Will tough talk be sufficient?

Friday evening, I saw in horror as a leading news channel (www.ibnlive.com) carry the story of racially motivated attacks against 4 Indian students in the last few days with 2 struggling for life. According to the news report, at least 70 students have been targets of racial attacks in the last 12 months alone!
Whilst, these actions do not reflect Australians in general and I have heard, seen and experienced their warmth, openness and friendship, actions of a few misguided individuals have to be condemned in the strongest possible manner. These bigots have to be apprehended, locked and the keys thrown away!

Sensing the public anguish, Dr. Manmohan Singh spoke to his Aussie counterpart besides summoning the Australian High Commissioner to the MEA to register our anguish. Stung by the tough talk, ‘racism intolerance’ motive was finally acknowledged by the Aussie Govt after being in denial. It has now assured strictest possible action against those responsible. That’s the good news, but will this be sufficient?

Immediate and demonstrable action needs to be taken to punish the guilty, support the recovery and rehabilitation of those injured and secure the safety of our students. It will not only help re-build the lost credibility but also re-assure students, parents and those exploring Australia as an education destination. If not, it could have an immediate impact on the multi-billion dollar ‘education industry’.

What can you and I do?
Register our protest to Govt of Australia. Make the government there appreciate the magnitude of the impact of such incidents in here in India. This will ensure that the Govt. there acts and act fast. Write to Australian High Commissioner to India! (www.ausgovindia.com)

However, I believe there is a larger public relations task to build a public perception about India and Indians in Australia, in general.

The focus would need to be the contribution that ‘education tourism’, India and Indians makes to the economy and the society of Australia and public advocacy against racism in general.

The THREE POINT Public Relations agenda.
Use the trade:
Get the message out about bilateral trade relations and the contribution to the Australian Economy. Use Chambers of commerce, bilateral business associations, businesses connected with the education eco system - lawyers, travel trade, etc.

Use Sport:
Connect with sporty Australia by getting Cricket Australia, Rugby and Soccer stars out in the communities and media condemning racism and advocating the famed Aussie multiculturalism and inclusive society. Advertise, editorials, public meetings and get the online world there chatting.

Use the NGOs:
Get the human rights groups raise the ante on ‘racial intolerance’. Get the subject out of the closet and frame the debate within the government and law enforcement.

The best results will be achieved with the projection of ’soft power’ and winning the hearts and minds of the Australian public! A ground swell of goodwill needs to be generated to sweep away a small number of bigots, thereby not only ensuring the safety of our kids but also generally making INDIANS loved and welcomed!

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Tags: Issues Management, Public Affairs, Public Relations, racial attacks on indians, racist attacks, racist attacks in australia, racists attacks in australia