Soma Kar

Living and working here at 2, Debi Gar is just part of the daily life in Kolkata. The house is tucked away near Monasa Bari Goli, which can be a bit tricky for people to find the first time they visit. It’s a quiet enough lane, mostly just neighbors walking their dogs or the occasional cycle van passing by. I’ve set up a small area in the front room where I can sit with the students. It’s nothing special, just a wooden table and a couple of plastic chairs that have seen better days. Usually, the sessions start in the late afternoon when the sun isn't so bright. We go over the lessons slowly because rushing doesn't help anyone. I’ve noticed that most kids just need someone to sit with them and explain things in a way that isn't scary. Sometimes my family is in the other room, so you might hear the TV or the smell of cooking drifting through the door. It makes it feel less like a formal school and more like a regular afternoon. There are books stacked up in the corner, some quite old, but they still have the right information. I’ve lived in this part of Kolkata for a long time, so I know most of the families around here. It’s a small operation, just me helping out where I can, keeping things simple and honest.