January 2012

Dear Friends,

We live on a very, very crowded planet. The uniqueness of each individual is indeed a wonderful phenomenon of creation that will continue, perhaps till humans are successfully cloned!

Whether we recognize, accept or embrace this uniqueness in others, which is what makes for diversity, the fact is we are experiencing more and more of it. Diversity comes in all forms: a greater range of entertainment options, a wider selection of foods at the supermarket, more car companies and models than ever before, more ethnic restaurants and so on. Wider in scope and importance is the diversity of cultures, of belief and sub- beliefs, of language and literature and of the poles of thinking and attitudes that form the basis for war or peace, of progress or decline.

Basically people approach diversity either of two ways. They see the richness of the difference as something that benefits us all. The mix of cultures and races and opinions provide opportunities to learn from others and grow in understanding. This leads us to celebrate diversity. But there are others who are not ready to party! Instead of finding reason for joy, some find reason for fear and insecurity and even hostility.

The individuals who break the pattern of uniformity shake our confidence in who we are and what we represent. Our cherished convictions are challenged. Diversity has led to division: political, racial, gender, cultural and economic division. There has always been some of this, but now it seems to be more prevalent.

However, as Ola Joseph remarked, “Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness”.

International schools and communities are or should be committed to embracing diversity and viewing it as an invaluable source of creativity. What are individual differences must be seen as enriching factors for the community. Only then can the prime goal of parents and educators be achieved, that of assisting children on the road to success, not only personal but as contributors to societies to which they belong, by birth or by choice.

Giving children opportunities to encounter the realities of uniqueness_ and therefore difference, is their introduction to diversity. But diversity takes more than more than mere exposure. Sharing values must include ways of recognizing and appreciating culture, lifestyles, language, faiths and customs. Equality and equity are concepts that children can begin to appreciate very early on.

Prejudice and discrimination must be discussed and biased stereotypes be avoided, even in lighter discussions. The achievements and leadership of men and women from diverse cultures must be lauded and held up for examples.

The ability of our hands to accomplish multifarious tasks depends on the function of each finger and also of five different fingers operating in tandem. Surely here is an analogy for living and thriving.

We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. Jimmy Carter

We wish you a New Year of opportunity!

With warm regards,

Lieutenant General (Retd) Arjun Ray, PVSM, VSM
Chief Executive Officer
Indus Trust