In a first by any foreign government, Australia today launched a website in Hindi aimed at providing better information access to the families of prospective Indian students in Victoria.

The Hindi version of ‘Study Melbourne’ portal — >www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/hindi — was launched by visiting Victorian Minister Ms Louise Asher, who is leading a 60-member business delegation on her first trip abroad after the formation of a new government there.

“It is the world’s first website of a foreign government in Hindi. Though knowledge of English is imperative for students there, the website aims to provide information to the families and parents of those students in their mother tongue.

“It will help them in better understanding of facilities and prospects in Victorian universities,” Ms Asher, Minister for Innovation, said while launching the portal.

On attacks on Indian students in Victoria, she said: “I agree we have some problems in Victoria. We are embarrassed, but the new government is addressing these issues. It is an important part of our focus in governance...we are not only concerned about students but whole community.”

She also noted that a 24X7 student case service has been set up to help Indians in Victoria. Ms Asher also pitched in for stronger ties between Victorian universities and Indian institutions.

Leading Indian firms Mahindra and Mahindra, Infosys and the Wadhawan Group, as well as nine out of India’s top 15 information and communications technology companies, have presence in Victoria.

Speaking at the launch, the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Peter Varghese, said: “We have high ambition with our relationship with India. We want to develop strong strategic and economic ties... strong educational ties will bring better understanding between the two nations.”

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