It was a typical Monday(today) morning at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai campus, with students rushing to their 9 am classes. Rimi (Pseudonym), is a student of MA in Education. She had to attend inclusive and special education lectures and was running late. She had stopped by the dining hall to grab breakfast before class.
As she finished eating and rushed out of the dining hall at 9:10 a.m., she noticed a visually impaired student, Ruhi (Pseudonym), heading to the counter to get breakfast. Without hesitation, Rimi turned back and offered to help Ruhi, even though the class teacher had told the students, last class, “Late coming means disrespect to the teacher.”
She guided her to the counter, helped her to get food, and even assisted her in finding a seat at the dining table. Rimi didn't worry about being late to her own class; her priority was ensuring Ruhi was comfortable and independent.
Meanwhile, I was sitting at another table, hastily finishing my breakfast before my class. My eyes wandered around the dining hall, and that's when I noticed Rimi and Ruhi. I was struck by the sincerity and kindness Rimi showed towards Ruhi.
In that moment, I realized that this was what inclusive and special education truly meant. It wasn't just about attending classes or workshops; it was about putting those learnings into practice in everyday life.
As I watched Rimi and Ruhi interact, I felt a sense of pride knowing that our college emphasized disability acceptance and inclusivity. Later that day, we had a Disability Acceptance Workshop scheduled, and I couldn't help but think that Rimi's actions embodied the very spirit of the workshop.
If we, as future educators and professionals, could create accessible spaces and offer support like Rimi did, then the workshop's purpose would truly be fulfilled. Rimi's selfless act reminded me that inclusivity begins with small actions, and those actions can shape a more compassionate and equitable society.
As I rushed to my class, I couldn't shake off the feeling that today's lesson plan had already begun – not in the classroom, but in the dining hall, where Rimi and Ruhi had shown me the true meaning of inclusivity.
~ Bishnu Narayan Mahanand (Monday, 24 September 2024)
Note: This story is based on a real incident in the campus.