Fostering cultural links with India

The exhibition is presented by the Perth based organisation, Borderless Gandhi, whose aim is to spread the Mahatma's messages through artistic reflections of his life, work and legacy.

The exhibition will be on show at West Australian Parliament House, The Pan Pacific Hotel and Perth Airport’s Terminal 1 during October and November.

Perth Airport is working closely with the State Government and Tourism WA to build stronger ties with India, including direct flights between India and Perth.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said WA’s Indian communities continue to enhance our relationship through projects like this thought-provoking exhibition.

“The Government recently announced a Partnership between Tourism Western Australia and Perth Airport that focuses on attracting and expanding airline routes into Perth.

“I recently visited India with representatives from 'Team Perth' to talk to airlines and open the discussion about establishing direct routes to Perth, which were positive.”

Perth Airport Chief Corporate Services Officer Debra Blaskett said the vision for Perth Airport is to be Australia’s Western Hub– connecting lives, businesses and communities by providing important transport links that support Western Australia’s economy and the state’s tourism industry.

“The Borderless Gandhi exhibit is an opportunity to help foster links between the two countries that we hope to develop further with new direct flights.

“With nearly 14 million passengers travelling through Perth Airport last year, and estimates showing that number growing to 23.3 million passengers by 2034, we want direct connectivity to India to be a part of that future.

“India has become Perth’s 10th biggest international visitor market, making it the largest unserved aviation market after the US, and we have seen an extraordinary growth in passenger movements between India and Perth last year totalling nearly 145,000 passengers.

“The opportunity to grow tourism in Western Australian by developing the Indian market is massive. India has a population of 1.3 billion, and the number of Indians travelling overseas is growing at an extraordinary rate.

“Western Australians also have a great propensity for travel and India represents a culturally rich and aspirational destination. Western Australians currently make up 60 percent of passengers travelling between Perth and India for both business and leisure purposes.  

Nilesh Makwana, Founder and Project President, Borderless Gandhi said as we continue to build the profile and reputation of Perth and Western Australia in India, we will unlock even greater numbers of passengers between the two countries.

“As Gandhi said, ‘The future depends on what you do today. You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.’ The Borderless Gandhi exhibition provides an opportunity to reflect on what is possible.” Mr Makwana added.

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