Perceptions and Values!

How do we form perceptions, and to what extent are these perceptions influenced by our values? Additionally, how can we detach ourselves from our biases to think logically and practically in a given context? These questions hold significant importance and are thought-provoking. However, it is uncertain how commonly they are pondered upon.

Perceptions are shaped by our interpretations of the world around us, and our values play a significant role in this process. They can influence what we pay attention to, how we interpret situations, and the judgments we make.

It is crucial to be aware of the influence of our values on our perceptions, as it can lead to biases and preconceived notions. Being mindful of our own biases and striving to remain open-minded can help us approach situations with greater objectivity and fairness.

Soon, I will find myself in a challenging position as a mediator, expected to provide unbiased comments without letting my perceptions cloud my judgment. This situation is a crisis, and my primary objective is to act with fairness, practicality, and inclusion. There are certain instances in life when conditioning one's mind to be neutral becomes necessary to ensure that all parties involved feel valued.

Being a neutral mediator in a crisis situation requires self-awareness, empathy, and a commitment to inclusivity. By conditioning my mind to be neutral, I can fulfill my role effectively and contribute to resolving the crisis in a fair and just manner, ensuring that the voices of all parties are heard and respected. I am confident and ready for it. #perceptions #values #inclusionmatters

Embracing Differences!

Every day is a new opportunity for growth and learning. In our daily encounters and work, we cross paths with so many individuals - some become passing acquaintances, others we engage with, discuss ideas, and occasionally, we find special connections. Today, I had the pleasure of connecting with a beautiful soul who reminded me of my younger college days when I held strong perceptions and opinions. Reflecting on our conversation, I couldn't help but appreciate the journey of growth and transformation that has brought me to where I am today, filled with cherished memories of mistakes, valuable lessons, and personal achievements.

Indeed, this is the essence of life.

The most precious gift we can ask for is to be surrounded by positive, supportive people - a true support group. These are the individuals who stand by us through tough times, genuinely celebrate our accomplishments, and trust in us more than we might trust ourselves. As I look back, this person I connected with today has been a constant in my life - a remarkable soul who believed in me in the past and continues to do so today. Her unwavering support has been a guiding light through thick and thin.

Furthermore, my journey in the workplace has introduced me to an array of wonderful people. They, too, have played important roles in shaping my growth, and their kindness and encouragement have made the challenges more manageable and the successes even sweeter. Having such incredible individuals in my life has made all the difference, as they have made my professional and personal life more fulfilling and joyous." I cannot express my gratitude enough for my beloved husband who has been an unwavering pillar of support, guidance, and mentorship throughout the past two decades.

Valuing and embracing people's differences is of utmost importance, and true growth and inclusivity stem from standing alongside them. #inclusion #dei

Shining Example of Inclusivity @Home!

Yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with my husband, and unsurprisingly, his words once again reaffirmed my understanding of "acceptance." Let me share a little bit about him before delving into the conversation itself. He pursued a master's degree in finance management and followed the tradition of joining the family business. However, let's set that aside for now. Basically, I always encouraged him to read my writings, and yesterday after reading them, he asked me a series of questions, one of which was why I chose to write about inclusion.

Moreover, he reminded me of an employee who has been working with us for 23 years and happens to have a physical disability (handicapped). My husband acknowledged that Munna, our employee, faces certain limitations, but we have never focused on what he can not do. Instead, we have treated him like any other employee, made no exceptions, and always encouraged him by saying, "You can do it," which he has repeatedly proven. We hired Munna because he was a perfect fit for the job requirements. Over time, witnessing his dedication, loyalty, and efficiency, he has progressed to become a manager, playing a significant role in his department.

This in my opinion, truly exemplifies acceptance. Every year, we have witnessed him steadily building his work capacity. He never declines any task and consistently finds a way to accomplish it, setting new benchmarks for himself.

