Rapid, and often uncontrolled urbanisation is fast creeping into small cities across the country. Traditional local architectural styles and designs are being replaced by monotonous multi-storied buildings. Which is why Moni Villa in Darjeeling stands out like a beacon of light!
 |
Yong Pradhan and Lee Lenying are two of the six sisters in the family who now live in Moni Villa. Their father bought it after moving here from Calcutta, but he unfortunately died soon after.
Pictured here, is the younger of the sisters - Yong. While Lee makes the sausages, Yong works as a local teacher and mentors outstation students.
The six girls were brought up by their mother, who worked very hard to give her children the best education. Four of the sisters are now settled elsewhere, while Yong and Lee live in this house.
Apart from their beautiful house, the sisters are also well know in the neighbourhood for one other reason.
Yong and Lee’s mother passed down a secret family recipe to them for ‘Chinese sausages’ - a recipe the sisters have perfected, and now sell to locals. Part of the house has been converted to a makeshift restaurant with a table and two benches, where they serve the delicious sausages with the trademark chili-tomato paste, and of course a warm cup of tea.