Just like in the ancient period as mentioned in the Hindu epic RāmāyaNa, the rākshasa (like the ten-headed RāvaNa) of Racism seems to have risen again and growing in strength in Australia. Racism comes in many forms and can be easily equated to the ten-headed Rākshasa RāvaNa. Crime in general along with racially motivated attacks against Australian-Hindu and Australian-Indians (AHIs) have alarmingly increased in Australia in recent times. Amongst all the recent migrants, since this land was colonised by the Europeans, the AHIs are the most law-abiding, highest tax-paying, and peaceful. To preserve and promote our blessed country’s commitment to multiculturalism and universal safety, hateful incidents as outlined below require immediate attention from the Australian government and local communities. Using each incident as a photo-op only and for mere condemnation of racist attacks is inadequate.
Recent and current Events
- Melbourne’s Shree Swami Narayan Temple was vandalised with racist graffiti, with threats like “Go Home Brown C**t”. Coordinated targeted attacks were also used against Asian and Indian owned businesses nearby.
- Charanpreet Singh, a 23-year-old Indian student in Adelaide, suffered severe head injuries after being subjected to violent assault and racial abuse. Although some of the offenders have been apprehended, others are still at large.
- The Jacinta Price saga: Senator Jacinta Price, from the Northern Territory and of the Liberal Party, recently passed remarks that the Labor government gives preference to immigrants from specific nations. By singling out Indians, because they are likely to vote Labor, she came across as a racist. According to those who believe in her statements and this mindset, it was part of a plan to increase backing for Labor. In fact, there is no evidence whatsoever to support such statements (1,2). The AHI community immediately called out her divisive remarks. Senator Price’s decision not to say sorry exacerbated internal party discord and this incident has damaged ties of Liberal Party with the AHI community. What happened as a fallout of this saga is a matter of reflection on both sides of the politics but also for the AHI community, as highlighted in our recently published article (3).
- The March for Australia anti-immigration rallies: Racial tensions have escalated in several Australian communities, including & especially for AHIs, because of anti-immigration demonstrations. The involvement of neo-Nazis has made it look ugly and fear-inducing.
- Mr. Andrew Hastie jumps on the bandwagon: After the Coalition failed to reflect from Price’s comments on immigration, we recently had Mr. Andrew Hastie, the Coalition Shadow Home Affairs Minister and Member of Parliament from Canning Western Australia, criticising the significant levels of immigration. Mr. Hastie has posted a series of statements on social media in recent weeks blaming immigrants for high house prices, calling for a revival of Australia’s unprofitable car industry (4). He has argued on social media that the situation is alarming and causing Australians to feel like “strangers in their own home” (5). This is quite dangerous stance to take and one that can be used by divisive forces to foment inter-racial, inter-religious tensions in the society. Although rapid and record levels of immigration for a country with its limitations is a matter of national debate and discussions, the issue can be used to divert attention from chronic poor economic planning, systemic failures, and ongoing systematic abuse of various government’s schemes such as Medicare, NDIS etc.
The need of the hour is for strict measures towards safety and security for Australian-Hindu and Australian-Indian community
- Improved security with CCTV systems, skilled security guards, and thorough incident-reporting to aid in prosecution, are necessary for Hindu temples and Indian businesses. They should look to enhance their own safety by using such measures. Doable actions like allowing cashless donations at temples could lower the likelihood of financial theft and burglaries. Information about the number of security grant applications submitted, approved, and funding gaps by places of worship must be made publicly available.
- To improve community outreach, anti-racism education, and collaborations with government and law enforcement agencies, concerted efforts are required. Schools should include subjects that foster a deeper understanding of all religions and not only certain minority religions. All types of media be it mainstream or social media handles should do unbiased reporting and condemn any attempt to stir passions and racism towards minorities.
- Also, time has now come for a systematic, centralized database recording instances of Hinduphobia, Hindumisia, and anti-Indian racism throughout Australia to be established by the AHI communities, in collaboration with various community organisations. This would make it possible to develop policies and advocate for solutions based on evidence.
Time and again different governments (both state and federal), Police, and other authorities have publicly denounced hate crimes and affirmed zero tolerance. However, the politicians’ divisive public remarks have undermined social cohesiveness (regardless of their political affiliations). Demand for responsibility in politics and civil leadership are only appropriate timely and essential. The AHI communities call for specific actions to guarantee security, improve the responsiveness of law enforcement, obtain funds for temple preservation, and put national counter-extremism policies into action. The community wants clear, consistent government action and funding commitments toward the same.
For Australia to rid this demon of racism, we all need to rise and do their part for Dharma. Just like was depicted in RāmāyaNa, this is a fight where Shri Rāma stands up to the rākshasa King RāvaNa, gathers an army of vānaras who believe in fighting for dharma and slays not only the rākshasa but also replace him with his righteous brother Vibhishana. Similarly, it is time for all those who believe in the right thing to do, get together and stop racism from gaining more power.
In short, Australia’s multicultural values are centered on AHI community’s safety, dignity, and freedom to practice their culture and festivals. It is not enough to merely denounce and condemn racist attacks. Effective, financially supported policies that safeguard Indian Australians, their places of worship, and the larger multicultural community must be implemented by the Australian government. Real partnership with community organisations and transparent, results-driven policies are essential to safeguard Australia’s social fabric and international reputation.
This Dussehra, let us stand up, and unite to rid Australia of the Rākshasa of Racism.
References:
- https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2025/09/13/numbers-under-scrutiny-polls-clash-on-indian-australian-voting-patterns/
- https://www.australianhindu.com/which-australian-electorates-have-the-most-hindu-voters/
- https://opticsaus.org/a-call-to-action-senator-prices-statement-is-a-mirror-let-us-not-look-away/
- https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/it-s-not-your-party-senior-liberal-figure-tells-andrew-hastie-20250926-p5my3a.html
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DO-SA2ZkWeH/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=476a42c9-b992-4191-b388-be4ed4e9c624
