Australia concern over South China sea at SAFAL inaugural

“It is in both India and Australia's interest to build closer ties. It makes sense geo-strategically as also for trade,” said Australian Member of Parliament and well-known tennis legend John Alexander. He was speaking to DNA soon after the inauguration of the second edition of the prestigious three-day South Asian Film, Arts and Literature (SAFAL) Festival in Sydney. “We share India's concerns over developments in the South China sea and feel countries in the region need to work together to counter this challenge,” he said.

The Federal Member of Bennelong said that the opportunities for business and trade offered a further win-win opportunity for both countries. “Given the possibilities that have existed, I'm surprised the India-Australia relationship has not taken off like it should have,” he said speaking of the lull in ties between 1986 and 2014 when the current Indian PM Narendra Modi arrived on a four-city tour of Australia.

He reminisced his visits to India in the past and spoke fondly of Chennai and Bengaluru which he had spent a lot of time in. “I have been great friends with Ashok and Vijay Amritraj,” he said speaking fondly of seeing India's tennis prowess grow. “I remember playing with a very young Sania Mirza many years ago. It’s great to see how she has grown. In fact, India is now seriously making strides not only in tennis, but in other sports too.” He was particularly full of praise for India's cricket team. “There's a lot the Australian cricketers can pick up about focus and drive from the Indian team,” he admitted.

Speaking about the controversy at the US Open Women's singles final early September when umpire Carlos Ramos, who called three violations on Williams, essentially sealing the match for Naomi Osaka, the veteran tennis legend insisted Ramos was completely out of line. “Anyone else in Serena's place would have given him hell for his unfair treatment.” According to Alexander, “Ramos was grandstanding and painted himself into a corner from where he could not pull himself away. Later it was just a matter of his ego.”

Earlier at the SAFAL inaugural, he was all praise for the contribution of the Indian community to Australia's growth. “The hardworking Indian community has is one of the most well-assimilated in Australia,” he said and added, “Festivals like SAFAL offer an opportunity to the community to showcase its rich heritage of art and literature which we in Australia are keen to celebrate. I have seen it going from strength-to-strength since the last year and hope it will become a huge milestone on Australia's socio-cultural calendar.”

Festival founder president Aashish Gholkar echoed Alexander and said: “The government authorities have always extended their cooperation with logistics and support from the first edition. We are happy that the Australian government is showing so much interest in the festival.” He added, “We have received much support from the consulate generals of the various South Asian countries too. It is great to see how everyone comes out in support of SAFAL. It is now become a platform to further other bilaterals along with trade for not only India but all other South Asian countries.”

The festival conferred a special award on Mumbai actress Pallavi Subhash who reprised the title role in the Sri Lankan, Sinhala language epic, biographical drama written and directed by professor Sunil Ariyaratne. At the special screening of the film organised by SAFAL the Sri Lankan and Indian diaspora turned out in huge numbers along with other nationalities from South Asia.