Ajay Kirana Store

Ajay Kirana Store is sitting on the Balakund Main Road here in Kota. It’s a humble little spot where we sell all the daily essentials like grains, sugar, and tea. We have been here for a good while, and the shop has become a bit of a landmark for the people living in the Balakund area. It’s not a supermarket where you walk around with a basket; you just stand at the counter and tell us what you’re looking for. We weigh out the pulses and pack them into bags right in front of you while we talk. Sometimes the kids come in after school for some candy or chips, and that makes the place feel more lively. The road outside can be quite chaotic with traffic and noise, but inside it’s just the usual routine of filling jars and checking the books. We don't use any fancy computer systems; we still write things down in our registers mostly. It’s a family business, so my brother or my son might be behind the counter if I’m out getting stock from the wholesaler. We don't try to be anything we aren't. We just want to make sure the kitchen pantry of our neighbors stays full throughout the month. It’s a lot of long hours, standing on our feet, but we like being part of the community here. It feels good to see the same people every day and help them get what they need for their families.