The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is facing calls from several Indian-Australian organisations to issue a public apology and correct an image in its 2024–25 Annual Report that appears to show an incomplete map of India.
In a formal letter to the Commission, the Association of Australian Rajasthanis Inc. said it was “deeply disappointed and strongly objected” to the publication of what it described as a “distorted map of India.” The letter stated that the omission of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions was “a matter of serious concern” and urged the Commission to act quickly to address the error.
President Virendra Khatana said, “While we understand this may have been an unintentional oversight, we firmly believe that such a significant error requires immediate corrective and reconciliatory action.” The organisation called for a public apology, republication of the report with an accurate map, and stronger verification processes to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity in future publications.
Social advocate Ajit Singh Chauhan, Founder and Executive Director at Bhangra Australia, said the issue had caused frustration within the Indian diaspora. “It’s deeply concerning that Victoria’s peak body for multiculturalism could show such disregard for the sentiments of the Indian community,” he said. “Such careless actions by the Commission only reinforce the perception that the state government has failed one of its largest and most vibrant diaspora communities.”
Devi Sharma from the All Indians Association Inc. in Tasmania also urged immediate correction, saying, “The map of India is protected under international conventions and Australian laws, including provisions that prohibit the misrepresentation of national symbols and territories. Respecting every nation’s sovereignty is a fundamental part of Australia’s multicultural and legal framework.”
The VMC has not yet issued a public statement on the matter. Community representatives say they will continue to seek clarification and an official acknowledgment from the Commission.
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