“What India represents is truly inspiring,” Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of NSW

Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of NSW, share her experience of visiting India, meeting different people, Indo-Aussie relations and a lot more in an Indus Age Exclusive interview taken on 18 April, 2018.

By Nidhi Kumari

You are a role model for so many women, what would you like to say to all those women who look up to you as an inspiration?

That is very kind for you to say, but I would say for any person , man or women, we live in a world where we can achieve anything, so don’t let any obstacle in your life or anyone tell you can’t achieve your goals. I would encourage everybody  to work hard because hard work always pays off.

How are you feeling to be in India?

Extremely excited, I have spent 2 days in Mumbai and now I am in Delhi, the meetings we’ve had has been extremely productive, but also the people to people links has been very positive. Promoting our produce from NSW to India, is really exciting. It’s wonderful to see combining Australian produce with Indian flavours.

What is the most fascinating thing about India?

I think, the sheer scale and size of India. 1.3 bilion people. But there is no such thing as a typical Indian, I have discovered . Each city has its own culture, its own particular ways, of doing things and it’s really important for us, to respect such an ancient culture in such a large part of the world.  India’s time has come and I am very happy that I have come here to deepen the relationship between NSW and India.

What is your message for the Indian and Australian communities?

We’re extremely proud of you, we are proud of the strong Australian-Indian community that we have.  That has become a top conversation here, because, it’s a wonderful way of explaining to our government officials and business leaders that often, the Indian community  in NSW is a bridge for us, I am proud of that. Dr. Geoff Lee, my Parliamentary colleague who has been accompanying me on this trip, has given me invaluable advice, because he represents a large part of Sydney with a large Indian population, and he feels as much proud as I do in being able to share our experience but also to learn and to hopefully open up additional trade opportunities. I think the opportunities are enormous for both our populations.

Any Indian food that you tasted:

A lot, everything is delicious, but  more than anything, the people are beautiful, the culture and what India represents is truly inspiring.

Any Hindi word that you learned:

(Smiles), Namastey.