Studying abroad: Time for a re-think?

Australia is one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students to pursue their higher studies. With reputed institutions like University of Monash, University of Queensland, Murdoch University among others, it is regarded as a centre for academic excellence. With cheaper costs of living, love for cricket and the widely perceived notion of the country being a "safe" nation, Australia sees an influx of nearly 30000 Indian students every year. A big advantage which the country had was that unlike USA and UK, Australia was seen as a "salad bowl" of cultures, sans any racism or bias.

However, with a spate of racist attacks on Indian students, this reputation of Australia has taken a beating. Reportedly, six Indian students have been attacked within one month. Include unreported cases, and the figure would obviously be much higher(20, according to one estimate!). According to many Indian students who have studied in Australia, reporting to the police is considered a "drastic" step which is seen as a last option. There is also a fear that slapping a case against the "Aussies" would create backlash which could lead to more trouble. That's why many cases of mugging and assault go unreported.

Shravan Kumar, a tech student from Andhra Pradesh is battling for his life. He was beaten up by a group of Australian youth who repeatedly stabbed him with a screwdriver, in an animalistic and barbaric manner. Another student, Rajesh Kumar, received 30 per cent burns after a "petrol bomb was flung into his house in Melbourne. Many others have claimed of mugging and assault by Australian youth, and some of them even have video footage to back their claims. This raises the question: Is Australia now an "Unsafe" nation for Indians? Should Indians applying to Australian universities do a rethink about their decision?

Racism has been reported from the United States of America and the United Kingdom too, and attacks on students have been attributed to the "vulnerability" and "lack of unity" amongst Indian students. Isn't it time that we united and stood up for our rights to put a stop to such heinous and cowardly acts? Is it wise for students to go to other countries and live amidst fear of being attacked by groups of cowardly individuals, who do not know how to treat their guests? If we are unwelcome in their country, should hundreds of young Indian students risk their lives and self respect by travelling to such countries? Indian students are known for their academic rigour and excellence. Should they still bear the brunt of assaults (verbal or physical) from people who are clearly jealous of the rise of the Indians?