Theory
Diversity refers to the diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, age, education,
language, religion, culture, background and so on. This diversity can be felt by us
when we go for work in our work places, especially in MNCs. However, the same
diversity is also about appreciating differences between individuals, and in
context with the workplace ensuring that each of these varying attributes and
characteristics are valued. The MNC companies have recognised the huge value
that hiring a diverse range of individuals and personalities can add for their
business. Hence, we should also respect this diversity and believe in their
inclusion for enhancing the performance of the team and success of the
organization through encouragement and acceptance of each one’s unique
qualities.
What do we gain by respecting diversity and inclusion?
1. Gain different perspectives.
2. Fight out our biases.
3. Enhances our empathy
4. Breaks cross cultural barriers
5. Tends to break groups and associations at work place.
6. Moves our thoughts from local to global
7. Starts developing a growth mindset
8. Enhances our creativity and innovation.
9. Improves our collaborative spirits.
10. Improves our productivity
Story
In a small railway station on the outskirts of Kozhikode, stood a woman named
Anitha, selling candies from a small wooden tray. Each day, as the trains came and
went, she would call out softly to passengers, her voice kind and patient.
Beside her sat her husband, Raman, helping count the coins she could not see.
Anitha was a graduate in literature — a B.A., B.Ed — once full of dreams of
becoming a teacher. But fate had dimmed her vision, leaving her nearly blind.
Doors that should have opened for her stayed shut, and soon, her degree
gathered dust in a small tin box at home.
Yet, every morning, she dressed neatly, tied her hair with care, and came to the
station with quiet dignity. While Raman attended to customers, Anitha would sit
beside their little son, teaching him malayalam poems and arithmetic under the
station’s dim yellow lights. Her fingers traced the letters as her lips whispered the lessons — the same
lessons she had once hoped to teach in a classroom.
One day, a traveller named Rahul Nair, an HR leader from a large firm and a
volunteer with the Ujjwal Foundation, noticed her. Something about the scene
stopped him — a mother without sight, but full of vision. He bought a candy,
struck up a conversation, and was astonished by her clarity of thought and
passion for education.
That evening, Rahul shared Anitha’s story on social media — not as an act of
charity, but as a tribute to her strength. Within hours, the story spread.
Thousands were moved. Among them was Dr. Meenakshi Pillai, the Principal of
Lotus World School, known for her open-hearted approach to inclusion.
Dr. Meenakshi reached out to Rahul and asked to meet Anitha.
When they finally spoke, she didn’t see a woman with a disability — she saw a
teacher with light in her words. She asked her a few questions about literature,
pronunciation, and classroom management. Anitha answered with grace and
precision. By the end of the meeting, Dr. Meenakshi smiled and said,
“We’ve been looking for a good Malayalam teacher. Welcome to our school,
Anitha.”Tears welled up in Anitha’s eyes. For a moment, she couldn’t speak. She
simply folded her hands and whispered, “You have given me back my identity.”
Today, Anitha teaches Malayalam at Lotus World School.
Her students adore her, her colleagues respect her, and she continues her PhD in
regional language studies — all while being a mother of two.
When asked about her journey, she smiles gently and says,“I may have lost my
sight, but not my vision. Someone just needed to look at me differently.”
Diversity is not about sympathy — it’s about seeing the extraordinary within the
ordinary. When we look beyond appearance, ability, or background,
we discover brilliance waiting quietly for recognition. Inclusion begins not with
policy, but with perception. When we choose to see people for what they can do –
we don’t just change their lives, we illuminate our own.
Activity
Write down three steps you would take to improve inclusion in your diverse
environment.
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___________________________________________________________________
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Quote
“Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work” ~Andres Tapia
Takeaways
1. Diversity refers to the diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, age, education,
language, religion, culture, background and so on.
2. We should respect this diversity and believe in their inclusion for enhancing
the performance of the team and success of the organization through
encouragement and acceptance of each one’s unique qualities.