The incident as reported to me by the victim (Mr J):
The student was going for an interview at a Hotel as part of his work experience of the course. As part of cookery they are supposed to work in kitchen and apparently he was trying to get some sort of placement. As he was entering the premises, a group of people were coming out and before he could enter they came out and started abusing him and pushing him. They asked him to apologise and get out of their way. He refused and said he was here for an interview. It seems that the other guys were drunk and jumped on him. Heavily outnumbered he could not defend himself and he got a broken jaw alongwith other facial bruises.
I received a phone call on 25 Dec from J's elder brother from India about this incident. He said his brother J was admitted to St Vincent's Hospital and this is where I met him first on 25 Dec and then on 26 Dec. He was the second victim I met on 25 Dec and third for the 26th. (So now people know why I could not reply to everyone's wishes although I wanted to).
On 26th he was discharged and I went to see him at his Footscray house. There I had a detailed discussion with him and he was very upset at the system. How the Police were not very interested in his case, how lonely he felt that day, how he wanted to hit back etc. etc… He was joined by about 5-6 of his friends all in twenties, all very curious, frustrated and helpless to help their mate.
Anyways, despite all the emotions they offered me something to drink. Someone got me a can of Solo. I think that was my first drink for the day.
I explained to him the routine and some of the possible avenues where he can get help. Like always, I advised him to call the Indian Consulate and update them with his story so that they are aware of the incident. He called the consulate while I was chatting with his friends. I heard their story and issues. Most of them were having doubts about their future in Australia due to uncertain rules, crime, high migrant unemployment and just the frustration of being without parents.
J came back and explained his discussion. He explained that they took his details and asked him to call back if he needs any help. He was surprised at the coldness with which the Indian consulate addressed his issue. I explained to him the high volume of calls they would be receiving and the fact that they are heavily under-resourced. I also asked him to not forget to thank them as they atleast picked his call on 26th Dec. Which other person or department will do that? Anyways, I did my best to calm him but he was too anxious and tired due to all the stress of constantly talking to his parents, getting treatment and the perceived absent justice.
His friends and I finally convinced him to take a nap. I spoke and assured his family in India that he is alright and that we are here to take care now. We agreed to talk in another hour or so to revisit the strategy hereon. Amongst his friends was a very quiet guy Mr P. He did not speak much till that time. He asked if I wanted something to drink and he spoke again only now after about an hour. He said that what he has observed till date is everyone trying to put the solution or problem back to J except me. He asked me about the resources and support we can provide on an ongoing basis. I explained the structure of FISA and how we have been targeted by Victorian Government and the lack of funds. He said that how come no other department or organisation comes forward to meet victims but they always hear and see us only although we don't get any support?
Like always I asked them to ask the Governments of India and Victoria. For now that is what we have and I can only guide and support as an individual which I always do and always will.
He enquired about joining FISA as a volunteer. Since that day, he actually became a very powerful force in FISA till January and had a strong influence on Jan outcomes. More on his involvement later.
Moving on we discussed the involvement of media and how media is helping us shed light on the broken system. I had to go to meet other victim but left them with my opinion and media contacts. I asked them to call me after 1pm. It seems J woke up and spoke to someone in Indian media by afternoon. (I was later informed that J's elder brother called his local newspaper and got my contact details from Indian media as the contact point for assistance.) P updated me and I asked them for either a video recording for my record of the incident or to just show me the medical (discharge) report. J wasn't sure and I asked him that if I am not 100% certain I will not make any statement in the media. It was not that I doubted him but I have learnt from mistakes and this is the process now.
Due to lack of time, I asked him to think over it and let me know. I had already provided them with some contacts and it was for them to contact them if they wanted to. His family called me and asked me why I doubted their son and I repeated the same story, which luckily they understood. They were very gracious, showered me with blessings and thanks.
I reached home after 10pm and continued to receive calls right into midnight from the Indian and Australian media. I maintained my silence on this incident.
I shared with Anu wishes of the J family. Their words (said in Punjabi) meant 'I wish there were more sons and daughters like you who would really spread the light and have peace in helping others'.
I had a memorable and emotionally draining but spiritually satisfying Christmas in 2009. If I have it my way, I would repeat last year's Christmas celebrations into 2010 this time with Anya. I hope we have less crime and fraud by 2010 Christmas.
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