We continue to go around the Blue Wireless world, getting to know our people. This time, we stopped by the Malaysia office as they celebrate Thaipusam to meet our colleague Rubeni, one of our Network Support Engineers, who was kind enough to share her story and gave us a local insight on what Thaipusam is and its meaning.
Hi Rubeni, we'd love to know your story – what do you do and why Blue Wireless?
I am Rubeni Nair. I am 25 years old and have worked as a Network Support Engineer at Blue Wireless Malaysia since August 2022, when I joined the family and I'm grateful to be sharing my journey with everyone.
Before I joined Blue Wireless, I worked as a Technical Support Specialist in a website and email hosting corporation for two and half years. This was probably my first permanent job after my studies, and I was lucky to learn a lot from it. I find myself on a journey where I wish to experience a variety of areas within the networking field before deciding what area of specification to take. I'd love to become a subject matter expert in one specific field in the long term, but I know the first step is to build a solid foundation and learn the basics in an entry-level role. My current role as a Network Support Engineer offers such broad exposure, which attracted me to it.
If you could choose something about Blue Wireless, what would be your favourite thing?
The greatest thing about working at Blue Wireless is all the amazing people I get to work with every day. The diversity in cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge of Blue Wireless employees is incredible. I've always been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people that have inspired me and my work.
Work environments can be very competitive, especially at large companies, where you are sometimes compared against your peers. But competing with your colleagues is not the best way to collaborate, deliver on your goals, or grow your career.
So, we are publishing this a bit later, but still we’d like to share with everyone at Blue Wireless about Thaipusam – not everyone has heard of it!
Yes, indeed. Something more interesting is happening in Malaysia, and that is Thaipusam!!! When we think of Thaipusam, what comes to mind are the yellow-clad devotees carrying "paal kudam" (milk pot), majestic "Kavadis", colourful flowers, the smell of incense and an atmosphere filled with music and devotion. While it is a celebration for all, it is true that not many truly understand the significance of the occasion and the meaning of its rituals.
The word Thaipusam is a combination of the word "Thai" the name of the month, and "Pusam" the name of a star. It celebrates the occasion when Goddess Parvati gave Lord Murugan the Vel "divine spear" to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman, who had conquered the heavens and taken all devas as his prisoners. On the Thaipusam Eve, devotees must maintain a complete fast after completing the 48 days vows, 24 hours before the Thaipusam. Some may also observe a vow of silence. After a purificatory bath, dressed in proper attire, they will walk to the Murugan temple carrying their offerings. As many devotees walk barefoot, sometimes the procession will be long and slow. Those who carry a Kavadi or chariot will be accompanied by other devotees, playing the Tavil (Indian drum) and nadaswaram (Indian trumpets). Singing of Tirupugal, Kandar Anubhuti, Kavadi Sindhu and other Murugan devotional songs will create a spiritual atmosphere. Simple chanting of 'Vel Vel Muruga' or 'Kandanukku Arogara' will create a spiritual mood.
That's great. Just before we finish, maybe you'd like to share something else about yourself. What are you up to lately outside of work?
Things I do outside of Blue Wireless are reading books. Recently, I got addicted to this one book called Think Like A Monk - Train your mind for PEACE and PURPOSE EVERY DAY by Jay Shetty. In this inspiring, empowering book, Shetty draws on his time as a monk in the Vedic tradition to show us how we can clear the roadblocks to our potential and power. Drawing on ancient wisdom and his own rich experiences in the ashram, Think Like a Monk reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits and access the calm and purpose within all of us. The lessons monks learn are profound but often abstract.
