What do we Indians expect from our widely read Indian Newslink?
My opinion that it is widely read comes from the comments I receive about its content throughout the year and the extent to which people say they rely on it as a source of news and commentary.
Indian Newslink is completing 13 years of publication today (November 15) and I have been asked to make some comments about the newspaper.
This is not a scientific critique but a very personal one.
I have tremendous respect for the owners and editorial staff of this newspaper.
I feel safe that they will not misread my comments as mischievous or treat it in bad taste.
However, they have asked for a personal and honest opinion.
Ethnic media in a culturally diversifying society plays a very important role in almost every aspect of our lives.
It provides the familiar ‘taste and sound’ that a new arrival yearns for and makes the transition to their adopted home that much easier and pleasant.
All Indian media – radio, television, and newspapers can be proud of the services they provide in this connection.
What sets Indian Newslink apart is its longevity and its quality.
Its stories can be relied on to be accurate and its telling is straightforward.
The Company has continued to diversify its activities.
Business Excellence
It has now become the organiser of the Indian Business Awards that bear the name of the publication.
Last year, the size of this event outstripped the capacity of Stamford Plaza and this year it will entertain more than 650 guests at the Sky City Convention Centre.
It a spectacular occasion and very well supported by Indian businesses as well as many New Zealand corporate entities.
The event underscores the extent to which the Indian community has become an indispensable part of New Zealand business and economy.
This year, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal (and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) will be a Guest of Honour.
His presence would underscore the major role played by Indian businesses in New Zealand and be symbolic to every Indian New Zealander.
Good Governance
Indian Newslink has continued with its annual lectures marking the contribution of former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand to this country.
These lectures have enabled eminent New Zealanders to speak on ethical corporate governance, keeping his values and contributions in our consciousness.
Sports Achievers
The Company did well to launch the Indian Sports Awards this year.
Indians continue to excel in a variety of sports, including soccer, cricket, tennis, hockey, badminton, tennis, basketball and netball.
I am happy that Indian Newslink took the initiative to recognise and reward our sportsmen and sportswomen who have excelled with their achievements.
I am sure that these Awards will gain increasing popularity year after year.
Right Frequency
As a fortnightly, this newspaper has pitched at the right frequency.
Any change will require exponential increase in resources, which will alter its nature, scope, extent and of course personality.
Its content and production speak of high quality and its distribution network takes the newspaper throughout the country.
Where can Indian Newslink do better?
It would be great to see, from time to time, high quality discussion and debate on important issues facing New Zealand, and therefore of interest to the Indian community.
I would have no problem with a lesser political focus because much of it is already in the mainstream media.
Our migrant communities are now sophisticated New Zealanders and would appreciate getting greater depth from the many voices in their communities and those beyond.
Fresher look
Indian Newslink could consider freshening its look.
Not that the current look is not working but the demand for review and refreshing columns and reports should always be on the table.
Indian Newslink has a policy of not accepting press statements.
While the reasons for this might lie in history, press statements are a modern way of political, business, recreational, educational and businesses entities putting out their messages.
They do not have to be printed but must be accepted and used in whatever way the newspaper wants to.
They can certainly be used as a starter for a storyline or investigation.
None of this is to say that Indian Newslink has defects that must be resolved urgently.
It is a successful and widely read paper.
It has every reason to celebrate its 13 years.
As a person who has been involved with it from the beginning, I extend my greetings and felicitations to its principals and staff.
Dr Rajen Prasad is a Member of Parliament on Labour List and the Party’s spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs. He is known for his erudition, ability to write, analyse and articulate policies and programmes that have long-term bearing on communities and societies. He is a regular contributor of articles and opinions to Indian Newslink.
