Pappu Jaiswal

Down here on Nehru Road in Khalpara, I’ve been working for quite some years now. My name is Pappu Jaiswal and this is where I spend most of my days. Khalpara is a busy area in Darjeeling district, and there is always a lot of movement on the street outside. I deal with whatever comes through, mostly handling supplies and making sure things get to where they need to go. It is not a big office or anything, just a workspace where I keep track of my accounts and meet people who need work done. The weather here can be a bit damp sometimes being in this part of West Bengal, but we keep the doors open anyway. People know me around the neighborhood as someone who stays at the shop from morning until late. I started out small, just helping others, and eventually, I set up my own place here. It’s a simple setup with a desk and some chairs for visitors. I don't use a computer much, I prefer writing things down in my ledger because it feels more solid. The traffic on Nehru Road can be a real headache in the afternoons, but that’s just how it is in a commercial hub. I’ve seen many businesses come and go, but I’ve stayed put. It’s just me and a few helpers sometimes when the loads are heavy. We don't have a big sign, just a small one over the door so people know it is me.