries. These attacks must not be tolerated.
I believe that Australian authorities need to take some urgent steps to tackle this uncommon, unusual but increasingly worrying trend where some people are assaulted only because of their race.
We suggest following steps;
1. we should create and codify a new category of crime ie “race hate crimes” with harsher penalties
2. we start public education campaign on the lines of campaign against domestic violence ie “Australia says NO to racism and race hate crimes” ASAP. Through these campaigns via the media, we outline what damage the racism causes to others and what are the penalties if any one is caught doing racist crimes.
3. our police force do prompt investigation and commence prosecution of those who are involved in such crimes.
4. Minister of Immigration, Minister of Education and Minister for Foreign Affairs consider forming advisory council [s] which should include people from various backgrounds to advise them on matters relevant to these issues.
“Is Australia a racist country?” is a question which a lot of people have asked or are asking. My answer is still in negative and emphatically so but I do not doubt that there are some people [a very small fraction] who harbour racist views. I do not care about the views of these “Losers” but they must keep their views to themselves.
We need to act and must act urgently in this regard.
After all, it is the image of Australia and “Brand Australia” which are at stake if we do nothing.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/16th September, 2009
Dear Indian community leaders in Sydney
With the exposure of rorts/scams through the Australian media recently, a significant damage has happened to the image of our community. We can not be happy about it as it is about us.
For obvious reasons, we will have to do something about it.
A beginning has to be made to mend/repair the harm to the image and standing of out community.
I propose that;
1. we do not encourage the participation of those members of our community who are known to be involved in the exploitation of students or are parts of the scams/rorts, in the social functions/gatherings.
2. we do not support the business owners who fall under the category 1.
3. we have a meeting of community minded people and those who have impeccable integrity with good reputation soon. I propose the UIA president to preside this meeting.
4. we identify those people quickly who are operating as the leaders but have a clear conflict of interest in those matters and ask them to take a back seat.
5. we help establish the system which is there to help our students and other people when they are in desperate needs for the help. This should include the establishment of a Benevolent Fund.
6. we support UIA to grow and become an effective organisation by discussing, debating, reforming by bringing out the required changes. UIA Constitutional review is long overdue.
7. we encourage UIA to become a more open and inclusive organisation by co-opting well-meaning and capable people from outside UIA in its committees.
8. we take a stand against the rorts/scams and ask Australian Gov authorities to stamp out these activities quickly.
9. we start identifying people with leadership qualities and help them reach the places of influences including political offices ie MLAs/MLCs/MPs.
10. we re-energise the leadership by taking a back seat voluntarily if we have been leaders for a long period and have not been contributing meaningfully and encourage others with abilities to take the leadership roles in our associations.
11. we work actively to promote the pan-Indian identity of Indians and discourage the regional identities in Australia.
12. we do everything to promote a better understanding/integration among Indian Australians with themselves and with Australian community in general. The distrust has to to go.
13. we work effectively and collaboratively to encourage SBS TV to have the programmes on India/Indian people, based on our numbers, as is the case with other communities.
14. we and Indian Govt Missions work collaboratively to have a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a prominent place in Sydney and Melbourne.
Let the seniors guide us in our goals!
The community has to grow and we have to grow with it!
Let the debate begin!
Kind regards
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/04-09-09
Community members will be able to write letters, suggesting what our leaders should or should not do.
Hello every one!
We all know what was happening and who was doing what in regards to the International Indian students. We know about the rorts/scams. We know how our students were exploited by many including Indian people. We know how they are having a horrible time after some of the schools have closed down or about to close down. There is a general uncertainty around them. It is a very difficult time for them.
Indian Australians have had a great reputation for their standards and conducts. Recent exposure of the scams/rorts in regards to international education has undermined our reputation to some extent.