Interestingly, although I was aware of "Munna bhaiya" working in our office space, always ensuring our comfort during our visits, I failed to recognize that I have a shining example of inclusivity right at home. I am incredibly proud of my husband for his compassion, kindness,  and inclusive leadership, both at the workplace and at home. I am grateful to have him as a role model, and I am inspired by his work and ideologies greatly. #inclusion #dei

Inclusion = Acceptance

Inclusion requires genuine acceptance and understanding. Acceptance means embracing diversity in all its forms, recognizing that each individual has unique qualities and experiences to contribute. It involves breaking down barriers and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Inclusive societies foster a sense of belonging, where individuals can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or exclusion. When we accept others, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, ideas, and possibilities. We build bridges of empathy and compassion, fostering stronger connections within our communities.

To achieve true inclusion, we must challenge our biases, preconceptions, and stereotypes. It requires us to educate ourselves and actively seek out opportunities to learn from people with different backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. By doing so, we create a more equitable and just society for all.

Inclusion is not a one-time effort; it is an ongoing commitment to embracing diversity and promoting acceptance at every level of society. It starts with you and me; it starts with people with whom you interact or observe on a daily basis; it starts with individuals and extends to organizations, institutions, and governments. By prioritizing inclusion, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, ultimately fostering a sense of unity and collective progress.

We all have been guilty and victim of unintentionally excluding others or feeling excluded ourselves. Let us grab the opportunity to embrace inclusivity and leave a lasting impact. #inclusion #dei

Practice Patience and Empathy

 Reflecting back on my initial year as a teacher in 2010, I recall a memorable experience with a student who had dyslexia and dysgraphia. At that time, I was unfamiliar with these terms and their implications. Nevertheless, I strongly believed in treating children with love and respect, just as we adults expect to be treated.

To support my student, I took the initiative to engage with him and his parents, seeking to understand the areas where he needed assistance. There were moments when he would approach me and say, "Ritu ma'am, I don't want to study today." Despite his occasional resistance to learning, he remained a loving, caring, and respectful child.

Establishing a connection with him came naturally, and the memories we created together will forever hold a special place in my heart. He was one of the first students I had the privilege of teaching, and he taught me invaluable lessons in patience, compassion, and understanding.

Each student from that first/inaugural class imparted significant insights to me. Some struggled with anger management, others had emotional needs, and some encountered challenges with writing or reading. They collectively demonstrated that every child is unique, highlighting the importance of practicing patience and empathy in our interactions.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have taught those students. They remind me of the profound impact teachers can have on their students' lives. #inclusion #dei

Gratitude!

 Reflecting on my interaction with Ms. Pavithra, I find myself in awe of her captivating presence. Her remarkable stories and accomplishments have left me utterly astounded. She embodies the epitome of inspiration when it comes to promoting inclusivity. Unsurprisingly, she is frequently referred to as the expert in this field. Throughout her enthralling narratives and her speech today (highlighting Inclusion), I couldn't help but contemplate the source of her unwavering passion, unrestricted by any conditions or limitations.

Moreover, I am deeply impressed by her visionary nature, as well as her immense compassion and kindness. Her radiant joy and magnetic personality have a captivating and contagious effect, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Pavithra for her ability to touch countless hearts and foster meaningful connections through her warmth and generosity. Her genuine care and selflessness have made a profound impact on the lives of those who have had the privilege of knowing her. Thank you, Ms. Pavithra, for the transformative difference you make in the lives of others. #inclusion #dei

Pavithra Y Sundareshan: Founder & Managing Director of Vindhya e-Infomedia Private Limited 

Fear of Change: Inclusion

 The fear of change when hiring a teacher with a disability is a real and understandable concern. However, it is important to remember that people with disabilities are just as capable of being great teachers as anyone else. In fact, they may bring unique skills and perspectives to the classroom that can benefit all students.

Some of the specific fears that people may have about hiring a teacher with a disability include:
a) The teacher may not be able to keep up with the demands of the job.
b) The teacher may not be able to provide the same level of instruction as a non-disabled teacher.
c) The teacher's disability may be a distraction to students.
d) The teacher's disability may make it difficult for them to manage the classroom.

