For decades, Kolkata has been known as a city of culture, literature, and history. But when it comes to career opportunities, many professionals feel compelled to leave in search of better prospects elsewhere. Kolkata Calling was born to change this perception—to show that Kolkata is not just a place to visit during Durga Puja but a thriving professional hub where one can build a successful career and fulfilling life.
A Community Born Out of a Personal Journey
Kolkata Calling started as a LinkedIn post—just one heartfelt story shared by Subid Chakraborty, who made the bold decision to leave a decade-long career in Delhi-Gurgaon and move back to his hometown, Kolkata. Post-pandemic, many professionals across India and the world began to reprioritize their lives, searching for better work-life balance and a deeper connection to home. For Subid, the decision to move wasn’t easy—many warned him that relocating to Kolkata would be ‘career suicide.’
Yet, he took the leap
When he shared his journey on LinkedIn in early 2022, it struck a chord with countless professionals from Kolkata and Bengal—people who longed to return but hesitated because of the city’s reputation for limited career opportunities. The overwhelming response to that post led to something bigger: a community-driven movement to reshape Kolkata’s employment brand.
Soon after, Sneha Jain Paul, a seasoned HR leader, joined forces with Subid as the co-founder of Kolkata Calling. Later, Mainak Poddar, who initially joined as an intern, became the admin of the community page, responsible for curating its engaging and inspiring content. Together, they embarked on a mission to showcase Kolkata’s professional potential to a wider audience.
Growing Organically with a Mission
Since its inception, Kolkata Calling has grown into a thriving LinkedIn community with over 37,000+ members. The platform shares positive news, industry insights, and employment opportunities that prove Kolkata is a viable destination for ambitious professionals.
What makes Kolkata Calling unique is that it remains a not-for-profit initiative. There are no commercial arrangements with the companies it showcases, and all posts are non-monetized. The community has grown purely through the goodwill of its members and followers, who believe in the cause and want to be part of a movement that makes it easier for Kolkatans to come back home.
Changing the Narrative About Kolkata
Kolkata Calling isn’t just about jobs—it’s about changing mindsets. Despite its economic growth and emerging industries, Kolkata still struggles with outdated perceptions. The initiative challenges these notions by highlighting:
- The growing number of companies and job opportunities in Kolkata.
- The city’s positive developments in infrastructure, business, and technology.
- The stories of professionals who have successfully built their careers in Kolkata.
Of course, this positivity is sometimes met with skepticism. Kolkata Calling has faced online criticism simply for sharing good news about the city. But the team remains steadfast in its mission—to build the employment brand of Kolkata, free from political affiliations or biases.
The Path Forward
Kolkata Calling is still in its early days, and its journey is far from over. The goal remains to make Kolkata a city where no professional ever hesitates to return. Whether it’s through networking, job postings, or simply inspiring stories, the community is slowly but surely making an impact. For those who have ever wondered whether they could have a fulfilling career and a great quality of life in Kolkata, Kolkata Calling is here to say: Yes, you can.
If you’re a Kolkatan at heart, join the movement. Let’s build the City of Joy’s employment brand, together.
