No, our company's moniker is not about a lonely palm tree. :) It's actually about an empowered, dedicated, risk-taking, fighter that served as the inspiration for our Founder & CEO's dad, Ujjal DasGupta.
In 1947, India achieved independence from Britain, but the sub-continent was also split into 3 sovereign states based on religious demographics - creating what is today Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The split on religious grounds led to riots between Hindus and Muslims, and Ujjal's family was forced to flee what was then East Bengal as refugees, losing everything they had. In 1955, Trina's grandfather settled his family in Kalyani, West Bengal (about 25 miles outside of Calcutta), and Ujjal, his mom, dad and 7 other brothers and sisters all learned to live together in a tiny, 700 sq ft, one bedroom home.
Over the years, the riots and displacement were not the only trials and tribulations Trina's dad faced, but he still had big dreams for his future. And every day as he looked outside of his window, he saw this one single palm tree that managed to always be grounded and live high in the sky. No matter the weather, the politics, the poverty - that one single palm tree stood strong, stood bold and succeeded in even the most trying of circumstances, and inspired Ujjal to follow and fulfill his dreams.
In 2003, during a family vacation to Kalyani, Trina's dad told her about that single palm tree and she was incredibly moved. He told her that no matter what, the tree found a way to stand tall. 10 years later, Trina is still inspired by not only her Dad's story, but also the global connectedness both her Mom and Dad encouraged throughout her life, as they (at times reluctantly :)) let her run around the world. Single Palm Tree Productions is dedicated in their honor and committed to the principals of the single palm tree - both grounded and reaching high to the sky.
Trina's dad outside of his childhood home in July 2003 with the single palm tree.
Trina's global curiousity began on her very first international trip - traveling to Bangladesh from New Orleans to celebrate her first birthday with her Mom's family.