Hi Readers,
A friend of mine, working at a multinational corporation recently had to undergo diversity training and prepare herself to lead the diversity project, in her workplace here in Bangalore. I scoffed at the whole idea. Perhaps diversity was important in the United States, where a Presidential candidate was still being referred to as "black". Why was it required here, in the Indian subsidiary? But I realise that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
What is happening to my home town Bombay (Mumbai, if you wish)? I wish I knew the answer. I blogged about it earlier and the answer is still not clear, in fact, more murky than ever. In my earlier post I had mentioned that perhaps only my expat friends know who they are. I don't. If I have the liberty to call myself an Indian, don't I have the liberty to travel in my own country? to settle wherever I wish without fear or favour?
It is strange to notice that people call themselves Indian's and yet want to divide the country along linguistic lines. Further as I mentioned in my earlier post - do I qualify as a Marathi-manoos? Perhaps if things continue as they are, Karnataka will qualify me as a Marathi-manoos and want to kick me out, and my own Bombay may not be willing to accept me back.
Will we need visas to travel in our own country? Or tie breaker tests like in international tax treaties to determine residency? Is the current turmoil in Mumbai just about job security or is it something deeper? Will it spread to other areas? Or rather I feel it is already spreading to other areas...
Our country has broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls. It is perhaps for us to promote diversity in our workplace and with that perhaps try and patch up a divided India. Yes, we must ensure diversity and inclusion at the workplace - a blend of locals and outstation staff, from as many regions as possible. Let me add that inclusion is as important as diversity. A harmonious India can emerge from better understanding of each other and what better place to start than at the workplace where we spend most of our time.
Perhaps this is too simple an idea for the complexities involved. Let me have your thoughts.
Happy Diwali
Best regards,
Lubna
