Amidst All (Sabar Majhare)

Today we talk a lot about ‘inclusion’ and ‘mainstreaming’ of children who are ‘differently-abled’. What exactly do we mean by these terms? Neuro-science and society has determined certain levels of ability, both physical and mental, for adequate functioning in our social structure. Any deficit or aberration, according to the laid down norms are considered as a disability, or to put it more softly, different ability. We also mention that every person is born with equal social rights, so every child, whatever his/her level of ability, should be included in the mainstream, with everybody else. So as parents, as teachers, as social reformers, we tend to focus on ‘inclusion’ and ‘main-streaming’.

What I fail to understand is why does it require an extra mention? Every child, whatever his/her level of ability, is a mother’s child, and to that mother all her children, including the ‘different’ one are equally dear. This is natural, instinctive inclusion. The same is expected at a social level too. But no, first we ostracize and reject the unfortunate, then to soothe the ugly sore, we prescribe balms like ‘inclusion’. The problem lies with us, the able, functional community, who fail to realize that the differently abled are as much part of this society as we are, as much the children of Mother Earth as any of us. Unless we broaden our vision and begin to see our heart reach out to touch the million hearts around us, we will not feel the joy of including.

Here comes in the notion of ‘connecting’. We all can start to connect with each other, if we can feel that Oneness prevailing among us all. This fundamental concept of ‘amidst all’ or ‘SabarMajhare’ as we say in Bangla, is today’s theme, which our little ones from Udbhaas will present before you. They will highlight on various differences we project, like traditions, creeds, nations, language, appearances, abilities, but ultimately we are united, we are One. I do hope, their imperfect presentation will convey a message to you all, which will be good food for thought.

Working closely with these children, I have felt, many a times that they realize and express high thoughts in their very simple and straight-forward ways, which we, with all our complications, fail to fathom. Love, sharing, trust, faith come so easily to them. The big reason is they are not judgmental. They see white for white and black for black, oblivious of any grey zone cluttered with ‘ifs and buts’. As we grow up to become intellectual adults, as our grey cells mature, we cultivate this very grey zone which shrouds our concept of Oneness.

Friends, look at these children on stage, some with major problems, some who have overcome their difficulties and some who have no problem at all. They are happily mixing and supporting each other in presenting their performance. The beautiful flowers are all strung together into a marvellous garland, we don’t see the string which binds them, but It is very much there, The Omnipresent is there among them all, “Sabar Majhare”. We need to acknowledge this Supreme Existence, which will enable us to connect with all and realize that nobody, no matter how different he may be, is an outsider. We all belong.