We all know that the overwhelming majority of our community members are decent people with impeccable character. After a conference recently, I and some of my friends went out with some of our Australian friends. We had the usual banter but the discussion did go to the students’ problems. Someone did mention that they were surprised with the rorts/scams involved in the international education and our people. These comments were quite mild and did not make me feel targeted. They were all friendly people.
When I returned home, I did think about what was said. It is obvious that our reputation has had a hit. Out professional people ie doctors, accountants, lawyers and bankers and also business people are the ones who will probably suffer to some extent.
We do have to take a stock of the situation and do have to do something about it too.
Many things can be done but my suggestions are listed here.
1. We make our voices loud and clear about our condemnation of rorts, scams, rorters and scammers.
2. We demand from the Australian and Indian authorities to deal with these issues with a heavy hand and stamp out such activities.
3. We do not associate with those who are involved in rorts/scams socially or in business matters. Most of us have a fairly good idea who these people are.
4. We ask our Indian Gov agencies in Australia to not associate themselves with these people, directly or indirectly, in any shape or form. They must remain Persona Non Grata.
5. We demand from the Indian Media to not support/promote or do business with people who are involved in rorts/scams. The community and the media have to work together to cleanse ourselves from the activities of some of us who do not have a qualm about doing anything to make money.
6. We start questioning our leaders about what they are doing and be willing to help them in a constructive manner.
7. We expect from the Indian media to question our leaders about their productivity, vision and “conflict of interest”. Shonky leaders need to be exposed, discouraged and excluded.
8. We support the largest Indian association [UIA] after it has set its house in order and reformed itself.
9. We encourage our people by recognising their work, commitment and genuineness and not criticise them for the sake of just criticism. Constructive criticism is good but we need to chip in with our support too.
10. We promote our pan-Indian identity vigorously, instead of getting ourselves too much into our regional Indian identities.
11. We do some genuine charity work for general Australian issues/projects to make a statement that we are as Australian as anybody else.
12. We network effectively among ourselves and general Australian community in regards to issues which are of significance to all of us, not only as Indians but also as Indian Australians.
The Indian Australian community has to show leadership. We have a challenge and this is about our name, image and reputation in this country.The time has come for us to stand up and be counted for the challenge.
Regards
Dr Yadu Singh/08-09-09
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thelostmaven/entry/first-class-ministers-third-class
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jugglebandhi/entry/nuclear-republic
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jugglebandhi/entry/are-we-losing-the-race
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jugglebandhi/entry/chinese-checkers
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Globespotting/entry/lessons-for-the-mea
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jugglebandhi/entry/sock-it-to-oz-where
Please do a google on “Dr Yadu Singh” for more info.
Thanks
Welcome to my site!
Let me introduce myself. I live in Sydney, Australia. I am also a Physician or Internal Medicine specialist with MD. I obtained my basic medical degrees and training [MBBS and MD] from the prestigious medical institutions in India. My specialist training as a cardiologist was in Australia which led to FRACP [Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians]. I work as cardiologist in Sydney, NSW.
In addition to being a doctor, I have a keen interest in any matter which has anything to do with Australia, India and Indian-Australians. I consider myself well-informed about what is happening in Australia, India and the World. I love my community, which includes not just Indian Australians, but also all Australians, irrespective of their ethnicity, religion and gender. I am in the community work and leadership because I enjoy doing it and wish the best for the community. It is definitely not for any personal benefit.
This Blog is not about medicine. This is all about my political and social views on a variety of relevant issues. I urge you to not drag my profession while debating with me on political/social views. I am not a member of any political party. I am a keen observer of politics, however. I am often a social and political commentator, and my comments are often sought by the media.
Australia is my home since 1991. I live in Australia physically, mentally and socially. Australia is my “Karm Bhumi or Place of work”, but India will always remain my “Matra Bhumi or Birth place”, with a significant emotional bonding, and a place deep inside my heart. I love Australia and India both. I support Australian cricket team in every match except when they play with the Indian team. When that happens, I become neutral and rejoice with either winning team! [Just kidding!].
