Last updated: 30 November 2023
Elaine Carroll30 November 2023
November has been a month of celebration at Bright. We've taken a moment to celebrate and honour the diverse cultural backgrounds that make up our incredible team. With 18 different nationalities represented across our offices in three countries, each day becomes an opportunity to learn something new about a different culture, tradition, or perspective.
From sharing traditional recipes to enlightening each other about unique customs and traditions, we've enjoyed a month filled with learning, appreciation, and unity. Each one of us brings something unique to the table, and that's what makes us Bright!
As part of our ongoing commitment to embracing diversity, we organised a Potluck Day across our offices in Duleek, Ireland, Warwick, England, and Kolkata, India. The event was not just about sharing food, but also about sharing stories, traditions, and a sense of belonging.
Our Potluck Day unfolded as a tremendous success, turning our gathering into a culinary journey around the world. From the aromatic spices of India, the hearty dishes of Ireland and England, along with an array of traditional delicacies from various parts of the world, our talented colleagues brought a piece of their heritage to the table.
Each dish was more than just a meal; it was a story, a tradition, a piece of home that was generously shared. The variety of flavors reflected the rich diversity within our workplace, reminding us that our strength lies in our differences as much as in our similarities.
But Potluck Day was about more than just food. It was about opening up conversations and fostering understanding about our diverse backgrounds. The event served as a catalyst for dialogue, sparking conversations about heritage, culture, and personal journeys. It was an opportunity to learn more about each other, to appreciate our unique backgrounds, and to strengthen the bonds within our team.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant festival in India, traditionally celebrated with lights, sweets, and fireworks. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This year, we at Bright decided to embrace this beautiful festival and its profound messages.
In each of our offices, we marked Diwali in a way that was both respectful of its origins and inclusive of all staff members, regardless of their cultural background.
In our Indian office, the day was filled with traditional festivities. Employees came dressed in colourful ethnic attire, the workspace was adorned with vibrant decorations and lit up with candles, symbolizing the essence of Diwali. The air was filled with the sweetness of traditional Indian sweets, which were shared among all.
At Bright, we believe in the power of diversity, and we celebrate it with fervor. This year, we took this celebration to a new level by marking the festival of Diwali, not just in our office in India but also across our offices in Ireland and England.
The highlight of our Diwali celebration in the Irish and English offices was undoubtedly the Indian food. We arranged for an authentic Indian feast, giving our teams a taste of the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine. From spicy curries and fluffy naan bread to onion bhajis and creamy raita, our canteens were transformed into mini, Indian food festivals.
As November draws to a close, we look back on a month filled with vibrant celebrations, delicious food, and heartwarming camaraderie at Bright. From our multicultural potluck day to the celebration of Diwali, it's been a month where diversity took centre stage.
Both events served as potent reminders of the strength that lies in diversity. At Bright, we don’t just accept and respect our differences; we celebrate them. We believe that when we embrace diversity, we create an environment that is not only inclusive but also innovative, dynamic, and enriched.
As we move into December, we carry forward this spirit of unity in diversity. As diverse as we are, we are one team, one family. Here's to celebrating more of our unique cultures, traditions, and festivals in the coming months!