At the entrance of the heritage Makaibari factory is a colorful display of painted rocks. This was championed by Karen Jones, an animist artist who was interning at the nearby Crookety Centre in Kalimpong. She organized a 3-hour session for all the children of Makaibari and neighboring villages and look at the result! My favorite is on the top row which reads 'Study Properly'. Yes, indeed. The session culminated in a celebratory meal as well as prizes for the best works. Makaibari is unique in that although Tea is its passport to the world, just as many stories exist about nature, community living, ageless customs and its diverse people.
