Kanchan Chemist

Kanchan Chemist is located right across from the Ramji Mandir on Madan Zampa Road. This part of Vadodara has a lot of history, and you can always hear the bells from the temple during the prayer times. Being on Madan Zampa Road means there is never a dull moment. The shop is quite traditional, with wooden counters and shelves that go all the way to the top. I have to use a small stool to reach some of the medicines on the upper levels. We get all kinds of people here, from those living in the old pols to people just passing through the city. I’ve been working here for decades, and I’ve seen the kids who used to come in for candy grow up and start buying medicines for their own families. It’s a nice feeling of connection to the place. The shop gets a bit dusty because of the road traffic, so I’m always wiping down the glass. We don't have any complicated systems; just a ledger and a good memory. Most people know us by name, and we know theirs too. It’s not just about selling medicines; it’s about being a part of the neighborhood. The evening aarti at the temple usually marks the time when we start thinking about closing up for the night. It’s a steady life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The Madan Zampa area is my home, really.