Kamal Ghorui
Today’s edition moves from immigration policy to identity debates and ancient mythology. Australia has sharply raised the cost of its post-study work visa, a move that could affect thousands of Indian students hoping to stay and work after graduation. In the US, a debate over what constitutes a “Hindu name” has sparked a social media row around Indian-American lawmaker Jenifer Rajkumar and the complexities of diaspora identity. And in our Offbeat section, we revisit a timeless story from Hindu mythology: how Surya became the teacher of Hanuman.
Let’s go.
THE BIG STORY
Australia doubles post-study work visa fee
Australia has doubled the cost of its post-study work visa, pushing the application fee to AU$4,600, now the most expensive graduate visa fee in the world. The sharp increase affects thousands of international students who rely on the visa to remain in the country and gain work experience after completing their degrees.
Why it matters:
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, and the steep rise in visa costs significantly raises the financial barrier for graduates hoping to stay and work. For many students, the post-study visa is a crucial step toward building international careers or pursuing longer-term residency.
Driving the news:
The Australian government has implemented the fee hike as part of a broader overhaul of its immigration system aimed at tightening migration pathways and reducing the number of temporary residents. The post-study visa allows international graduates to remain in Australia for several years depending on their qualification level.
The increase comes amid growing pressure on Australia’s migration system and housing market, with policymakers attempting to balance economic demand for skilled workers with domestic concerns about immigration levels.
The big picture:
- The new fee of AU$4,600 makes Australia’s post-study work visa the most expensive globally.
- The visa allows international graduates to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies.
- Indian students are among the largest groups affected by the change.
- The move is part of a broader tightening of Australia’s migration and student visa policies.
NRI WATCH
‘Jenifer is not a Hindu name’: Hindu identity event sparks online row
An event hosted by Indian-American lawmakers in the US to discuss Hindu identity and representation triggered an online controversy after some social media users questioned New York state assembly member Jenifer Rajkumar’s name, claiming “Jenifer” was not a Hindu name.
The criticism quickly spread online, with some arguing that the name undermined the credibility of a programme centred on Hindu identity. Others defended Rajkumar, pointing out that diaspora communities often adopt Western names while maintaining their religious and cultural roots.
The exchange has reignited familiar debates within the Indian diaspora about identity, assimilation and representation, particularly as Indian-American politicians become more visible in US public life.
OFFBEAT
When Surya became Hanuman’s guru
In Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman is believed to have learned sacred knowledge from Lord Surya, the Sun god. According to the legend, Hanuman asked Surya to become his teacher and studied while travelling alongside the sun across the sky.
The story is often cited as a symbol of discipline, humility and devotion to knowledge, with Hanuman learning scriptures and wisdom despite the unusual circumstances of his teacher constantly moving across the heavens.
The tale remains one of the most enduring examples in Hindu mythology of the guru–shishya tradition, where the pursuit of knowledge requires dedication, perseverance and respect for the teacher.
DID YOU KNOW?
NRI SPOTLIGHT
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Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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