Over the last one month, attacks on Indian students in Australia have dogged the headlines in Indian media. More than 20 students from India have been attacked in May-June alone prompting Indian Prime minister to call up his Australian counterpart.
Australia does not want to jeopardize anything as the country very successfully built a massive Education industry and has projected itself as one of the favorite destinations of the students because of its quality and affordable education. From India alone, there are more than ninety thousand students who are studying in Australia who contribute close to Rs 8000 lacs.
The Indian media have very blatantly termed the attacks as racists.
The attacks have come as a rude shock to parents and students themselves.
The attacks did not go down well with the Indian govt, people, and media or with the Australian govt.
On the other hand, racial and other discriminations are not something new in India.
Though we are proud of our multiracial society, but there have been instance when people have found themselves being target of attacks because of the way they look.
Students from Northeast, with their distinctive looks, behavior and dress habits have been the favorite target of racial attacks.
Better known as Chinks, for students from Northeast it is an everyday struggle. Even simple task like getting a letter of introduction to open a bank account is a big task.
In Delhi alone, dropout rates of Northeastern students touches 50 per cent, with more girls dropping out than boys.
Girls have been target of sexual assaults within and outside the campuses.
Added to these daily struggles is the fact that many people resent the students coming from the region, as reservation is synonymous with them.
Demanding equality or drubbing someone racist would carry no meaning if the Indians in India are not treated equally. We cannot get away from the fact that Indians in their own country are subject to attacks because they look different.