400g Kalimpong Dalley Pickle – set of two packs

A story of grit and determination

In 1968, torrential rainfall unleashed about 20,000 landslides, killing thousands and breaching the Darjeeling–Sikkim road at more than 90 places. The impact of the rains was such that road transport was totally disrupted. It was in these landslides that Renu Pradhan lost everything. But that did not deter her and she did not let it stand in her way. She was determined to climb out of the disaster — and she did, inspiring thousands of people.

Pradhan recounts her story:

“I lost everything during 1968 landslides. In order to earn a living, I bought five kg of tomatoes and tried to sell it at Haat Bazzar. I could neither get any place to set up my stall nor sell those tomatoes. I used to get some money from my sister which I kept in Kantoor… that night I counted the money and found that I had saved 55 rupees so I went to Siliguri. I lied to my mother that I was going to Rangpo to buy vegetables.

I bought 50 rupees worth vegetables and spent 5 rupees traveling. I made a profit of 600 rupees selling those vegetables and slowly started supplying it in the local market.

I slowly started making some money and after a few years I rented a place at Kalimpong’s motor stand.

I started making pickles for my customers and the feedback was good. Now I have a big shop where I sell my homemade pickles and local items.”

Renu Pradhan’s story of courage and grit is inspirational. It was not easy to stand on her feet after the crippling landslides. But she has done it in a splendid way and as a tribute to her determination, Biswa Bangla brings to you her special pickles.