South Australian state premier writes to Indian students

28/08/2009 0 Comments read Education

By Neena Bhandari

Adelaide, 28.08.2009 (IANS): The premier of an Australian state has taken the unusual step of writing a personal letter to each of the 4,787 Indian overseas students enrolled in his state, assuring them of their safety and welfare.

South Australia’s Premier, Mike Rann, has written to Indian students highlighting not only his government’s support but the extra support networks available to ensure that their experience of living and studying is “overwhelmingly positive”.

The spate of attacks on Indian overseas students, largely in Melbourne and Sydney, and the media furore that ensued have been threatening Australia’s second largest education export market. Continue reading →

Attacks Expose Ills Of A Much-Touted Education System

01/07/2009 0 Comments read Education

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 01.07.2009 (IPS): The modern façade of its cities, cost-effectiveness and its high standards of education make Australia an attractive destination for foreign students. But the recent spate of attacks on Indian students has exposed the many ills afflicting the Australian education system, threatening its lucrative markets.

‘As long as you can pay, you are in’ has been the driving force that has catapulted education as Australia’s third largest export, second only to coal and iron, reaping rich dividends worth A$15.5 billion last year.

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Ashoka Pillar now stands tall in Australia

21/11/2008 0 Comments read Diaspora

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 21.11.2008 (IANS): It has been hailed as historic. A five-metre-high Ashoka Pillar now stands at a monastery located midway between Sydney and Canberra, in a celebration of the spread of Buddhism from India to Australia.

Believed to be the first in Australia, the Ashoka Pillar has been installed at the Sunnataram Forest Monastery in the verdant surroundings of Southern Highlands.

“This is a truly historic event. The Ashoka Pillar, whose Lion Capitol is the national emblem of India, symbolises the global relevance of the principles of truth, non-violence, tolerance and compassion,” Sujan R. Chinoy, consul general of India in Sydney, told IANS.

“Emperor Ashoka fostered democratic rule and it is a privilege to dedicate the Ashoka Pillar at a Buddhist monastery in a fellow democracy such as Australia.”

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