Very early in life I realized that the world is not inclusive. I was just five and I wasnt allowed by my maternal grandmother to play with kids from the scheduled caste strata living close by. My arguments werent heard and my mother couldnt do much about it either. I had a vague notion that we were supposed to be different from these other kids but couldnt tell why. As I grew up I figured that though we were children of the same God, we werent really equal or were made to believe that we werent.
On the other hand, I had the most humbling experience as a marathoner while running with a blind child in an organized run last year. I thought I would be the one leading the pair; it was actually the other way round. There was so much to learn from these visually challenged kids around.
Running, or any sport for that matter, is one such activity where the world around is fully inclusive. People from all over the world, differently-abled , young and old, from all walks of life, of either gender run together with one common goal. Everyone is welcome to join and there are no biases, at least while you are running or playing.
The statement that is being spoken, whispered and shouted by people of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors and cultures today is I want to be included. It is a simple request and the answer is equally simple -Welcome! Inclusion does not mean that we are same. It does not mean that we all agree. Rather inclusion celebrates our diversity and differences with respect and gratitude. The greater our diversity, the richer is our capacity to create new visions.
I would like to have a world which is as inclusive as my world of running. I am sure we all can work together to create an inclusive world. I believe that inclusive communities have the ability to create a better future and a much better life for everyone!
