Surinder Kumar

My place is at 4 Jalaram Nagar, which is right near the Anath Balashram on the Katargam Main Road in Surat. Running a business under my own name, Surinder Kumar, means I’m always the one people look for when they walk in. The shop is on a very busy stretch of road, so there is never a moment of silence with all the bikes and cars zooming past. I handle mostly general goods and things people need for their homes. The heat in Surat can be really something, so the afternoons are usually pretty quiet when everyone stays inside. I use that time to restock the shelves and do the cleaning. The building is simple and I’ve tried to arrange the goods so I can see everything from my chair at the front. I don't have many employees, just a boy who helps with the heavy lifting and deliveries around Jalaram Nagar. A lot of my customers are regulars who stop by on their way home from work. We talk about the weather or the local news while I pack their bags. It’s not a fancy corporate office, just a regular shop where the floor is a bit worn out and the walls have some marks. I’ve been here for years and I know the neighborhood like the back of my hand. It’s a steady life and I like it that way. Every day is just another day at the shop.