Debashis Pal

I have my spot over here on Rashbihari Avenue, right near where the Aleya Cinema is. It’s a well-known landmark in Ballygunge, so most people don't have any trouble finding the place. I’ve been around this area for many years now, watching how the streets have changed and how the traffic has gotten much worse over time. My work is mostly local, dealing with the people who live in the surrounding blocks. It’s not a big company with many departments; it’s more of a personal operation. I spend a lot of my day just talking to people and making sure things are running the way they should. Being so close to the cinema means there’s always people walking by, and I like that busy feel of the sidewalk. The shop itself is simple. I don’t believe in having a lot of unnecessary clutter. I keep the space functional because that’s what’s needed for the day-to-day tasks. Some mornings I’m here before the sun is fully up, just getting things ready. It’s a steady life, and I’ve gotten to know many of the neighbors by their first names. People stop in just to say hello sometimes. I think staying in one place for a long time helps you understand what the community needs. It’s just me doing my bit here in this corner of the city, and I plan to stay here for as long as I can to help out where I’m needed.