Sr. Director of Information Technology Arun Chakladar and his wife at a Dura Puja festival.
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Metrolink’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee moderated a lunch and learn presentation on Indian and Pakistani culture and identity, featuring a panel of six Metrolink team members. Presenters showcased the various regions and states of India as well as western-adjacent Pakistan, offering colorful stories and information unique to each area.
The panel included Business Intelligence Manager Lalit Sharma, Senior Director of Information Technology Arun Chakladar, Senior Manager of Business Information Security Jay Bommusamy, Operations Administrator Rupa Parameswaran, IT Systems Manager Aparna Badani, and Manager of Engineering and Project Controls Salman Shahid who presented on North and Central India, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat and Pakistan, respectively.
Panel members highlighted the culture, history, religion, food, art, fashion, family life and geographical distinctions of each location, peppering in their own personal experiences to bring South Asia to life. More than 60 Metrolink staff members attended the virtual session. The DEIA Committee’s ongoing lunch and learn series is a fun and educational way to elevate different perspectives while striving to build greater understanding and belonging across the agency.