In a demonstration rooted in Gandhian principles, members of the Australian Hindu community gathered outside the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) office in Southbank, Melbourne, voicing their concerns over what they describe as persistent ‘Hinduphobic and Indophobic’ reporting by the national broadcaster.
The peaceful protest aimed to highlight the community’s plea for more balanced and respectful coverage, with participants bringing flowers and greeting cards as symbols of their goodwill and a constructive call for change.
The gathering, marked by the message “Get well soon ABC,” saw protesters donning masks and holding placards to assert their presence and resistance against perceived racial biases.
The symbolic gesture of wearing masks served to underscore the community’s feeling of being rendered invisible and marginalised by mainstream media narratives, while also standing in solidarity against the spread of racism and discrimination.
Community spokespersons articulated a desire for the ABC to reevaluate its editorial approach, urging the broadcaster to move beyond what they perceive as a “colonial white lens” that unfavourably portrays Hindus and India.
Dharmendra Dadhe told The Australia Today, I really want ABC to get well soon as they are in the last stages of their illness OCDD.
“They have shown signs of Diahorrea – shitting everywhere their rants of poorly researched Diaspora reports, which are toxic for society and allowing the growth of cancerous cells that is shepherding the peace-loving population of today’s world.”
“I wish them to get well soon as the world doesn’t deserve this kind of illness to spread especially after the recent pandemic,” he further added.
By presenting flowers and cards, the Hindu community aimed to engage in a dialogue of healing and understanding, inviting ABC journalists and administrators to reconsider their perspectives and embrace a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of diverse cultures.
The protest reflects broader concerns among Australian Hindus regarding media representation and the impact of negative stereotyping on social cohesion and mutual respect. It also highlights the community’s commitment to peaceful protest and constructive criticism, drawing on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and reconciliation.
The ABC, as a public broadcaster, holds a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and perceptions. This event underscores the importance of media accountability and the need for ongoing dialogue between media institutions and the communities they serve, to foster a media landscape that reflects Australia’s multicultural reality accurately and sensitively.
Note: The Australia Today has contacted ABC, as soon as we receive their response the news article will be updated.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
