Embracing Diversity in a Unique Way

It’s pretty fascinating how often we come across avenues where we would least expect to gain some learnings. And these learning treasures sometimes shape our perspectives on concepts/views in a much more profound way than any books or research papers will ever do. I too came across one such instance while I was on my way to our Bengaluru office from the airport.

I was sitting in the cab, going through my notes as I prepared myself for the day’s meeting, which amongst other topics included a short discussion on our diversity and inclusion approach. As I was going through the notes, I noticed an idol placed on the car’s dashboard. From the name that appeared in the app, I could make out that the driver was from a different faith.

While I strongly believe that faith and religion are very personal to all individuals, I could not help but enquire hesitantly about the idol. He told me very politely that he hailed from a village near Kolar where his family was the only family who practiced a faith which was different from the majority. From an early age, he imbibed a way of life that accommodated good practices from other faiths. He would visit various temples, hang out with friends of different faiths, celebrate their festivals, invite them for his festivals where his friends would feast on the “biryani” prepared by his mother. His family from an early stage encouraged him to mix with people irrespective of their caste, religion, social or economic status.

In fact, his mother used to say, “Play and work with all without any discrimination”.

One thing which he said, and I admired was that faith and prayers are personal and should not be manifested during professional business hours. ‘I do what is right,’ driver partner said. A few passengers and friends from his faith bemoan him as he keeps an idol of a different faith. He said, “I follow my dharma and its tenets first, however, the idol is my favorite god”. His understanding of different deities and practices of other faith was evident in the manner he spoke about them. He embodied someone who was living diversity and inclusivity in his daily life.

Thanks to him, I got insights on diversity and inclusion in a very lucid manner.

As mentioned by Verna Meyers, “Diversity is being invited for the party, while Inclusion is being asked to dance”.