‘Victoria seeks closer ties with Indians’

To strengthen ties, Victoria’s premier DANIEL ANDREWS seeks to build on the bonding between Indian and Australian cricketing fans. RANJENI A SINGH reports Tourism contributes greatly to forging friendships, understanding and respecting cultures; in short, it broadens our minds, opens us to new experiences, and changes us forever. The premier of the state of Victoria in Australia, Daniel Andrews, who was in New Delhi recently to promote Victoria as a progressive, friendly and welcoming destination for Indians, wants to tap “people-to-people connection”to enhance the Indian visitor’s experience in Victoria. The proactive approach will boost the Indian community in Victoria. And what better way than a good game of cricket between the two countries? Talking on the sidelines of a’cricket clinic’organised by ‘Visit Victoria’for the children of Asha, a Delhi-based NGO for less-privileged children, Premier Andrews said that around 110, 000 Indians visited Victoria last year, and the government is keen to encourage more Indians to visit Melbourne and other places, because “Victoria is home for more Indian Australians than any other part of Australia”. Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and the Great Ocean Road are some of the popular destinations that Indians like to visit when in Victoria. Cricketing legends Dean Jones and Bishan Sing Bedi — who attended the cricket clinic — recalled the frequent on-field banters between players from India and Australia. “Though we used to get upset, we never used foul language. There was a humaneness which is sometimes lacking among today’s youngsters. We need to bring back the old-time camaraderie to help not only cricketers but also spectators to connect with each other, ”said Bedi. Victoria will celebrate its close ties with India with a new community festival to be held during the Australia versus India Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) this year. Premier Andrews said, “The Boxing Day Test is always one of the biggest dates on our sporting calendar. This year, we’ll use the occasion to celebrate the close bond we share with our Indian friends. ” He said, “A free festival outside the MCG will offer the very best culinary delights India has to offer, as well as a range of activities that everyone can enjoy. Our close ties with India are great for our tourism industry. It creates business opportunities all over the state and provides jobs for Victorians. ”Cricket Victoria’s CEO Tony Dodemaide said, “Cricket is culturally diverse, and we want to celebrate all the great things those cultures bring to our great game. ” The last time India played Test matches in Australia, over 70, 000 fans flocked to the MCG on Boxing Day alone, as MS Dhoni’s team fought out a spirited draw. One-fifth of all Indian visitors to Victoria ensure a trip to the hallowed ground as a part of their itinerary. Many will converge on Melbourne for the all-important installment of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be held in December this year. The festival will feature all the colours, sounds and flavours that are quintessentially Indian. Food vans and stalls will offer up the best Indian cuisine, while fans will have a chance to play cricket, sing and dance and try their hand at other cultural activities. Premier Andrews said the Victorian government and the people value the contribution of the Indian diaspora in every walk of life in building modern Victoria, and, therefore, respect Indian people and culture more than in any other part of Australia. “We want to marry all these relationships together for best results, not only for Victoria, but for everybody involved, ” he added. ■