Listen to disagreement

I found the statement, 'Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress' on the display board outside the entrance to the YWCA campus at New Delhi captivating for three reasons.

Firstly, I found it as an effective way of communication on a prominent location. It was large enough to be read from across the 100 feet road. It is a way-side pulpit, announcing a message which invites attention. While travelling on a road, one will be visually loaded with usual bill boards and displays outside shops and offices. So this stands out as an exceptional theme that catches the attention and stays in one's mind while travelling along the road.

Secondly, it is a visionary statement about human behaviour  and public conduct. It is a contrast to what we come across in families, organisations, Churches, society, etc. where dissent or disagreement is often the starting point for disunity and division. I sense on many occasions people disagreeing and becoming intolerant. So this statement is an invitation announcing the value of honest disagreement.

Thirdly, it is statement of fact which reveals the organisational perspective of YWCA. It is a public declaration of the philosophy YWCA, which it upholds it in its approach to issues. YWCA of New Delhi has several social projects in partnership with government and voluntary organisations. It is an organisation which is in the forefront promoting women's well being, social transformation, character building and entrepreneurship. To have an organization project such a value as its ethos for  its meetings, relationships and partnerships is most refreshing. It highlights a message of togetherness, conciliation and strength in diversity.

One statement can be so profound that it can summarise a great deal for an ongoing inner dialogue. That is how I found this statement. Yesterday, when someone walked into my office and shared many things about what is being done to welcome the Chief Minister of the state to the college on this saturday for a function, I realised that he was expressing honest disagreement, which needed to be heard and considered. So it did not end up as an unnecessary argument but listening to understand.

That is when I remembered this statement, I noticed last month, while visiting YWCA.  

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)