Is he the most hated man in Australia?

He is the Jarnail Singh Bhindrawala of Indian students in Australia and espouses ideas which some say are too radical and impractical. Gautam Gupta, Spokesperson of FISA, came to Australia to study Information Technology in June 1999 at Swinburne University and clearly saw the pattern of problems faced by Indian and international students. In early 2002 he took upon himself to form FISA – Federation of Indian Students. He also created a website for FISA in 2004, when creating a website for a community group was not in vogue. With his lethal comments and fanatic interpretation of each and every attack on Indian students, he has firmly established himself as the pin up poster boy for Indian electronic media who always seek his views whenever any attack on students occur. Indian media loves him because he speaks exactly the language which they want to listen from Australia. Commenting on the suicide incident of Gurjinder Singh that came amidst attacks on Indian students few months back, Gautam Gupta said that it was an act of desperation. “It indicated failure of the system. Victorian Premier John Brumby should take personal responsibility for the victim’s death,” he said.

Love him or hate him, he can’t be ignored. In a big list of community organizations, leaders and student bodies he has successfully managed to garner a share of mind of everyone. His critics claim Gautam plays to the media and is one of the causes of the recent spike in assault on students in Australia. They blame him for raising the issue of student violence to a feverish pitch and say he lacks vision. They say the more popular he becomes, the more damage he will cause to Australian Indians who don’t want to upset the cart and want the police and law to take their own course.

When I told Gautam that certain sections in the community were blaming him for the escalation in student attacks, he said, “How can someone blame me for being the voice of silent majority. I stand for people who can’t speak. Does that make me a criminal? How can they blame me for what is happening? I am helping students who are affected and those who need immediate help and counseling. There are sometimes 4-5 cases a week and I get 50% of the calls. We are running an unfunded organization. Free speech needs to be respected.”

I asked Gautam what prompted him to set up FISA in 2002, and he said, “Even in those days there was lack of representation, but they were primarily university based issues. There was covert racism and institutional discrimination within university setup and hence the need for FISA. ” I asked Gautam his source of funds and how does he sustain to do this job, almost full time. “I am supported by a couple of people who supported me initially and they told me I am doing a good job and have given me support”, said Gautam.

Speaking about his family Gautam says, “My wife is my inspiration and she stands always with me and has told me to continue the work that I have been doing. I also get lot of love and strength from my 9 month old daughter. I also spoke to my parents and my in-laws regarding my continuation in this role. My father-in-law came here and after seeing the situation said we will support you.”
I asked Gautam, “Are you from a political family in India or do you have a political background?” Gautam says his parents have been working in the Gulf and neither he nor his family has any political connections or background in India. I asked him about his ultimate aim and he said, “Since the past 1 year I have been thinking that this is my last month but with unfortunate incidents repeating I just could not stop. My ultimate aim is to establish a foundation or a trust, more on the likes of World Vision to help students.”

Given the rise in attacks and also the criticism, I asked Gautam does he worry about his own security. “Do you fear that you may be attacked”, I asked. Admited Gautam, “I am a bit more careful than I was since the past 6 months. In my home I have installed deadlocks and iron gates. I stay away from areas that are scantily populated. But I am prepared for any eventuality. India and Australia want to keep each other happy and increase trade and students are being ignored in the crossfire.”

Adds Gautam, “It is not uncommon to kill the messenger. I have been saying the right thing and it is not easy. Since the past 10 years, I have been defending students. How can you take it away from me. I have the best qualifications and have experience of both Indian and Australian cultures.”

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