Meet Sailaja Kandala, senior director of IT infrastructure
What's the importance of AANHPI Heritage Month to you?
This month is about my ethnic roots, of course, but it also includes cultural teachings and personal experiences. It's about who you are and where you have come from to get to where you are today. For me, my heritage has shaped my values, my personality, my goals and much more.
Are there any AANHPI role models who have significantly influenced you or your career path?
I would say Indra Nooyi and Satya Nadella have inspired me the most to do what I do today.
Sailaja Kandala, senior director of IT infrastructure
Are there specific cultural traditions or celebrations from your heritage that you enjoy sharing with your colleagues at JELD-WEN?
Over the years, I’ve shared many traditions and celebrations around Indian culture. One of the most popular customs and traditions in Indian culture is the “namaste” greeting, sometimes called “namaskar” or “namaskaram,” translating as ‘I bow to the divine in you.’ This respectful way of saying hello, goodbye and thank you has seen a huge uptick around the world during the COVID-19 outbreak as an alternative to handshakes and hugs.
Another popular saying is “atithi devo bhava,” a Sanskrit verse from Hindu scriptures that translates as ‘the guest is equivalent to god.’ In Indian culture, guests have always been given supreme importance. One of our favorite customs and traditions in Indian culture is food! Every region in India has its own distinct cuisine with a signature dish or ingredient. Feeding guests is a key thing in our culture. We don’t send anyone that comes home without feeding them irrespective of what time they come.
Fasts (“vrats” or “upvas”) are a key part of Indian culture, as a means of giving thanks to gods and goddesses and of showing resolve and sincerity. It is thought that by going without the necessity of food you will cleanse yourself of sin. Fasts are observed through India on various days and on a range of religious occasions.
A joint family in India is where the entire family all live together, which can include parents, the wife, children and occasionally relatives. At the head of the family is a “karta,” a senior male or female who makes economic and social decisions on behalf of the entire family and other relations can be equal of mutual respect or teasing in nature. Income goes into a common pool, which benefits all members. Nowadays, economic development and urbanization have led to an increase in nuclear-like families than joint families.
And finally, the festivals. There are hundreds of celebrations to experience in India. The huge variety of festivals represents India’s rich culture and traditions, with state-wide, religion-based and community-focused festivals to offer.
