How Currency Notes, a Piece of Fabric and the Thali Symbolise India's Diversity

There is strength in diversity

- Devdutt Pattanaik

Those who speak of DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) in the world today, are clueless about India's remarkable diversity, from its multitude of languages to its various cultural, religious, and geographic differences. When engaging with the global community, Indians often feel the need to defend or explain this diversity. However, India's uniqueness lies in its ability to accommodate and thrive amidst these differences.

A simple way to explain India's diversity is through its currency notes. A rupee note displays multiple scripts, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the country. We do not see this in the Chinese yuan, US dollar, or the European Union's euro. For a nation so varied, it is not about choosing one efficient language or system but about finding ways to honour and incorporate this vast complexity.

India is neither superior nor inferior to other nations - it is simply different, shaped by history, geography, and the interplay of numerous cultures. The lesson for the world is that India's diversity is not a challenge but its strength, and understanding India requires an appreciation for its unique structure and identity. India's diversity is a way of life

Another way to show India's diversity is through something as simple as a Google image search. Search for 'God', and you will likely see images of Jesus or Jehovah. Now, add the word 'Hindu' before the word 'God', and suddenly there is a splash of colour, with male and female deities, with gods having elephant heads or many arms, often accompanied by animals.