Opportunism, not Racism behind attacks

Indian students in Australia

The recent attacks on Indian students in Australia were probably motivated more by opportunism rather than racism an Indian lawmaker said.

Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party leader Nama Nageswara Rao told Indian Newslink from Melbourne that a number of issues must be considered and solved to promote the safety and security of Indian students studying in Australia.

“They are hard working and peace-loving but remain vulnerable in a society that is culturally and socially diverse from their home country.

“We should not jump to conclusions about the recent attacks being racially motivated and targeted specifically against our students,” he said.

But he said attacks, irrespective of the motive, should be put down with a heavy hand.

“Our students go overseas to acquire higher qualifications and become successful professionals. We cannot bear to see them fighting for their life in hospitals just because someone decided to harm them,” he said.

Mr Rao said Indian students were ‘soft targets,’ for Australian and other international students, who may consider them as ‘threats’ to their own pursuits.

“It is not uncommon for those in jobs and those seeking jobs to fear that employers may favour Indians. That is because they work more hours for less money with dedication and sincerity,” he said.

Inept handling

He attacked the federal government in India for its inept handling of the recent attacks and the growing tension between Indian students and the law enforcing authorities in Melbourne and Sydney.

“The government was slow to react, until I raised the issue in the Lok Sabha on June 6. It is important to get to the core of the issues expediently before they become unmanageable,” he said.

Mr Rao was also critical of the functioning of the Indian high commission in Canberra and is consulates in Melbourne and Sydney.

“There is no system of registration of Indians residing in Australia and hence it is difficult to trace our citizens, especially students in the case of emergencies.

“I will take up the connected issues with the federal government and hold the concerned ministries to account.

“This is not acceptable,” he said.

Not so rosy

Mr Rao said students in India are not often aware of the ground realities since there is lack of dissemination of correct information.

“Australians marketing their universities and educational institutions always paint a rosy picture of their country, raising the expectations of students and their parents.

“It is only after they reach their destination, pay their fees and commence their scholastic career that harsh realities hit them.

“I have also heard many Australians saying that they see Indian students as a threat to their job potential,” he said.

He advised students to understand and appreciate local culture, laws and practices and abide by them during their stay overseas.

“I have heard complaints from Australian authorities and people that many Indian students are ‘loud in their talk and behaviour,’ speak their own language and stick to their own groups.

“This sometimes leads to suspicion and spats, which turn into attacks,” he said.

According to Mr Rao, students travelling in trains and moving in public places carrying expensive lab-tops, MP3 players and cameras and wearing expensive jewellery and watches were inviting trouble.

“I have advised them to be modest in their dress and behaviour,” he said.

During his three-day stay in Melbourne, Mr Rao visited Sravan Kumar Theerthala undergoing treatment at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The 24-year-old student was stabbed with a screwdriver by a gatecrasher at a birthday party on May 24.

Among the officials he met during his three-day stay included Victoria opposition leader Ted Baielue, manager of opposition business Andrew McIntosh, cabinet secretary Nicholas Kostsiras, Legislative Council members Inga Peulich and Bruce Atkinson.

He also met Swinburne University (Melbourne) deputy chancellor Stephen Connelly, a number of student groups and their leaders.

“The police have also assured us that they would not tolerate violence and that they would step up security measures.

“University officials will do well to provide accommodation for international students within their campuses,” he said.

Andhra Pradesh state assembly member Revanth Reddy accompanied him.