“No one truly belongs until everyone belongs.” Across all areas of society, there are various boundaries which separate the included and excluded. The included are accepted, valued, and given equal access to opportunities and participation. On the other hand the excluded are left out based on identity, social status, disability, education, or even geography. Being left out often leads to marginalization, discrimination, and lack of voice or visibility. It is the duty of the privileged to open the door for the marginalized.

People who are already accepted have the ability and responsibility to help those who are overlooked. From classrooms, workplaces to public life there are many situations in which the privileged and those who hold power should make space for the ones left behind. For example, a person at a high position, having authority, notices that another, who is from a disempowered group is not having the same salary structure and opportunities for promotion compared to one from a better background. So, he can use his influence to create workplace policies to ensure that the underprivileged are fairly represented and supported.

In addition, the people who are recognized have started to open the doors for the isolated. For instance, in our country India, the members of the electoral college have appointed Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who is from a tribal background, as the Honourable President. Likewise, in other fields like technology, education, healthcare, business and management, science, research, arts, media and communication, the professionals have taken the initiative to let the forgotten shine.

Inclusion of the sidelined is the responsibility of the recognized. As a student, I will try to help my peers who feel alienated by inviting them in group discussions, helping them access learning resources, or by simply being a friend they can talk to. After all, the responsibility lies with us all- to ensure that no one is left behind.

-Kritvi Dogra 9B