I am originally from Chitradurga and my family has settled in Bangalore for over 40 years. I originally wanted to do a Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy, but I ended up doing a Diploma. Then I worked at a few pharmacies, like Khodays, which has now shut down, before starting my own business 13 years go. I wanted to run my own business because then I would not be a salaried employee, I do not have to work under someone. I can be my own boss.
I worked for a few years so that I could get some practice, I think knowledge followed by practice is the key to success. And my business has climbed steadily over the years.
My day begins at 9.30 a.m. when I open the shop. I work till 2 p.m. and shut the shop until 5 p.m. Then I work till 10 p.m. Whenever I have free time, like on Sundays when I only work half a day, I take my family out to the movies, sometimes we go out of town on long trips.
I have two sons, one in III standard and the other in VII. My dream is to educate my children. And I think Bangalore is an ideal city for me because it is calm, and it’s relatively crime-free unlike a city such as Delhi. Over the years Bangalore has totally changed. So many businesses have cropped up in the last 10 years.
There used to be only about two pharmacy stores in this locality, now there are over 10. It is a challenge, but I have to face it. I ensure that I get all my stocks on time and ensure people get the correct medicines and they get what they ask for.
The face of the city too is so different these days… I can hardly express it. Greenery has been replaced by apartments. And it has become impossible to live without medication in the city. Most of my customers come to buy medicines for asthma, wheezing, dust-allergies, BP and diabetes. I think more people are falling sick today, Bangalore has become so polluted.
I am is a weekly column about men and women that make Bangalore what it is.
