E-Paper
Indian-origin woman appointed as Victoria's multicultural Comm
An Indian-origin woman has been appointed as state's multicultural commissioner by the Victorian government to strengthen the multiculturalism and diversity in the state.
An Indian-origin woman has been appointed as state's multicultural commissioner by the Victorian government to strengthen the multiculturalism and diversity in the state.
60-year-old Madhu Bhatia was appointed as Victorian multicultural commissioner by the state premier John Brumby.
Her appointment comes at a time when the relation of Indian diaspora in Australia really needs a thought, effort and imagination to integrate the community in the backdrop of "the outbreak of attacks on Indian students".
Commenting on her new role, Bhatia said: "My aim is to work with different communities as a new commissioner with my special focus on Indians. I will try to work around the initiatives that would help Indian community to better integrate and participate in mainstream Australia.
She said that government had been really working hard to control stress post the Indian student crisis and have taken several initiatives.
"I would try and work on stronger links and closeness between the authorities here and the Indian community so that all misconceptions are eliminated," she said.
The state Premier announced her appointment as a Commissioner to the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) for further strengthening state's multicultural communities.
Bhatia was born in India and had lived in countries like the USA, China, Bahrain, Iran, Syria and Germany where she has taught English and cultural sensitivity, according to an official statement.
Bhatia arrived in Melbourne in 1996 and currently serves as a convener and board member for Harmony Australia, where she works to identify issues and challenges faced by international students in Melbourne.
