National Library of Australia staff looking at an album of paintings of Indian native costume on mica.
The National Library of Australia is calling on Australians with Indian heritage to add their story and experiences to the national collection.
Australians with Indian heritage are Australia's fastest growing migrant group, comprising over 750,000 people in 2022. Indian diaspora communities have made very significant contributions to many aspects of Australian society.
The Indian diaspora in Australia collecting project will capture diverse stories and voices through multiple formats, including recorded interviews, books, newsletters, newspapers, photographs, and personal archives.
Director of Curatorial and Collection Research at the National Library, Nicki Mackay-Sim, said ‘We’re calling on Australians with Indian heritage to help the Library build a collection about their lives and experiences, work and organisations. We’re interested in getting to know communities. To learn about what’s important to them and to record their stories.’
The Library is looking to connect with Australians whose heritage can be traced to the Indian subcontinent, including individuals who have Indian heritage but have migrated to Australia from countries as diverse as Singapore, Fiji, Malaysia, from within Africa, or a range of other places.
If you have items to donate or want to tell your story, the Library would like to hear from you. The stories captured will become a part of the national collection and will enable Australians to understand their diverse social, cultural and intellectual histories.
Additional Information
Indian Diaspora in Australia Collecting Project information and contacts.
Images for media use are available for download via Dropbox.
Contact
Cheney Brew, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia
M: 0401 226 697