I identify myself as an Australian when choosing between Australian and any other identity as I share my value system with Australian value system and Australia is my home. When dealing with regions, religions or languages from India, I am an “Indian” first and anything else much later. I love India dearly as it is the place of my birth, but I love Australia no less because it is a great country and it has given me so much. I have no doubt that Australia is a great place to live and work, and Australians are fantastic people. Australia has my total loyalty!
Unlike some, I do not believe that Australia is a racist nation, although I recognize that there are some people who hold racist views, just like some people in any other country of the world. Such people are however a tiny minority. Vast majority of Australian people, like any other country, are fair-minded people. Systems, rules, Laws, regulations and Governance in Australia are not based on racism or racist agenda.
I wish to see Indian-Australians to be well-integrated among themselves and within Australian general community socially and politically. I want to see Indian Australians in the state and federal parliaments. I will not support an Indian Australian politician however if he/she is not a good person, lacks ability and if there is a better alternative candidate in the contest, irrespective of race, religion or gender of that candidate.
I am a strong advocate of good Australia-India relations. I want to see these relations go to newer heights.
I am comfortable with people who have integrity and decency, irrespective of their race, religion, gender or political views, but I detest those who exploit vulnerable people like students and new immigrants. I am not a fan of those who do not have any idea or understanding of “conflict of interest”.
I am a strong believer and a supporter of the multiculturalism and Multicultural Australia. To put it simply, multiculturalism to me is about freedom to practise and enjoy my own culture, enjoy other cultures, let others enjoy their own cultures and to integrate with the general Australian culture, ethos and values, which must always remain supreme. I believe in integration, not segregation. I like good and decent people from all sections of the Australian society, irrespective of their race, religion, beliefs, culture or political persuasion.
I have been active in the community over the years. Details of my community work can be found here. http://tinyurl.com/7opu4tv
I encourage you to go through my Blog posts and make comments, if necessary. I want to network with you and encourage you to join me via Twitter, Facebook or this Blog.
I recognize that you may not agree with every thing I say, have said, do, or have done. Irrespective of that, I encourage you to join me in debating on these matters, provided you have something positive to contribute. I am reasonably open-minded and have learnt to see merits in a well-argued point of view. I value your views, as long as you identify yourself while making your comments. I respect even those views which are not aligned with mine, provided they are advancing a debate on a topic. I believe that diversity of views and opinions is a positive thing for the community. I believe in the concept of “agree to disagree” when we are unable to have the same view on a subject.
I am keen to network with people from wide spectrum of fields, using face to face interactions and social media.
I can be reached via Email dryadusingh@gmail.com, Twitter www.twitter.com/dryadusingh, Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh, Facebook personal profile www.facebook.com/dryadusingh and Linkedin http://au.linkedin.com/pub/yadu-singh/52/581/864.
Thank you for visiting my site.
With best regards
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/Australia
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh
(Edited 11 May, 2021)
Hello friends
We have a new Radio programme called RADIO UMANG on 98.5 MHZ every Fridays between 8-9 PM. We talk about health matters which are relevant to Indians and South Asians in Sydney. We also take up community matters.
I am its host and have had many doctors in my programme.
We have already covered Diabetes,Hypertension, insomnia/sleep hygiene, depression, women’s health, immunization, heart diseases, sleep apnea, acidity/peptic ulcer/reflux, back pain, osteoporosis, relaxation and heart attack.
Following doctors have participated in this programme;
Dr Yadu Singh
Dr Hem Rao
Dr Shailja Chandra
Dr Ray Pallath
Dr Paddy Singh
Dr Nadia Tejani
Dr Geoffrey Needham
More issues would be covered.
It is broadcast in English.
Do tune in at 98.5 MHZ every Friday between 8-9 PM.
Yadu Singh/Sydney/02-10-o9
#This prgramme is not operational NOW.#
Yadu Singh's Blog 