Dear Indian.Community family,
Can we be proud of India and still ask difficult questions about it?
This Gandhi Jayanti, I believe we should.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
I’ve been wondering what Gandhi would say if he could see India today. We cannot speak for him, but his emphasis on truth, nonviolence, and service gives us a starting point.
What would make him proud? What would trouble him? And what would he ask each of us to do?
There is so much to celebrate—in India and wherever Indians have made a home. This week alone has given us extraordinary examples of courage, determination, and service.
But there are also questions we should be willing to ask ourselves.
Can we disagree without turning against one another? Do we question misinformation before sharing it? Do we give people the same dignity regardless of their religion, caste, income, or the work they do?
Have we become too comfortable saying, “That’s just how things work”?
These questions apply to those of us abroad, too. Our connection to India comes with an opportunity to contribute, listen, and stay involved.
I want to hear your honest thoughts.
What do you feel is wrong in India today? What needs to change? It could be something you experienced on a recent visit, something your family deals with every day, or something you worry about for the next generation.
Hit reply and write to me. Tell me one thing you want to change—and, if you can, where you think we should begin.
Let’s make space for honest experiences and respectful disagreement. Loving a country can include expecting better from it.
And today, there are some remarkable people reminding us of what we can be proud of.
Captain Smit Machchhar: courage when lives depended on it
After being seriously injured in a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Captain Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. Two other pilots on board then landed the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia. He is recovering in hospital.
It is difficult to imagine the courage that moment demanded. We honour Captain Smit and everyone who helped protect the lives on board, and wish him a full recovery.
Six gold medals in one day. What a Gandhi Jayanti for Indian sport!
India won six gold medals on October 2 at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan:
Women’s recurve archery: Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod, and Kirti Sharma defeated South Korea to secure India’s first Asian Games gold in the event.
Boxing: Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda, and Ankush Panghal each won gold.
Wrestling: Sujeet Kalkal fought back from 2–9 down to win the men’s freestyle 65kg final, 10–9.
Women’s hockey: India defeated China 1–0 to win gold and secure qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The day’s results took India to 76 medals: 16 gold, 25 silver, and 35 bronze, according to the October 2 evening report.
Behind every podium finish are years of training, family sacrifices, setbacks, and persistence. To our athletes, coaches, and everyone who supported them: thank you for giving us these moments.
An 11-year-old making chess history
British Indian chess player Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster after completing her final qualifying norm at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan while representing England. A wonderful milestone for a young player whose family roots are in Tamil Nadu.
Service earning global recognition
UK-based Indian-origin nurse Agimol Pradeep won the 2026 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, with a $250,000 prize, for her work in organ and stem-cell donation. She plans to devote half the prize to her charitable initiative, Upahaar. Her achievement is a reminder of the difference one person’s sustained commitment can make.
Our culture bringing communities together
In Australia, the Cairns Indian Festival brought together more than 10,000 people across a week of food, culture, and community events, according to organiser GOPIO Cairns. Celebrations like these help us share our heritage and build friendships in the places we now call home.
And I know there are stories worth celebrating much closer to you.
A student reaching a milestone. A neighbour helping a family settle into a new country. A business opening its doors. Volunteers bringing a festival to life. Someone quietly serving their community for years.
Send me those stories, too. Reply with a few details, your city, and a photo or link you have permission to share. I want Indian.Community to help more of these people get the recognition they deserve.
This Gandhi Jayanti, I’m feeling both proud of what our people are achieving and hopeful about what we can improve together.
What concerns you—and what gives you hope? Write to me.
Warmly,
Amit Gupta
Indian.Community