Hill Cart Chronicles–Post #5

Welcome to Hill Cart Chatter, a monthly feature under Hill Cart Chronicles. In this space, I chat with people who live—or have lived—in Siliguri. They might be born here, or they might have moved here and never gone back. Some may now live elsewhere, but their hearts still beat for this ever-changing, ever-familiar town. The questions will be a mix—some constants, some variables—and the tone informal. Think of it as adda in slow motion.

Hill Cart Chatter #issue September, 2025

For this issue, I spoke with Sanjana Sodhi Sarkar, president of Niswarth, a non-governmental organisation working to empower underprivileged and disabled people—especially the deaf and mute—in the tea-growing regions of North Bengal and Assam. Niswarth provides training and support across communities and also runs an English-medium school for deaf and mute children at Bagrakote—the only one of its kind in the Dooars—about which I had once written for Gaon Connection. Click here to read the story.

It was while reporting that story that I first met Ms. Sanjana. I came away with deep admiration for her—her strength, resilience, and fortitude, even in the face of personal struggles.

Born and raised in the tea gardens of Assam, she married a professional from the tea industry and lived in the Dooars before moving to Siliguri. She often travels to eastern Dooars where her husband is posted, but Siliguri remains their home. In this city, Ms. Sanjana found her footing and financial independence—first in the motor sector, then in hospital management, working with some of the city’s leading nursing homes—before eventually devoting herself fully to the work of Niswarth.

Here are her thoughts on the city that has become her home:

Which part of Siliguri do you call home? What makes it special?

Barsana Apartments, Matigara. It’s a peaceful neighbourhood with a very cosmopolitan culture.

How long have you lived in Siliguri?

Over 25 years.

What made you come to Siliguri, and make it your home?

Those were difficult times what with the slump in the tea sector. I moved to Siliguri in search of opportunities. In this city, I made a career. It is here that my children grew up. The city had the infrastructure I needed for my daughter who has special needs.

What do you love most about Siliguri? And what would you highlight to someone considering making this city their home?

The climate and weather, and above all, its diversity. There’s a saying in Hindi—anekta mein ekta (unity in diversity). Siliguri is unique, surrounded by four international borders, acting as a feeding point for neighbouring states and countries. We are blessed to be near Darjeeling, Sikkim, and of course the Dooars, which gives us our morning cup of aromatic tea. And Siliguri itself is a transit point to so many beautiful destinations—Bhutan, Sikkim and Darjeeling.

How has Siliguri changed since the time you arrived?

Oh, drastically. Back then there was so much more greenery—paddy fields and gardens. Now it feels like a huge concrete jungle. What used to be a small town is now almost a metro. While congestion has increased, the city also offers better amenities now—with more schools, improved healthcare facilities, and constant growth.

As a car lover, do you still enjoy driving in Siliguri—or does traffic test your patience more than your skills?

Honestly, driving has become a pain. Traffic and congestion have made it much less enjoyable than before.

Given your love for flowers… if Siliguri were a flower, which one would it be?

An orchid. It blooms late and lasts long; resilient and graceful, just like the city.