Friday 18 November 2016

Globalization of Indian magazines: an Australian story



To begin with, we feel obliged to quote Carlos Santana - “One day there will be no borders, no boundaries, no flags and no countries and the only passport will be the heart”. What if we told you your favorite local newspaper and/or magazine is not just your or your society’s favorite or most followed but also is well renowned and appreciated around the world? An Australian story of the ever flourishing grandeur for a platform accommodating more and more space particularly for Indian magazines is a worth acknowledgement.

Before we continue, we would like to remind you that we encapsulate not just English magazines but also magazines and newspapers addressing in local languages from India – Gujarati and Telugu; the prior particularly spoken in the western state of Gujarat and the latter spoken in Andhra Pradesh and the newly formed Telangana covering aspects of news for Indians in Australia.

Indian magazines in Australia that print in English include chiefly “The Indian Sun”, “The Indian Telegraph”, “Indian Link”, “Indian Herald”, “Indusage”, “South Asia Times” and “India Down Under”. While “The Indian Sun” is a monthly read magazine that is currently considered to be the most rejuvenating and trendy magazine for the Indian community covering all aspects of Australian and Indian news. “The Indian Telegraph” claims to capture the attention of and accommodate the views of the eternally changing Indian diaspora about the sub-continent, thereby speaking up for Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma yaddayadda.

Founded by Pawan and RajniLuthra, “Indian Link” has penetrated deeper into the Australian Indian society, assisting Indians and other South Asian communities accustom to the way of life considered casual and welcoming in Australia. They have been awarded tokens of honor from time to time for their exceptional display of support and unity towards the Indian community. On the other hand, “Indian Herald” claims to be the one-step answer to all your “I have to know about this” queries. “Indusage”, “South Asia Times” and “India Down Under” fall on similar lines or categories of support and a profound touch of belongingness as responsible Indian magazines in Australia.

Widening our scope into Indian magazines in Australia printed in the more indigenous languages, “Gujarat Times” and “Satya Times”, printed and distributed in Gujarati leads in both sales and wide spread likability. Most readers and followers of the newspapers call it to be a souvenir they carried from Gujarat, as it seamlessly covers everything the community is interested to read and perceive along with a morning cup of tea, or a filling plate of Dhoklas over breakfast. “Satya Times” is a monthly Gujarati Indian newspaper that deals with a wide scope of subjects ranging from current affairs, International and national news, sports and several other specific threads that lure and engage the Indian Gujarati community in Australia.


Taking examples from further south of India to significantly explain the globalization of Indian magazines in the Australian general society, “PravasaBharati” treats the Australian Indian community natively speaking Telugu and its dialects, with a dessert from their homeland targeting on columns that site the latest Tollywood movie releases, Andhra or Telangana specific news, business and technology, and trends in food and fashion etc. All in all the voice of native Indian are restored and revitalized by the presence of these Indian magazines in Australia.



Findeen.com

Friday 11 November 2016

The Title “Business Woman Of The Year” Goes to this Indian-Australian Chaiwali

“Love what you do and do what you love. Don't listen to anyone else who tells you not to do it. You do what you want, what you love. Imagination should be the center of your life.” 
― Ray Bradbury

This quote beautifully summarizes the story of Uppma Virdi. A 26-year old Indian Businesswoman in Australia has an inspiring story which can be a good motivation for the youth of current times. She became an icon in the field of Indian Businesses in Australia when she won the title of the 2016 Business Woman of the year by Indian Australian Business and Community Awards (IABCA) in Sydney. Hailing from a family of Indian origin, Uppma grew up making tea for her grandparents, parents and all the guests that came to her place. Soon she realized that making tea is something she enjoys greatly. This feeling was reinforced when she went to Austria for an exchange program and again she made tea for her friends. She could feel that tea brings people together and this is very true because tea time is actually considered as “family time” in India. 

Indian Businesses in Australia
Indian businesses in Australia
Moreover, having a grandfather who was an expert in Ayurveda taught her the art of making ayurvedic tea which has great medicinal benefits. This was another add-on to her profession as a chai-wali. Having seen the dearth of tea places in Australia, she wanted to start her tea business in Australia to provide an alternative to non-coffee drinkers. This is where the idea germinated and she realized that maybe she could do her little contribution towards Australian community by bringing them closer to the Indian tea drinking culture. 

Being a successful lawyer, it was initially difficult for her to convince her family about her business idea. But it is commendable that a 26-year old Indian Australian girl could see the entrepreneurial potential in the Indian chai wallahs who are not well educated. But she had the courage to admit that they have those skills and she could learn from them. It is definitely evident that she not only learned from them but also enhanced it greatly. 

The youth of today can learn from her immensely. She combined her skills that she accrued from her family, her studies, and her visits to India and brought everything together to build a successful business.  She is a great example because she showed that without giving up her already existing profession as a lawyer, she worked extra hours to set up a new enterprise and succeeded in it greatly. She used her personal contacts, social media and put in a lot of hard work to attain what she attained at such a young age. Her exciting story has the capability to motivate millions who give up on their dreams without even trying once thinking that it is worthless and unattainable. Always remember that there would be resistance from all sides when you are trying to do something big but the only thing that can get you going is by having faith in yourself. With a lot of hard work and positive energy, it is not hard to achieve the impossible.