Inclusion begins with "I"

(written 26 January, 2023)

Every year, I look forward to catching a glimpse of my alma mater school band in the Republic Day parade …ours being the only all-girls school, and perhaps even the only school across the country, which has been eligible to participate in the R-Day parade since 1960s!

This year, with Republic Day coinciding with Basant Panchami festival (welcome of spring and worship of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning), it opened a flood gate of cherished memories..but one stood out for different reasons.

Back in school days, Basant Panchmi was (and probably continues to be) an extra special day. This was also a day, when students were awarded prizes for various achievements. The awards distribution was a big event and was always preceded by a dress-rehearsal to ensure the final day was glitch free (or glitch resistant at least).

I was part of the event on the years. During our dress rehearsal, as I stood in queue, I noticed our (proxy) Chief Guest would shake hands with the boys and do a respectful ‘namaste’ to the girls. That seemed off to me…and when, it was my turn, I put my hand out confidently (with a full smile) for a handshake.

The gentleman on the other side paused, looked at me ..and folded his hands in namaste. I thought I heard some sneers from other kids.

While definitely not traumatized, I must have reflected on this incident so many times over - was I so out of my place? Why can’t girls shake hands? Rest assured; it was always a namaste my end for quite many years!

That was the 90s’.

It’s heartening to note we have come a long way. My kids find it unbelievable that someone would be uncomfortable shaking hands with a girl...and that’s progress!

School and workplace conversations are changing for the better…the women IPL bid of Rs 4,669 Cr is hugely uplifting..but it’s still a long and complex journey ahead.

Systematic actions pave way for collective progress, but individual actions, conscious or unconscious, still make or break for individuals.

“Inclusion begins with ‘I’

It really does…as simple as that.