It is important to address these fears head-on. First, it is important to remember that people with disabilities are just as capable of learning and adapting as anyone else. They may need some extra support, but they are just as likely to be able to keep up with the demands of the job as a non-disabled teacher.

Second, it is important to remember that people with disabilities often have unique skills and perspectives that can benefit all students. For example, a teacher with a disability may be able to provide students with a different perspective on disability, or they may be able to model resilience and determination.

Finally, it is important to remember that the classroom is a place for everyone. Students with disabilities should be able to learn alongside their non-disabled peers, and they should be able to have the same access to quality education.

If you are considering hiring a teacher with a disability, it is important to do your research and talk to other teachers who have hired teachers with disabilities. You should also be prepared to provide the teacher with the support they need to be successful. However, if you are willing to do the work, you may be surprised at how rewarding it can be to hire a teacher with a disability.

Here are some additional tips for overcoming the fear of change when hiring a teacher with a disability:

a) Talk to teachers who have hired teachers with disabilities. They can share their experiences and give you some advice.
b) Do your research. Learn about the different types of disabilities and how they can affect a person's ability to teach.
c) Be prepared to provide support. This may include providing accommodations, such as a modified classroom or a personal assistant.
d) Be open-minded. Be willing to give the teacher a chance and see what they can offer.

Hire the best person for the job, regardless of their disability. When you do, you will be creating a more inclusive and welcoming school environment for all students.

Inclusive Leaders

Promoting inclusion in schools has become an essential endeavor. Achieving true inclusion requires more than just policies and initiatives; it necessitates the presence of INCLUSIVE LEADERS who can drive change and foster an environment of acceptance and understanding. Implementing inclusion in schools is indeed the need of the hour, and inclusive leaders are pivotal to making this vision a reality.

Inclusive leaders are crucial in this process, as they possess the empathy and insight needed to create an inclusive environment that promotes learning and growth for all students, regardless of their background, abilities, or identities.

They serve as role models who promote empathy and understanding among students, teachers, and the wider school community. They possess the ability to cultivate a safe and respectful space where diverse perspectives are celebrated. By encouraging dialogue, fostering cultural competence, and instilling empathy, inclusive leaders help bridge divides and nurture an environment where differences are not just tolerated but embraced and valued.

Inclusive leaders prioritize social-emotional learning, creating an atmosphere where students and teachers feel comfortable expressing themselves and building positive relationships. This nurturing environment enables them to grow into compassionate, well-rounded individuals, better equipped to navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

The urgent need for implementing inclusion in schools cannot be overstated. To achieve this vision, we must recognize the vital role that inclusive leaders play. It is imperative that educational institutions prioritize the selection and development of inclusive leaders, as they hold the key to unlocking the potential of all students and shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.

Inclusion in Schools

 In today's society, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion cannot be overlooked, especially within the context of schools. It is crucial to reframe and revise our understanding of these concepts to create an inclusive educational environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

Personally, I strongly believe that fostering these concepts in schools is essential for the holistic development of students. As a student, I have experienced the positive impact of being part of an inclusive education system. It allowed me to appreciate different perspectives, gain cultural knowledge, and develop lifelong skills such as empathy and collaboration.

The significance of DEI in the context of schools cannot be emphasized enough. Let us work together to build inclusive schools that empower and inspire the next generation.

Here's an idea to begin with:
a) Guest Speakers and Workshops: Invite guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and insights on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Conduct workshops or seminars that address issues of bias, discrimination, and social justice to foster understanding and empathy among students.

b) Inclusive Reading Programs: Incorporate diverse literature and books that feature characters from various backgrounds and experiences into the curriculum. Establish book clubs or reading programs that encourage discussions on diversity and inclusion.
#dei #inclusiveeducation #internationalbaccalaureate #ibpyp

Let's exchange our thoughts on this. Also, let me know if we can collaborate for the workshop or as a guest speaker.