I have visited Calcutta twice. In my recent visit ( November 2014), I stayed at Emirates Hotel, which is located close to Park Street. And in the short visit in Calcutta, I didn’t have to go far to see the grim economic realities of this erstwhile cosmopolitan city.

Oh Calcutta!
What happened to this arty city? Where are the poets, writers, industrialists, economists and liberal thinkers?

From what I learnt from few colleagues – there’s a serious brain drain in Calcutta Some thing like in Kerala. Unlike in Kerala, where folks went to Middle East, Bongs took less risk. They settled in Indian cities like B’lore or Delhi, B’bay, etc

Bringing Back The Glory Days 

Most people say bongs in Calcutta are laid back. And they are not motivated to excel, achieve or succeed professionally in life. It may be true, but it can’t also be true!

I want to see a new Calcutta. Yes, seriously.

So, how can we reverse the fortune? What can people do to inspire the future generation to make “City of Joy” their home? How can we slowly rebuilt Calcutta to the old glory

So, here goes my baggage of small business ideas for Calcutta – Something similar to what I’ve written for Kerala, and similar cities like Bangalore.

Anyways, something are very peculiar to Calcutta, and here are few of my crazy business idea plans.

1) Start Bungee Jumping from Howrah Bridge

    It’s crazy but all standards. But, it could be something the government can initiate and generate some money to its coffers. Here’s my plan. Every Saturday, probably from 6 Am to 10 Am, they can start bungee jumping. For a start, get experts from New Zealand. Just imagine, people getting adrenalin rush from Howrah bridge. Funny! For instant publicity, get a politician or a cricket star to inaugurate it with a plunge from Howrah bridge!

2) Teach Bengali Cuisine 

    It’s known for a fact many foreigners visit Calcutta for various reasons. Some to do service in Missionaries of Charity, or some off beat travelers seeking to explore the Calcutta.

If you have the skill, passion for cooking, and have a pace in your house, then get it going. If you need inspiration, you can have a look at Menna’s Indian Cooking Classes in Bangalore Facebook Page. With proper online promotion, placement, you can easily attract people to start enquiries about your class. Give it a try if you’ve the love and passion of sharing Bengali Cuisine to interested folks.

3) Open a Calcutta Themed Memorabilia Store

    This idea goes to all cities in India. Start an exclusive store selling high-quality collectibles and memorabilia.  Some ideas could be cushion covers, model of Howrah Bridge, Vintage picture of Calcutta, Coasters with the insignia of Calcutta, quality jute products just likes the one’s sold at Jute Cottage, in Bangalore.

4) Story Telling and walking Tours

  I bet there are few fantastic walking tours in Calcutta. Well, there’s space for more players, such as individuals with an indepth knowledge of the history of Calcutta. If you are a person with a passion for story telling, then by all means share to people like me – I’m all ears. We can meet at Calcutta Coffee House, or just take me for a stroll around the landmark building and narrate an interesting past of this glorious city. Can you. If you need help to promote your biz online, then I can help you with this. So, what are you waiting for!

5) Open Spas ( Foot Spa and Body Spa_

    This is my suggestion to any city, any village or town. If you’ve an interest towards massage, or relaxation therapy ( aroma), then you should try opening a spa in Calcutta. Best part of this business – It’s a service, so, require minimal investment. Running cost is less, no big expenses.