In the heart of Serampore, India, a small tea shop has been a cherished gathering spot for nearly a century. Known as Naresh Shome’s tea shop, it offers more than just a warm cup of tea; it provides a space for community and connection. On a warm March morning, 65-year-old Ashish Bandopadhyay took his turn volunteering at the shop, a place he has frequented since childhood.
Dressed casually in a pastel pink polo shirt, Ashish greeted customers with a smile as he prepared tea for them. “I don’t work here,” he said, “I’m just an old-timer and a customer who loves volunteering.” The shop, located in the Chatra neighborhood about 30 kilometers from Kolkata, is run by a group of ten volunteers, all of whom are retired and take turns managing the shop while the owner, Ashok Chakroborty, is at his office job.
Every weekday morning, Ashok opens the shop and leaves for work, returning in the evening to take over. The volunteers, like Ashish, keep things running smoothly, ensuring that there is always someone to serve tea. They operate on a trust system, keeping cash in a wooden box and relying on customers to pay for their drinks. “There hasn’t been a single day without a caretaker,” Ashish explained.
The tea shop has remained largely unchanged since it opened around 1925, except for a few repairs. Tea is served in clay cups, and a refill costs just five rupees (about six cents). The menu is simple, offering milk tea, black tea, and a few snacks like biscuits. It has become a place where people come to relax, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
Naresh Chandra Shome, the shop’s founder, opened it after leaving his job at a tea company to become a freedom fighter. After India gained independence in 1947, he became involved in politics, joining the Communist Party of India (Marxist). His legacy of community service continues to influence the shop today, with customers stepping in to help when needed.
The tea shop is not just a place to grab a drink; it is a vital part of the local culture. In West Bengal, the tradition of “adda” refers to informal conversations that often happen over tea. This shop serves as a hub for such gatherings, attracting a diverse group of people who come to share their lives and experiences.
However, there are concerns about the future of this beloved establishment. Ashok, who has run the shop since Shome’s death in 1995, worries that the younger generation may not carry on the tradition. “There are very few visitors from the younger generation who come and participate,” he noted. His son, an engineer, has shown little interest in taking over the shop.
Local restoration activist Mohit Ranadip echoed these worries, stating that the fast-paced lives of younger people may threaten the continuation of such community spaces. Despite these challenges, Ashok remains hopeful that the shop will endure, just as it has for many years. “I choose to stay optimistic that the shop will continue its legacy,” he said.
As the sun sets and the last cups of tea are served, the shop remains a symbol of community, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing a moment with friends over a warm drink.