Does Acceptance Mean Inclusion?: A Perspective As A Sikh


The three basic human needs – water, food and shelter – help sustain survival. But survival is not enough to live a full life. The meaning of life is beyond the mere act of breathing and extending physical longevity.
There are other faculties which place mankind at the top amongst living beings. The mind is the powerhouse, which mass-produces thoughts, but not all thoughts pass the quality test. This is the real brand race, not the commercial product tags.
The process of thinking makes us human, but it is the quality of the thought that makes us humane.
Benevolence is the soul of humanity, which enriches the mind with magnanimity to accept, and acceptance matures into a beautiful virtue called inclusion. When we recognise something by its exterior traits, it means that we ‘accept’ the physical existence of a particular concept, object, or person.
Acceptance transforms into inclusion when we embrace and allow the accepted identity into our minds to become part of the mature beauty of human virtue.
Hence, recognising an image to match it with the right culture, religion, or nationality might mean passively accepting the presence of diversity it presents. However, endeavouring to understand it better with open-mindedness is the point at which inclusion begins.
For example, a sikh is recognised by his turban and facial hair- This is accepting his image. But learning about Sikh culture and history behind this image with positive propensity develops inclusion.
Therefore, acceptance can be stunted with judgmental negativity, or it can be allowed to flourish as a beautiful fellowship amongst humane human society. It’s in our free will to make the right choice.
With the internet and media explosion, we can recognise a lot of the world with our eyes today, but most of the world remains to be included on the map of our mind. The sooner we set sail on this voyage, the quicker we reach the land of peace and harmony.
May all the differences become a confluence of humanity to let the wider similitude flow gently and peacefully.
Amen! Chadhdi Kala (ever-rising spirits).
I attach a relevant part of the podcast by Angus Scott and James Cousineau, which, I believe, sits well with my article.
Gratitude extended to Satluj TV network.

7 thoughts on “Does Acceptance Mean Inclusion?: A Perspective As A Sikh”

  1. “With the internet and media explosion, we can recognise a lot of the world with our eyes today, but most of the world remains to be included on the map of our mind. The sooner we set sail on this voyage, the quicker we reach the land of peace and harmony.”

    This is wonderfully phrased. What a fantastic message and urging towards education and learning of other people!

    –Scott

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  2. Yes, acceptance and inclusion are different. I don’t know if the Sikhs I knew at work carried a kirpan. I drank coffee with them sometimes. They were all engineers, in a class above me, since I was a technician in the lab.

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    1. Once again, thank you for your kind comment. Sikhs who are initiated wear the 5 Ks as per the rules laid down by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji, who formalised the Sikh faith into a discipline (not dogma). Kirpan is one of the 5 k’s. In fact, I have written an article on this – ‘Vaisakhi, the day of liberation…’
      However, one could be a practising Sikh (observing Sikh prayers daily and bearing the turban and beard, and women bearing unshorn hair), at the same time a few Sikhs are also clean shaven, especially amongst the diaspora population. The right way is the initiation, strictly speaking, but others are advised to develop faith by growing belief from inside. Spiritualism is a state of a free mind and cannot be coerced, and Sikhism is all about growing of belief from within, not by force. We respect one another in all the states so far the basic level of Sikh belief is followed with sincere respect for the Gurus.
      Hope I am able to clarify to some extent.
      Gratitude for your continued support. My very best wishes. 🙏🙏🙌❤🎉😊

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  3. Beautiful writing; an insightful perspective on the difference between acceptance and true inclusion. Your words remind us of the importance of going beyond simply noticing or tolerating others and instead actively seeking understanding and genuine connection.

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    1. What a motivating and inspiring comment!!! Gratitude 🙏🙏
      With more and more people understanding the common human DNA, beyond the silly paper walls we have built to separate ourselves, the nearer we get to the World peace and cooperation. Thank you, once again, for your kindness. May God’s blessings always shower upon you.🙏🙏🎉❤

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