Hugh Boylan recently completed three months in Kolkata as the Australian Consul-General. In this time, the diplomat has undertaken several key initiatives to promote India-Australia relations, apart from encouraging the city to experience the beauty of his motherland. At a dinner to promote tourism in Australia, My Kolkata caught up with Boylan to know more about his vision, and why he believes that India has a special connection with his home country.
My Kolkata: India and Australia will be competing in yet another high-stakes World Cup match on June 24. What are your thoughts about the tie?
Hugh Boylan: I mean, it’s healthy competition (laughs). It’s always exciting to watch these two teams go up against each other. Part of me will be conflicted about who to support. I think I have to say Australia (chuckles), but having been in India for over three years, I’ve certainly taken a liking to the Men in Blue too.
To be fair, the team that has truly won me over is KKR! It was so nice to see them win the title. Gautam Gambhir is also my favourite Indian cricketer.
Kangaroo Island in South Australia Shutterstock
GG is our favourite too! Coming to the agenda for this dinner, what surprises does Australia hold for Indian tourists?
Oh, Australia has so much to offer! There is something to see in all parts of the country, from Kangaroo Island in South Australia to the beaches of Western Australia. Then there is the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, the beautiful cities of Sydney and Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef (the world’s largest coral reef system), and the ecology of Tasmania.
What are your favourite memories of holidaying in Australia?
I grew up in Adelaide, so I spent much of my childhood fishing in Kangaroo Island. I also love the wineries of South Australia. The country’s wine is world famous and available in India. I really think everyone here should try Australian wine! Australia also has things to do that cost little to nothing. The Manly Ferry is one of my favourites, going from Sydney Circular Quay to Manly Beach. You get to see spectacular sights like the Sydney Harbour and the Opera House for less than 7 dollars! You can even do things for free, like camping on the beach under the beautiful night sky, which is brimming with millions of stars.
Honestly, I keep finding new things to see and do even now. I just went to the Great Barrier Reef for the first time last December, and couldn’t recommend it more! Incidentally, I got the idea of decorating a Kolkata tram to promote Australian tourism while I was there.
Sounds like there is a story there…
I was living on a boat at the reef with 20 other tourists, two of whom were from Kolkata. Over the course of the trip, we became great friends, and I got to hear their reflections on my country. I thought, why not have more people in Kolkata know about it?
That’s when I landed upon the idea of a tram, which is a deep sense of cultural affinity between both Australia and India. Trams are an iconic feature in both Melbourne and Kolkata. We thought of bringing the two together by having a piece of Melbourne moving through the streets of Kolkata. Moreover, even if someone may not be able to travel to Australia, this tram can be a great way for them to engage with the Australian Consulate in Kolkata, and be a part of the warm friendship between the two nations.
What about students who wish to study in Australia?
Australia has a world-class education system, which makes it very attractive for Indian students. The proximity is an additional benefit, since it's just a 12-hour flight from here. Many youngsters are looking to enhance their skills in sectors that Australia specialises in. Two Australian universities are opening campuses in Gujarat’s GIFT City, so this relationship is growing richer with every passing day. Besides, many Indians have family and friends in the country.
And what kind of professional opportunities can they expect?
The professional opportunities are just as compelling, as Australia is a sophisticated economy with advanced service sectors. We are keen on attracting people from the STEM background, and India has incredible expertise in this sector. Both the governments are committed to making things happen through various partnerships.
Boylan inside the Australia-themed train in Kolkata Amit Datta
What brings the two countries together?
Cricket, of course, is the biggest unifier. With the huge Indian diaspora, there are cultural similarities too, with Punjabi becoming the second-fastest growing language in Australia. This multiculturalism is an integral part of the Australian identity. Because of the diaspora, Indian cinema and music are also extremely popular. Then there’s Indian food, but that’s popular around the world.
I expect to see this relationship grow stronger in the space of energy transition. Together, India and Australia can address climate change. Australia has resources like lithium, nickel, and cobalt that are used in batteries, while India has huge manufacturing plants to make EVs on large scales. We can plug into each other's growth stories. We are two great countries of the Indo-Pacific region. We share modern and ancient trade relationships, along with geology. We are also two countries that truly celebrate our democracy.
