Ajay Kumar

My name is Ajay Kumar and I have a small place in Bhunja Patti, Jharia. We are right near the Hanuman Mandir, which is a big landmark in this part of Dhanbad. Jharia is known for many things, mostly the coal, but our life is centered around this little shop. I have been here for years. People come to me for all sorts of daily needs. Since we are so close to the temple, we see a lot of people every Tuesday and Saturday. The bells from the Mandir are something I hear all day long. It’s a dusty area, that's just how it is in Jharia, so I’m always cleaning the jars and the counter. I don't sell anything too fancy. It’s mostly just things like snacks, tobacco, some cold drinks, and basic household items. I don't have a big sign outside or anything. Everyone just knows it's Ajay’s shop. I usually have a few friends sitting around on the bench outside, just chatting about the local news or the coal mines. It’s a very local way of living. I handle everything myself, from ordering the goods to giving back change. The shop is small and the roof is a bit low, but it stays cool enough. I don't really think about growing big or opening more branches. I'm happy just being here by the temple, serving the people I’ve known my whole life. It is just my daily routine.