Ashok Karyana

You can find us in Abdullapur Basti on Sane Guruji Marg, Lalbaug. The address is 2318/26, but most people just look for the shop with the big bins of grains outside. Ashok Karyana has been in this neighborhood for a long time. It is a tight-knit area where everyone knows everyone else’s business. My shop is filled from floor to ceiling with everything you could need for a household. We have soaps, tea leaves, oils, and all kinds of pulses. It is a bit of a squeeze when more than three people are inside at once. I usually stand behind the wooden counter, which has grown smooth from years of use. We do not have air conditioning, so we keep the doors wide open and use a small ceiling fan that wobbles a bit. The noise from Sane Guruji Marg is always there like scooters, vendors shouting, and children playing. It is the heartbeat of the Basti. We sell things in small quantities because that is what people prefer here. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I keep a tab for some of the regulars who pay at the end of the month. It is a system built on trust. We are not looking to change anything or modernize the shop. It works just fine the way it is. When the festivals come around, we get extra stock of sweets and special ingredients. It is a busy time, but it is nice to see the community celebrate. This shop is my life's work.