The recent spectacle of Australian sports embracing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left me with a heavy heart and a sense of disillusionment. As an Indian, Muslim, and Australian sports enthusiast, I've always felt a deep connection to these institutions, but this event has revealed a troubling reality.
When I saw prominent figures from the AFL and cricket world smiling alongside Modi, it wasn't just a diplomatic gesture I witnessed. It was a painful reminder that my identity, my culture, and my community's experiences were being overlooked.
The Paradox of Inclusion
For many Indian Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians, Modi's name evokes a decade of growing fear and discrimination. Despite his democratic election, his government's record on religious minorities and democratic freedoms has been widely criticized. Yet, Australian sports organizations, including Cricket Australia and the AFL, see India and its diaspora as key to their future growth.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the organizations' multicultural strategies and their actions. They actively engage with Indian communities but seem to ignore the diverse experiences and perspectives within those communities.
The Cost of Symbolic Gestures
Sport, with its powerful symbolism, understands the impact of who stands beside whom. Yet, in their eagerness to embrace Modi, these organizations risk sending a message that only certain Indian voices are worth engaging with - those that align with the majority.
For minority communities, this isn't just a political point; it's a personal experience of being overlooked twice. It erodes trust and makes individuals question their sense of belonging.
The Gap Between Words and Actions
Despite their diversity initiatives, these organizations often struggle to attract and retain diverse talent, and their national teams fail to reflect the modern Australian demographic. The reason, I believe, lies in moments like these.
You cannot preach belonging and inclusion while making decisions that exclude and marginalize certain voices. It's a painful contradiction that leaves many feeling like their perspectives are only valued when they're convenient.
A Personal Journey
As someone who has dedicated years to promoting diversity and inclusion within Australian sport, I've seen its potential to create genuine belonging. I've worked closely with both Cricket Australia and the AFL, and I know what they're capable of achieving.
However, as I scrolled through photos of the 'Modi Mania' event, I couldn't help but notice the absence of voices that carried a different experience of India under Modi's leadership. It made me question whether my identity was truly valued or if it was just a strategic tool.
The Complexity of Belonging
Belonging isn't a slogan or a strategy; it's a practice. It's about actively listening to and valuing all perspectives, especially the hardest ones to hear. Identity is not something you can selectively engage with. You can't separate a person's expertise from their experiences and complexities.
The Modi visit highlighted this contradiction. It made me wonder if the sporting institutions we love truly believe in the inclusion they preach. Belonging is a feeling, and last week, many of us didn't feel it.
