INTRODUCTION
For an industry, which started over a hundred and seventy years ago, it is important to preserve and cherish the little documents which link our glorious past to this present day. Most of the older generation of people involved, whether planters or labourers, have already passed away, taking with them the stories of their struggles, the hardships, the challenges and the ultimate successes.
I have always felt the urge to preserve what we were and where we came from as I strongly believe that this is the only way which can give us a positive direction towards what we want to be. The Darjeeling Tea Industry is passing through a very critical phase of its life. The increasing age of most of the tea bushes, the declining yields, the market requirements, the difficulties in marketing, the increasing competition from teas of other origins and the financial distress being experienced are all factors which put forward serious questions as to whether or in what form this industry can continue to survive.
The hundred and five day strike in the Darjeeling hill gardens in support of the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland within the Union of India during the year 2017 had already left the fragile tea industry in a devastated condition and as I write this book today the entire world is reeling under the pandemic of the Corona Virus. The remunerative production has already been lost, markets across the world are uncertain of the demand for premium teas, and the purchasing power of the people in general has diminished considerably. With its very existence threatened, the Darjeeling tea industry today moves into the future with a grave sense of uncertainty.
Despite all these, it would indeed be a shame to lose what was so painstakingly built up over a hundred and seventy years, and I appeal to all stakeholders to join hands to overcome what threatens our identity and our very existence. I must admit, however, that there are times when
I strongly feel the frustration that arises out of our own inadequacies, which actually cast serious doubts on our ability to change the course of things to come.
I have made a modest attempt to uncover some facts of the past, interviewed some reputed retired Planters who, thankfully, are still around, old workers who have worked during the British era and old Trade Union leaders who have actually seen and been partly responsible for the introduction of trade unionism in the Darjeeling tea plantations. In a way, I have tried to stitch together some semblance of the past for the present to preserve and for the future to see.
In this endeavour of mine I have tried to incorporate as many photographs as possible along with any interesting documents, which I could succeed in retrieving. I am afraid that many of the photographs are old and the quality is at best poor, nevertheless, it is enough testimony to portray those bygone days.
The revolution, particularly in the fields of education and communication, has definitely made the world a smaller place. Having been a part of the Darjeeling Tea Industry for four and a half decades, I have not only seen but been a part of many of the changes that we see today, and I must say that it has only reinforced my conviction that we need to preserve the glory of the past. In the world of Darjeeling Tea, the best aroma and flavour is called ‘Muscatel’ and hence the title, Darjeeling Tea: Muscatel Memories.
About the Author
Jeewan Prakash Gurung fondly known to all as ‘JP’ was born into a family of tea planters and from the very early days was always inspired to follow the footsteps of his father. After his education at Goethals Memorial School and at St Joseph’s College, North Point, he started his career in 1976 working in various tea estates in Darjeeling till he chose to retire from active garden life in 2003. His last assignment was as the General Manager of a leading tea group in Darjeeling known as, The Darjeeling Plantations India Limited. Thereafter, he has continued to pursue his passion in tea, working as an Advisor and Consultant to various tea groups. Currently he is the Whole Time Director of Tea Promoters (India) Private Limited.
During his long career he has been associated with various business and social organizations and has been the President of the Darjeeling Planters Association, The President of the Darjeeling Club, The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Dooars & Darjeeling Medical Association, the District Chief Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts & Guides of the Darjeeling District Association and Member of The North Bengal Committee of the Tea Research Association.
Happily married, his son heads the Siliguri Branch of J Thomas & Co. Private Limited which is the largest firm of Tea Brokers and Auctioneers in the world. His daughter happily bakes cakes in Kathmandu and owns the Company ‘Dessert First’.
JP has always been inspired by the fact that life is short and one needs to leave a footprint behind. It is perhaps with this thought in mind he ventured into the field of writing. The 105 day strike in the Darjeeling Tea Industry in the year 2017 gave him the required opportunity. Encouraged and helped by family and friends he successfully launched his first book, All in a Cup of Tea in 2020.
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