How an inclusive & evolving culture helps a Management Student Grow ?
- Desmond Tutu
Culture is the identity of a nation. Cultural beliefs manifest themselves through festivals, costumes, fashion, etc. It is because of these cultural manifestations, that we can identify, races or countries as distinct from one another. In that sense, culture is very distinctive and defining. In this context, India is culturally diverse as crossing over from one state to the other changes, languages, traditions, festivities, beliefs, and customs. Each state is a culturally distinct entity.
Another major reason for the inclusiveness in the Indian culture is through their exposure to foreigners during their historic phase like the British, French, Middle East nations, the Portuguese, the Mughals, the Armenians, etc. This inclusiveness reflects in our Indian culture in various ways. A simple example is a portion of food, the Mughlai cuisine comes from the Mughals and today is Indian, the Vindaloo from the Portuguese, the Biryani from the Persians, etc. Hence, the Indian culture has been inclusive enough to adopt other cultures like a sponge and these cultures have evolved and become truly ‘Indian’.
The impact of this inclusiveness can also be seen in our education system. As of date, more than 1 million Indian students are studying in 85 countries. Foreign students from 164 different countries study in India. 47427 thousand students are engaged in higher education in the year 2019.
The tendency for Indian students to go abroad and for foreign students to come in is on an upward trend, the pandemic being the minor hiccup in the years 2020-21. Education has transcended boundaries and truly become “ Glocal” ( Global + Local).
Education access through an inclusive and evolving culture is progressive. This not only exposes students to world standards of education but also exposes management students to real-life global management cases. The correct example of inclusiveness is adaptability and flexibility and a greater understanding of fellow human beings. Another measure of inclusiveness is exposure. A Lexicon MILE student is exposed to various social and professional forums. The Winter Internship with The Department of Forests is an excellent example of helping the youth understand nature, dependence on nature, and its importance for the ecosystem. The nine-month-long internships hone the students professionally to create a “day-zero professional”. The day zero professional contributes from day one in the organization, without any lag.
Another important factor of an inclusive culture is exposure to foreign universities, professors, and MNCs, all adding up to the inclusiveness of the education culture.
Quoting Shakespeare, inclusiveness in education creates an environment wherein, “All the world is a stage”. The world is waiting, it is time to emerge.