The Silent Majority: The Lacking of Freedom of Thought in India

As a person born in India but raised in Canada, I've had the privilege of experiencing two vastly different cultural environments. Growing up in Canada, I was taught that my voice mattered, that my opinions were valued, and that my feedback was essential to growth and progress. However, as I began working with Indian colleagues, I was struck by a stark contrast. Many of them had been conditioned to believe that their voice didn't matter, that their opinions were irrelevant, and that their role was simply to follow orders.

Now i know many would disagree with this observation. What you see on social media is based on a nationalistic pride to not make India or Indian managers look bad. But internally, there is concern that the Indian employees are just cogs in a wheel. In my mentoring sessions, this is what I hear from my Indian Mentees.

This phenomenon is not unique to the workplace. In Indian society, there is a pervasive culture of obedience and deference to authority. Children are often taught to respect their elders and superiors without question, and to prioritize conformity over critical thinking. This can lead to a lack of freedom of thought, where individuals are discouraged from expressing their opinions or challenging the status quo.

The consequences of this culture are far-reaching. In the workplace, it can lead to a top-down approach, where decisions are made without input from those who will be most affected by them. It can stifle innovation, creativity, and progress, as people are discouraged from thinking outside the box or suggesting new ideas. It can also limit opportunities for leadership development, as individuals are not encouraged to take ownership or initiative.

Moreover, this culture can perpetuate a cycle of oppression, where those in power maintain their grip on authority by suppressing the voices of those below them. It can lead to a lack of accountability, as those in charge are not held responsible for their actions, and those who are affected by their decisions are not empowered to speak out.

So, how do we change this? How do we give a voice to those who have been born without one?

Empowering Individuals

First and foremost, we need to recognize the value of every individual's voice. We need to create a culture where people feel heard, seen, and valued. This means actively seeking out feedback, encouraging open communication, and creating safe spaces for people to express themselves without fear of retribution.

Fostering Critical Thinking

We need to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills from a young age. This means teaching children to question, to analyze, and to think creatively. It means providing opportunities for people to develop their skills and knowledge, and to apply them in meaningful ways.

Promoting Collaborative Leadership

We need to move away from authoritarian leadership styles and towards more collaborative approaches. This means involving people in decision-making processes, seeking out diverse perspectives, and empowering individuals to take ownership of their work.

Challenging the Status Quo

We need to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate the suppression of voices. We need to question the authority of those who abuse their power, and to hold them accountable for their actions. We need to create a culture of transparency, accountability, and justice.

Conclusion

The lack of freedom of thought in India is a complex issue, with deep roots in culture and society. However, by empowering individuals, fostering critical thinking, promoting collaborative leadership, and challenging the status quo, we can begin to create a more just and equitable society. We can give a voice to those who have been born without one, and create a brighter future for generations to come.

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