The district of Darjeeling comprising of the hilly areas of West Bengal, is primarily the habitat of the Nepalese people. They are generally fond of places with cold climatic conditions. Not only in West Bengal, the Nepalese people constitute a large chunk of the population in the neighbouring state of Sikkim. They also form a bulk of the population in the sovereign countries of Nepal & Bhutan. The Nepalese do not have any major differences with the natural denizens of the aforesaid states or countries. They resemble each other in appearances, dress and food habits, culture, tradition, prejudices and even the languages they speak.

Almost the entire Darjeeling district comprises of hills and mountains. The people living in the relatively poor and rough areas, turn to this place for earning their livelihood. Consequently, Darjeeling has seen the growth and development of several business enterprises and occupations. Tourism happens to be the most flourishing business here. It is the pivotal means of earning bread and butter for thousands of men.

However, several Nepalese men from Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Darjeeling have migrated to Calcutta owing to inconveniences like paucity of dwelling place, lake of ample work opportunities etc. To day, it is an undeniable fact, that the Nepalese play a very prominent role in the everyday life of Calcutta.

Ironically, the first impression of the Nepalese men in our minds, is as vigilant sentries guarding our domestic apartments, shops and arcades various offices and educational institutions. This is primarily because the Nepalese are very bold, gallant and sedulous people known for their intrepid attitude and probity. They are also very loyal and trustworthy besides being honest, sincere and industrious. Hence they do not face much hassles in securing jobs in Calcutta, particularly at places where security is concerned. In no time, these people get domiciled in Calcutta and be an integral part of the city of joy.

However, they should not merely be regarded as guards or sentinels. The enterprising Nepalese men also work as drivers of motorcars and other vehicles. Many of them are found to be actively involved in several forms of business like woollen garments, handicrafts etc.

The influx of the Nepalese in Calcutta has another vital reason. In the city, there are abundant facilities in education, jobs and business prospects. In the hilly areas, there is always a paucity of good schools, colleges and proper means to pursue higher education as in the fields of Medical and Engineering. This inconvenience is obviously caused due to lack of adequate plain land. The situation is worsened due to a chronic shortage of suitable jobs for the educated Nepalese in the hills. So, many Nepalese youth come down to Calcutta in pursuit of higher education and in search of jobs. Most of them accomplish their mission and settle down in Calcutta in course of time. Another reason which has impelled them to come to Calcutta is the lack of abundant medical facilities in the hills whereas this city has always been known to proffer the best of medical services. The Nepalese who have settled down in Calcutta have adapted themselves nicely with the metropolis and its ambience. They have loved Calcutta and learnt the Bengali language. The Calcuttans, in turn, have also received them warmly for their sobriety, sincerity, honest nature and colourful life styles.