Peel Away

I’ve always been fascinated by Matryoshka dolls. They beautifully symbolize the different versions of us tucked inside one shell: the do-gooder, the show-off, the insecure one, the confident one, and even the biased one. We cheer when a Manu Bhaker wins an Olympic medal, yet somehow, we doubt that a Neha can handle work pressures without getting emotional. Why is that? Could it be that we've unknowingly put people into boxes labelled by our own biases?

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Take a moment to look within and honestly recognize that the person who organizes your home—your domestic help—is a master of time management and efficiency, possibly contributing more to your work-life balance than any productivity app. It’s not about age, gender, or education level. It’s about valuing what’s truly important and acknowledging that everyone has unique skills.

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Inclusion means seeing the worth in everyone’s abilities, no matter where they come from or what they look like. It’s about realizing that a Neha or a Sundar, regardless of gender or background, can bring as much expertise and capability to the table as anyone else. Our biases need to be dismantled so we can appreciate the diverse talents that surround us. Just like Matryoshka dolls, each person has layers of identity and skills. Progress lies in celebrating these layers and creating an environment where everyone’s individuality shines.

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Think about it: if we can cheer for a gold medalist from afar, we should also be able to trust and value the talents of those right in front of us. Everyone plays a part in our success, whether they’re managing a household or a corporation. Let’s make inclusion not just a buzzword but a genuine appreciation of each unique contribution. Because when we truly peel away the layers, we find that everyone’s got a little bit of magic tucked inside.