Nilkanta Sardar
Q. How has Anuschka changed your life?
A. Working here has given me the opportunity to buy land and make future plans of having my own home here in Sonarpur. At this moment, I stay in a rented house with my wife. I am now also in a position that I can take care of my children’s education and give them a good life.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you start working for Anuschka?
A. I came to India with my maternal grandmother when I was just 5 years old. I grew up at Sundarban, a national park and Bengal tiger reserve near Kolkata, and later completed my degree in History. Before Anuschka, I was working at a factory manufacturing rail batteries. It was quite a laborious job and I was on the lookout for a change. I met Manas Mridha who is also an artist here and he was interested in my artwork. My family is still in Bangladesh, but I’m here in Sonarpur with my wife who is also involved with tailoring and stitching work from home. I have two kids – my elder son is 6 years and the younger one is just 5 months old.
“I never would have thought that I would be an artist one day, but learning art and now earning a living from it gives me extreme contentment."
Q. What’s your favorite part about working for Anuschka?
A. I love the work that I do, it brings me extreme satisfaction and happiness. Art and people here give me the feeling of a second home in India.
Q. What’s a memorable moment that stands out to you?
A. I love the Viswakarma Puja celebration that happens every year at our office. During my first puja, our company owner Roma Basu Madam was present and personally spoke to all of us. The moments shared with her will always be memorable for me.
Q. How do you spend your time outside of work?
A. I like farming. In my spare time, I plant vegetables in my garden. I also believe in cleanliness, so on Sunday I clean up my house so it always looks nice.