Indian-Australian diplomat felt less different in 1961 than today
Rakesh Ahuja, Australia's first non-Caucasian diplomat, says he felt less different in 1961 than he does today.
Rakesh Ahuja came to Canberra aged 14 in 1961 under the White Australia policy, yet felt little discrimination. Ahuja worked as a Chartered Accountant, studied at ANU, and spent 30 years in Australia's diplomatic service representing the country around the world.
Ahuja later returned as deputy high commissioner to India. Now he describes a paradox: he faced less racism as one of few brown-skinned Australians than he does today in a much more multicultural country.
Ahuja traces the shift to the September 11 attacks in 2001. In recent years, he says encounters in shops and with Australians make him feel his race more acutely.
He believes some migrants themselves bear responsibility for this divide.
- 1961, aged 14
- Year of arrival
- 30 years
- Years in diplomatic service
- About 60 years
- Years in same house
- September 11, 2001
- Turning point
Why it mattersHis story challenges common assumptions about diversity increasing belonging, raising questions about how Australia's multicultural identity is working in practice.
AustraliaA long-term Australian resident and former diplomat reflects on how racial belonging has shifted in Australia over six decades.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 59 min ago
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