Prashant Departmental Store

Prashant Departmental Store is right on Mandore Road in Jodhpur. It’s a long road and we get a lot of people stopping their bikes to pick up groceries on their way home. I started this place because there wasn't much else nearby at the time. We sell almost everything from lentils to plastic buckets and washing powder. It gets quite hot in Jodhpur, so we have a fan that makes a lot of noise, but it keeps us cool enough during the summer. The shelves are always a bit crowded because I keep ordering things thinking someone might need them one day. Most of the work is just lifting heavy bags and making sure the prices are right on the packets. I don't use any computers, just a notebook and a pen for everything. It’s easier that way for me. Some days are very long, and I don't get much time to sit down. The kids from the neighborhood come in for snacks after their classes and they can be quite loud. I’ve lived here for a long time, so I know the history of this road. We don't do any advertisements or anything like that. People just know we are here. It's a simple life. We close up when it gets dark and the street lights come on. The stock arrives on trucks and we have to move it all inside quickly before it blocks the path. It is hard work but it pays the bills.