Reinterpreting Tea Leaves

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Reinterpreting Tea Leaves

In two of the world's most renowned tea-growing regions — Darjeeling and Assam — families have worked and lived for more than a century behind the fences of tea estates. Today, driven by need, inspired by ideas and supported by visionary estate management and the generosity of Tazo Tea, they are remaking a world too often governed by colonial strictures.

Thatcher Cook for Mercy Corps

Special Report:
Reinterpreting Tea Leaves

Country: India

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Peaceful Change, Marginalized Groups, Livelihoods, Economic Development, Agriculture

Change Brewing in the Tea Lands ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Peaceful Change, Marginalized Groups, Livelihoods, Economic Development, Agriculture

In India's Assam state and Darjeeling district, tea dominates the local economies and societies — but communities are beginning to determine their own futures.

Unity Takes Root in Darjeeling ›

Fifty Indian rupees isn't a lot of money. But in northeast India's Darjeeling District, it's a day's pay for hard-working tea pickers.

A Skilled Trade to Last a Lifetime ›

Topics: Youth, Rural, Marginalized Groups, Economic Development, Agriculture

The word "manokamana" means "good wish of the mind" and refers to one of the Nepali people's most sacred places. For 24-year-old Sharmila Gurung, it also means opportunity.

Buzzing with Cosmic Energy ›

Topics: Agriculture, Civil Society, Economic Development, Environment, Livelihoods, Marginalized Groups, Rural

Time spent with Rajah Banerjee — tea estate owner, agricultural pioneer, mystic and Mercy Corps supporter — is a mind-altering experience.

A Different Kind of Teatime ›

Topics: Agriculture, Civil Society, Economic Development, Education, Financial Services, Livelihoods, Marginalized Groups, Rural

Since its inception in Assam, CHAI has helped more than 500 families break the cycle of poverty through savings and small business development.

Pay Dirt ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Rural, Microfinance, Marginalized Groups, Financial Services, Education, Economic Development, Agriculture

Moni Das's village is referred to simply as Line 10, Deohall Division, Deohall Tea Estate, Assam. But thanks to women like Moni, it is gaining a name for itself.

Styling a Better Future ›

Topics: Youth, Women's Empowerment, Rural, Marginalized Groups, Education, Economic Development

The eight kilometers that Sonia and Rima bike from their homes to work might seem like a short ride — but that distance spans two worlds in India's Assam state.

The Spirit of Social Responsibility ›

Tazo Tea's Keith Hutjens talks about the roots and philosophy of the Community Health and Advancement Initiative (CHAI) and the company's commitment to social responsibility.

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India Facts

Population (2008): 1.15 billion
Size: slightly more than one-third the size of the United States
Human Development Index rank: 132 (out of 179)
Mercy Corps has worked here since 2001
Number living on less than $1 a day: 381 million
Average tea plucker's daily wage: US$1-2
Literacy rate throughout India: 61 percent
Estimated literacy rate of tea estate workers: 30 percent

Staff Contact

Roger Burks
Senior Writer
Send an email to Roger Burks ›

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