Indian born Production Planner Soumily Mallick shares her thoughts on diversity at Tirlán

During the final month of embracing our spotlight value, Celebrate Individuality, we will shine a light on diversity, with interviews from some of our remarkable colleagues who will be sharing their stories of how they Celebrate Individuality in Tirlán. First up we have Soumily Mallick.

The Hidden Gem of Europe

Soumily Mallick was born in India and has lived in various regions of India, speaking multiple languages which she attributes to a very mobile upbringing! She completed her undergraduate degree in Fashion Technology in 2017, providing her with the opportunity to work overseas in countries like Oman and Jordan. This experience sparked her interest in studying supply chain management and ultimately led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland at Carlow IT (now known as part of the South East Technological University). It was her father’s love of Irish music that led her to looking to Ireland as a place to pursue her further education.

Soumily has been working as a Material Planner for Soup Plant in Tirlán since July 2023, where she plays an important role given the seasonal nature of our industry. She is very grateful for being part of such a supportive and welcoming team and is particularly proud of the diverse nature of their group with individuals from countries including Nigeria, Mexico and India. She appreciates that her team mates show such curiosity and interest in her culture but equally, she enjoys learning about the Irish culture through experiences such as following Irish rugby.

While Soumily’s original plans to study in Australia were thrown off course due to Covid, she found her way to Ireland and has fully embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in a new culture. When it comes to her Irish experience she speaks warmly of the family-oriented nature of the Irish people, drawing parallels to the values she holds dear in her own culture in India. The importance of family, gatherings (and goodbyes) are just some of the parallels she draws between the two cultures, although admits there are some differences when it comes to taste in food!

Showing just how much Soumily has engaged with the Irish mindset, she brought up the challenges of the Irish weather and how different it is from a much warmer climate in India. The stark contrast in daylight hours between summer and winter in Ireland presents a challenge for her, as she navigates the impact of the changing seasons on her physical and mental well-being. “I am realising that winter is time for hibernation, that’s how the nature works, and I need to adapt to that.”

Soumily admires the positive and enthusiastic nature of the Irish people, finding comfort in their attitude even in challenging times. She has embraced Irish traditions like Christmas dinners and sees Ireland as a hidden gem in Europe, advocating for more recognition of its diverse culture. She mentions, “I am so glad I got the opportunity to live and work in Ireland and embrace it’s unique culture.”

To help foster inclusivity and individuality in Tirlán, Soumily suggests celebrating cultural festivals like Diwali to promote a better understanding of different traditions. She highlights the importance of sharing cultural backgrounds through food, traditions and storytelling to create a more diverse and inclusive community.

It’s evident that Soumily has truly embraced her Irish experience and how her diverse background and experiences have shaped her perspective on culture, adaptation and the importance of inclusivity in a community like Tirlán.