Esteemed scholars, dignitaries, and fellow academicians. It is an absolute honor to be here, my alma matter you at this prestigious gathering, organized by the University of Madras and the Centre for Australian Studies, in collaboration with the Indian Association for the Study of Australia. Today, as we delve into the academic and literary ties between India and Australia, I find it both a personal and professional privilege to contribute to this discourse. My association with Australian academia dates back to my AIC (Australia-India Council) Fellowship Award in 2004, an experience that deepened my understanding of the literary and cultural symbiosis between our two nations.

I infect very vividly remember the first IASA Conference on “Understanding Australia: Culture, Society and Polity” organized by the University of Madras in January 2002. I was then a faculty in Queen Mary’s College and presented a paper titled, ‘The impact of migrant experience on the individual psyche in a multicultural society experience by the Tamil Diaspora in Australia’. The paper explored how Tamil diasporic literature in Australia grapples with themes of displacement, identity, and resilience, situating it within the larger framework of multiculturalism. Revisiting those insights today, I see an even greater urgency for us to understand and amplify such narratives, as they hold the power to redefine our collective understanding of identity and belonging on which I delve deeper into in my later section.

India and Australia have long been connected by historical undercurrents, shaped by colonial legacies and post-colonial aspirations. Both nations share deep democratic roots, linguistic diversity, and a commitment to fostering knowledge through education and research. If we trace our literary engagements, we observe a steady evolution—from early colonial narratives to contemporary transnational literary exchanges that challenge stereotypes and redefine identities. The contributions of Indian- Australian authors such as Sudesh Mishra and Chandani Lokuge provide valuable insights into diasporic consciousness, migration, and identity. Likewise, Australian writers like Patrick White and David Malouf have left indelible marks on literary traditions that resonate beyond their national borders. It is in this cross-cultural intersexuality that we find new spaces for dialogue and scholarship.

The academic collaborations between India and Australia have grown exponentially in the past two decades, facilitated by institutions such as the Australia-India Council and research centers focused on Indo- Australian studies. Universities in Tamil Nadu, including the University of Madras, have played a pivotal role in fostering these ties, promoting exchange programs, and facilitating interdisciplinary research that spans literature, history, and digital humanities. Through strategic academic partnerships, we have created avenues for students and scholars to engage in robust intellectual discourses that not only enhance their academic pursuits but also provide an experiential understanding of the cultural tapestries that bind us.

A crucial area of exploration is the role of indigenous narratives. The parallels between Australian Aboriginal literature and Tamil Dalit literature are striking. Both traditions speak to resilience, memory and the reclamation of cultural agency. The songs of suffering, the rhythms of resistance, and the echoes of past struggles find uncanny similarities across the vast ocean that separates us. Through comparative research and collaborative projects, we can amplify these voices and bridge the gaps in global literary discourse. There is a compelling need for scholars to map these shared struggles and document the histories of marginalization that have shaped the trajectories of these powerful literary traditions. The documentation of oral histories, the preservation of folk traditions, and the amplification of marginalized voices must become integral to our academic endeavors.

Tamil Nadu shares a unique academic and cultural relationship with Australia. With a growing Tamil Diaspora contributing significantly to Australia’s cultural fabric, Tamil literature, art, and cinema have found new audiences in the Southern Hemisphere. From the works of Tamil-Australian poets to the increasing inclusion of Tamil studies in Australian universities, the engagement between our cultures is rich and evolving.

The mention of Tamil Diaspora enables me/ rather empowers me to go beyond the conception of a nation. Here, I must make a mention of my own research on Ernest Macintyre and my research orientations on Srilankan Australian Diaspora.

*(Ma’am on Island to Island)

Moreover, educational partnerships, particularly in fields like environmental studies, marine biology, and AI-driven humanities research, underscore the potential for deepened Indo-Australian collaboration. The shared concerns of climate change, water conservation, and sustainability require academic institutions in both nations to engage in meaningful research-driven conversations. We must recognize that the future of our planet is not defined by geopolitical boundaries but by our collective willingness to tackle the pressing challenges of our time. The ability to exchange research, methodologies, and expertise will enable us to create a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

As we navigate the new world order shaped by shifting geopolitical and economic paradigms, it becomes imperative for us to fortify our academic and literary engagements. By fostering interdisciplinary research, creating inclusive curricula, and facilitating cross-border collaborations, we can ensure that the Indo-Australian academic partnership remains robust and forward-looking. The digital age presents new opportunities for knowledge-sharing, and it is our responsibility to embrace technological advancements to further academic cooperation between our nations. Virtual exchanges, online symposiums, and digital archives can bridge distances and allow for greater accessibility to knowledge and research.

In the words of the former Australian High Commissioner to India, Penelope Wensley AO, ‘We still see each other through prisms of outdated perceptions and stereotypes.’ It is our responsibility, as scholars and thinkers, to dismantle these barriers and envision a future where academia and literature become powerful vehicles for deeper understanding and shared prosperity. Let us work together to construct a future in which education, literature, and culture serve as the strongest bridges between our nations. In the spirit of cooperation, let us reaffirm our commitment to scholarly pursuits that challenge, inspire, and unite.

Thank you…