Dalamia Tea Plantation & Industries Ltd.

Living and working out here at Meriview Tea Estate is different from the city. We are part of Dalamia Tea Plantation & Industries Ltd, located in the Bagdogra area, specifically Hati Singa. Being in the Darjeeling district, you can imagine what the scenery is like, though when you're working, you don't always stop to look at the hills. It’s a lot of outdoor stuff and managing the estate grounds. The air is definitely fresher up here, but the work is hard. We have to keep an eye on the weather constantly because it changes so fast in these parts. The tea bushes need a lot of attention, and there is always something that needs fixing, whether it’s a fence or a piece of machinery. It’s not just a business for us; it’s where we spend all our time. We aren't really into big marketing talk. We just grow the tea and process it as best as we can. Getting things down to Bagdogra for transport can be a bit of a trek depending on the road conditions. Some days the mist is so thick you can't see your hand in front of your face. We just keep going, though. There is a certain peace in the routine of the plantation that you don't get elsewhere. It's a lot of dirt under the fingernails and long hours, but that is the nature of the tea business in Darjeeling. It's just what we do here.