“ Indian students brutally attacked in Australia”, “Another Indian student attacked in Australia”, “Four Indian students attacked in Australia”, “Indian student stabbed to death in Melbourne...” We all are familiar with these headlines, which are constantly making their space on the front pages of various newspapers and repeatedly flashing on the web portals and news channels.

The multiple and growing attacks on Indian students since last year has become a cause for concern. But the people at the helm of affairs seem to be taking it rather lightly.

The number of attacks and the fact that they are all on Indians clearly indicate the racist angle. The Australian Government however, never admits this. Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has condemned these attacks and he has been assuring the Indian government that the attackers be brought to justice. It is a dual stand I feel they take – one condemning the attacks and then downplaying them as far as is possible. Rudd’s government has gone on record saying that Indian students are safer in Australia than in their own country.  And news of the attacks hardly moves them. I ask if similar attacks would have taken place against people of any country in India, first the media would have gone to town shunting the cops- then the government and every possible person in authority. We would have bent backwards  to ensure nothing similar is repeated. But the Aussies don’t seem to be affected or deterred. The threat of straining ties doesn’t seem to be affecting them either. It is an unfathomable stand they have taken.

It is time for the Indian government to wake up to and take a firm stand against these attacks. It is time we begin to project an image different from the ‘marsh mellow soft state ‘ we are thought to be. Tough stands will invariably go in favour of India- will work towards our own safety and that of our fellow countrymen. Can’t forever be the country that frees dreaded anti national terrorists capable of blowing up millions of people in exchange of hostages of a hijacked airplane. Can’t forever be the country that talks of the human rights of men who shake the soul of our nation with dastardly acts. India needs to make a beginning somewhere. This maybe an easy start point!