It's not a number game

The time has come, well and truly comeu00a0... for all Australians, those who are indigenous and those who are not to come together, truly reconcile and together build a truly great nation."

This is what Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had said in a speech in February 2008, tendering an apology to the ethnic aboriginal population for laws and policies that "inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss."

It would not be hard enough to guess the reference of the context. Australia is yet again making the same mistake, though not officially admitting it, as attacks on Indian students and symbols (a gurdwara) continues.

Though the case of indigenous aboriginal population cannot draw a parallel with that of Indians but it would be interesting to note that Rudd clearly pointed out people who are not indigenous as equal partners in efforts to make a "truly great nation."

Rudd made a very vital point in nation making. In fact, I believe that it stands true for every nation on the face of the earth and minorities should be adjudged on the basis of their role in the making of a nation or society and not on their population.

Government of India is yet to come up with some concrete diplomatic measures to address the issue and take it up with the Australian government, however, the society at large is enraged. Mr Thackeray, the senior, also wielded his pen to write in his radical outfit's mouthpiece that how he was furious at the attacks on Indians in Australia and talked about banishing Australian players (read cricketers) from playing on the Indian soil.

People should be adjudged on the basis of the role they play in making of a nation not on their number
What Mr Thackeray very easily forgot was that he had built his own empire in Mumbai and whatever political muscle he wields is on the basis of the same hate propaganda. His outfit has been responsible for attacking people from other regions of the country for merely setting foot on land that he claims is his.

Also, the BJP and the Congress and all other Indian political parties are either in denial mode or using the issue to get mileage. No, I don't expect them to put up a united face but they must not forget on one occasion or the other they have also been accused of inciting hatred and putting people against people.

We all should take this opportunity to understand the importance of justice and fair play to all sections of society irrespective of their number in the population. At the same time it is high time that the government must take it up at the highest level and ensure that no more blood is shed.

Ali Yasir is Chief Sub-editor, MiD DAY