In recent days, Kolkata has seen unprecedented demonstrations advocating for safer urban environments for women. This collective outcry has prompted many to reflect on the historical pillars that once provided a sense of security. Central to these reflections are the Sikh taxi drivers who, for decades, were the trusted guardians of the night for countless Kolkata women.
The wisdom of Kolkata’s elders often echoed a simple yet profound instruction: “Sardarji er taxi tey jaabi… oonek raat hoe gaache” — always take a taxi driven by Sikh drivers at night. This guidance was more than mere advice; it was a testament to the unwavering reputation these drivers held for their integrity, courtesy, and dedication to passenger safety. Their vibrant yellow taxis, distinguished by colorful turbans, became symbols of reliability and trust in the bustling streets of the city.
Tuhin K Roy, a long-time Kolkata resident, reminisced about her grandmother’s steadfast preference for Sikh taxi drivers. “If my grandmother availed of a cab, the driver had to be a Sikh. They were renowned for their courtesy — opening the door for her and ensuring her safe arrival,” Roy shared. This trust was deeply rooted in post-1947 relationships when Sikh refugees settled in Bengal, forging strong community bonds that extended into their professional lives.
Author Krishna Dutta, in her 2013 book Calcutta: A Cultural and Literary History, highlighted the cosmopolitan nature of Kolkata, emphasizing the significant presence of turbaned Sikh taxi drivers from Punjab navigating the city’s intricate lanes. These drivers were not just transport providers; they were integral threads in the rich tapestry of Kolkata’s diverse culture.
The Sikh community’s journey in Kolkata began in earnest between the 1920s and 1940s. Fleeing economic hardships and seeking better opportunities, Sikhs migrated from undivided British Punjab to the thriving metropolis of Calcutta. By the 1941 census, over 6,000 Sikhs resided in the city, predominantly in neighborhoods like Bhowanipore, Hazra, Karaya, and Tollygunge. They quickly established themselves in the transport sector, founding institutions such as the Sri Guru Singh Sabha in 1930 and Khalsa English High School in 1950, while seamlessly integrating into the Bengali-speaking community.
Initially employed by private and individual transport companies, Sikh taxi drivers soon took ownership, establishing their own ventures like the Khalsa Transport Company in 1924 and the Khalsa Motor Syndicate in 1927. By the 1930s, organizations such as the Calcutta Taxi Association and the Bengal Bus Syndicate were firmly rooted, with Sikhs comprising nearly half of the city’s licensed taxi drivers.
Despite early challenges, including negative media portrayals and occasional conflicts, the community swiftly earned respect through their professionalism and unwavering commitment to service. World War II accounts from international journalists lauded the Sikhs for their cheerful disposition and distinctive presence on Kolkata’s streets, highlighting their significant contribution to the city’s wartime efforts.
However, the latter half of the 20th century marked the beginning of a gradual decline. The advent of app-based taxi services, rising operational costs, and the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic severely diminished the traditional yellow taxi fleet. Once numbering in the thousands, Sikh-driven cabs have dwindled to a fraction of their former presence, paralleling the steady decrease in the Sikh population in Kolkata since the 1990s.
Today, the legacy of Kolkata’s Sikh taxi drivers is celebrated in literary works and cherished memories, yet the community grapples with a sense of abandonment. Suchetna Chattopadhyay, a history professor at Jadavpur University, poignantly captures this sentiment. “My late father always recalled that during his childhood, all the taxi drivers were Sikhs. I clearly remember two Sikh drivers who spoke flawless Bangla and engaged deeply with the city’s literary culture,” Chattopadhyay shared. These personal stories highlight the deep-rooted connections and cultural contributions of the Sikh community in Kolkata.
As Kolkata navigates its current protests, the legacy of its Sikh taxi drivers serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community trust and safety. Their history embodies the values that many now seek to revive: respect, integrity, and a collective responsibility towards ensuring safe urban spaces for all.
