A personal
experience-based, first person narrative about migrant settlement, highlighting
the clash of cultures, the manifest racism, and the proclaimed colonial Christian
superiority of the White Australia era.
Juxtaposed are the refreshing public presentation by the Anglo-Celt
Aussie of personal dignity, irrespective of economic status; as well as the clear prospect of the youth of
the nation gradually working towards equal opportunity, and thus creating one
people from diverse origins.
The Karma of Culture
(by Arasa) — Trafford Publishing, Canada
An
experience-based analysis and commentary on the issues arising from the
cross-cultural impacts of migrant and refugee selection and settlement, as
viewed through the dual cultural filters of Asian communal and spiritual values
of long duration, and the Aussie Anglo-Celts' more recently developed "fair-go"
ethos; and which identifies the potential for Asian cultural and spiritual
values to influence Western thinking about democracy, human rights, and
societal values.
Appraisal:
"This
book provides a thoughtful and fearless approach to some important and highly
topical questions. What constitutes Australia's nationhood? What is her
role in Asia and in the world? How can, and
should, the burgeoning economies of Asia contribute to the development of
Australia, not just as foreign investors and trading partners, but in terms of
cultural and spiritual values? What is the nature of democracy, and how can
democratic ideals be realized in Australia and in its Asian
neighbours? What is the meaning of multiculturalism in the Australian context?
These questions are raised in an intelligent and thought-provoking way."
"You give us valuable insights into your
own experiences as an 'outsider' in a predominantly white 'Western' environment,
who has been able to become part of that environment without losing your
deepest links with your own culture. And you demonstrate that the influence of
Eastern philosophers — to which Australia
is uniquely exposed among Western countries — has the potential to counteract
the West's slide into materialism and the spiritual impoverishment that
provides fertile soil for cultism and fundamentalism in all their forms."
"This is a hard-hitting, insightful book
that will appeal to academics, public servants, students, and many members of
the general public..........."
Hidden Footprints of
Unity (by Arasa) — Sid Harta Publishers, Australia
A part-memoir
which, whilst highlighting the personal difficulties afflicting an Asian
settler seeking equal opportunity, offers an historical profile of the
acceptance by established Anglo-Celt Australians of waves of entrants of diverse ethno-cultural origins. It also examines two crucial human aspects of
the merged populations, viz. inter-community (especially black/white) relations;
and the search for God. Finally, the author seeks a re-definition of
Australian national identity, based on the contributions of the newer arrivals.
viewed through the dual cultural filters of Asian communal and spiritual values
of long duration, and the Aussie Anglo-Celts' more recently developed "fair-go"
ethos; and which identifies the potential for Asian cultural and spiritual
values to influence Western thinking about democracy, human rights, and
societal values. 
