Shaun Kenworthy and Paul Walsh, two British nationals, have found new lives and careers in India after originally arriving there for short-term assignments. Both men, now in their mid to late 50s, have made Kolkata their permanent home, citing the city’s vibrant culture and community as key reasons for their decisions to stay.

Kenworthy, originally from Stalybridge in Greater Manchester, came to India in October 2000 on a one-year contract with a hospitality chain. Having previously worked in prominent London restaurants such as Bibendum and Quaglino’s, he initially planned to take a short break from the demanding UK hospitality scene. However, he extended his stay after developing a passion for India’s street food and marrying a woman from Kolkata.

Kenworthy’s trajectory changed significantly following the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, which disrupted flight schedules and severely impacted the hospitality industry. The incident led him to remain in India rather than moving to the United States as initially planned. Since then, he has worked as a chef in luxury hotels and as a consultant for premium hospitality brands across the country. He praises India’s dynamic environment and growth prospects, contrasting it with the challenges facing the UK hospitality sector, including high operating costs, energy expenses, and inflation.

Similarly, Paul Walsh, born in Chester, arrived in Kolkata in 2002 as a British diplomat assigned to the Deputy High Commission. After 17 years of diplomatic service, including postings in multiple countries, Walsh found a deep affinity for the city and its people. He highlighted Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage, community bonds, and the warmth shown to guests as factors that drew him in. Walsh also developed a strong respect for India’s history, particularly the independence movement against British colonial rule.

During his diplomatic tenure, Walsh initiated rugby programs for disadvantaged children in Kolkata, aiming to foster teamwork and strategic thinking. In 2004, he founded Jungle Crows, a volunteer-run rugby club dedicated to youth development. A year later, he left the diplomatic service to focus full-time on this project. In 2023, Jungle Crows merged with the non-profit Future Hope, where Walsh currently serves as director of sport. The club now trains over 3,000 children, with several participants progressing to represent India internationally.

Both men expressed a strong personal connection to Kolkata. Walsh noted that, aside from missing his mother, whom he visits annually, he has no regrets about leaving behind his diplomatic career. Kenworthy, who has lived in India for more than 25 years, similarly has no plans to return to the UK. Their experiences illustrate the ways in which professional opportunities and personal relationships can reshape life trajectories far from home.