Lessons From the Lakshmanjhula Bridge

I knew I had this picture somewhere and do you think I could find it… And today it just popped out of nowhere!

That’s me with my grandmother and aunty probably when I was about 5 or 6 taken on the Lakshmanjhula bridge in Rishikesh at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.

Two amazing women in their own ways, always shining a bright light on how to live, love and lead. They were my guiding light as I was growing up. Most lessons learned the nice way, some the hard way on very rare occasions.

One evening around that age, I had come home after playing with my friends and noticed that my grandmother was waiting for me on the varendah. That was unusual, and especially as she had a cane in her hand.

Apparently that morning I had said a bad word to the maid who helped us with chores. Growing up in India it is not uncommon to have home help. And I had somehow picked up that it was ok to look down on others working for you. Now, I never ever remember my family treating anyone working for us inappropriately or for that matter saying a bad word.

I did get the cane that day and was reminded in no uncertain terms that I was never to treat anyone badly and particularly those who helped us at home. A painful lesson but one that I have never forgotten.

It’s crazy how unconscious bias takes hold in us through many things in our environment. Most of the times we are not aware of it. Even worse is not being aware and having a negative impact on those around us.

There’s supposed to be more than 100 unconscious biases at play! Be aware of the fickle mind for one never knows how our actions intended or unintended show up in life and work.

My grandmother and aunty were two beautiful humans and I learned so much from them and the role women play as leaders in society.

Their advocacy in bringing voice, dignity, respect and acknowledgment for the contributions everyone makes and particularly those we tend to look down on has remained a major influence in my work and life.

The booklet I wrote on the Gender Pay Gap and accelerating women into leadership positions is a little tribute to their love and commitment for positive change in our society.