The power of our differences

Stephen Covey, an American author, once said, “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” And how true it is, if only we learn to recognize differences for the power they bring and use this power for good.

Shantanu Moitra, the well-known composer and music director of movies such as Parineeta, 3 Idiots, and PK, spoke about the power of differences and rocked the stage with melodious performances at the Kalaari Summit 2019.

We all have a point of view, which is our prerogative. But how do we deal with others who have a different point of view?

For Shantanu, the debates we see on news panels these days is a reflection of a larger, troubling trend: an opinion is either ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ There is often little regard or space for the acceptance of differing views.

And to demonstrate how differences can peacefully co-exist, he took to history. He talked about two beloved stalwarts of the 20th century who simply could not see eye to eye and, as Shantanu put it, “hated each other’s guts”: Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.

Tagore was often publicly critical of Gandhi and his methods. In 1934, Gandhi attributed an earthquake on the Bihar-Nepal border as divine retribution for the then-prevalent practice of untouchability. It was Tagore who publicly responded with a rationalist’s take on the matter, dismissing Gandhi’s views as unscientific.

But on occasions when they were in the same room together, Gandhi would sit on a chair (instead of on the floor, like he usually did) because he didn’t want a great poet like Gurudev to sit on the floor himself. Contrast this magnanimity with the politicians of today, said Shantanu.

Gandhi and Tagore’s interactions are a brilliant example of how differences of opinion can be maintained without stooping to baser levels. They kept a civil discourse for decades even though they hardly agreed with each other. Their correspondence was filled with banter and sarcasm.

India recently commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. At the time it was reported that Tagore had returned the knighthood to stand in solidarity with the martyrs. Gandhi wrote to Tagore to ask if he had indeed returned his knighthood in protest against the brutal massacre, Tagore responded in poetry: E monihar amaye nahi saajey (This bejeweled necklace doesn’t suit me), metaphorically confirming his rejection of the knighthood and standing in solidarity.

When Gandhi called for a satyagraha to protest against the ‘salt tax’ with a march, now known as the famous Dandi March on the Gujarat coast, few responded. Disappointed, he shared his sense of disillusionment with the great poet, who once again used poetry to inspire:

“Jodi tor dak shune keu na ase tobe ekla cholo re (If no one responds to your call, then go your own way alone).” And thus, was born Ek na chalo.

Gandhi acknowledged how deeply the song had influenced and encouraged him. And of course, the Dandi March was a seminal moment that fired the masses to fight for India’s freedom.

Amid these differences were similarities too. Gandhi and Tagore used the power of music to unite the masses to a common cause. Shantanu cited the 19th-century spiritual icon Ramakrishna Parahamansa (also the guru of Swami Vivekananda) who said: “As many views, that many paths.”

Mahatma Gandhi chose a hymn by the 15th-century poet Narsihn Mehta — “Vaishnava Janato” — to unify India by asking everyone to begin their day by singing it in groups, just as it was done at his ashram in Sabarmati. Across the country in Bengal, Tagore had composed the soulful Amar Shonar Bangla to foster the spirit of unity in a province divided by the British along communal lines. Even though Tagore himself was a composer, the melody of the hymn was derived from the Baul singer, Gagan Harkara’s song, “Ami Kothay Pabo Tare.” The song is today the national anthem of Bangladesh.

Shantanu brought the impact of each of these compositions — some soul-stirring, some touched by melancholy — into the room by having the talented young troupe of singers and musicians sing them for us. What can I say? You had to be there to experience how magical it was.

In a fitting example of a result when opposing sides overcome their differences, Shantanu spoke about Maslandapur, a village in Bengal that idolizes both Gandhi and Tagore. Here, like elsewhere, the dhak (a type of drum) was played exclusively by men until a young dhak player called Gokul Das decided he would train women even against social opposition. We were treated to an amazing, uplifting interlude played with immense talent and gusto by Gokul Das and a team of young women who dared to go ahead despite the obstacles in their way. For Shantanu, this is what ‘free India’ means.

In closing, he talked about another aspect of understanding and respecting differences:

What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.

In the startup world too, differences are inevitable. Taking the example of Gandhi and Tagore, startup founders need to focus on the greater purpose and be inspired by each other despite any differences. Without that, it is difficult to create scale and achieve success.

You can watch the video of the session here-

*The Kalaari Annual Summit- Every year, Kalaari hosts a Summit that highlights the India opportunity and the impact that startups have had on the ecosystem. Over the years, the Kalaari Summit has become a seminal platform for industry thought leaders to engage in dialogue on growing India’s startup ecosystem.

Disclaimer: The article is the independent opinion of the author and does not represent those of Kstart or Kalaari.