Nostalgia

From My Grandfather’s Kirana Store to KiranaPro: A Journey Rooted in Empowering Small Businesses

Growing up, my grandfather’s Kirana store was my playground, classroom, and inspiration all rolled into one. I remember the scent of spices in the air, the steady hum of regular customers chatting and laughing, and my grandfather’s unspoken yet powerful dedication to his work. It was more than just a store; it was a lifeline for the community, where people came not only to shop but to connect. Little did I know then that these early experiences would shape my journey and fuel my vision for empowering small businesses through technology.

The Spark Begins: Lessons from a Kirana Store

Watching my grandfather run his Kirana store taught me more about business and resilience than any formal education ever could. I saw how he treated each customer like family, building relationships based on trust, familiarity, and respect. In his store, I saw the pulse of the community—where everyone knew each other and interactions went beyond transactions. He showed me that, at its core, a successful business is built on relationships and trust. This has stayed with me throughout my life and has become the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey.

Lookup: My First Step Toward Small Business Empowerment

Years later, as I ventured into the tech world, I found myself returning to that image of my grandfather’s store. I knew I wanted to use technology to empower local businesses like his, helping them thrive in an era dominated by big corporations. That vision led to Lookup, a messaging-based platform where people could connect with local businesses, make inquiries, and place orders directly through chat.

The goal with Lookup was simple: to bridge the gap between small businesses and consumers, especially for those without a strong digital presence. It was about making life easier for both business owners and their customers—empowering local entrepreneurs to compete on the same digital playing field as larger businesses. Lookup taught me the power of connecting consumers directly to the stores in their neighborhood, reaffirming my belief that there is untapped potential in local commerce. I learned so much from Lookup, from how essential speed and simplicity are to the value of trust and personalization in digital transactions.

KiranaPro: Building a Platform for Local Heroes

As I gained experience with Lookup, I became increasingly aware of the specific challenges kirana stores face in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world. These stores, with their unique connection to their communities, were finding it hard to compete against e-commerce giants. That’s when KiranaPro was born—a platform dedicated to empowering India’s kirana stores by giving them access to the technology, tools, and resources they need to grow.

KiranaPro is more than a quick commerce platform; it’s my way of honoring the essence of my grandfather’s store. I want to give kirana stores the ability to not just survive but thrive, without losing what makes them special. With KiranaPro, we provide solutions for inventory management, digital payments, fast delivery options, and more, helping these stores adapt to changing consumer expectations while maintaining the spirit of local connection.

Why Kirana Stores Are Vital for India

For me, Kirana stores represent resilience, trust, and a deep connection to the people they serve. They play an indispensable role in India’s economic and cultural landscape. They’re often family-run, passed down through generations, and serve as a lifeline for both everyday essentials and those unique products you won’t find in large retail stores. But they’re also vulnerable, especially in a market dominated by corporate retail and e-commerce giants.

I firmly believe that by giving kirana stores the tools to go digital, we’re preserving an essential part of India’s identity and empowering countless families and communities. KiranaPro is my way of supporting these small businesses, making sure they stay relevant and resilient for the next generation.

A Personal Mission

At the heart of KiranaPro is my desire to see small businesses thrive. I didn’t just build a platform; I built something that carries the spirit of my grandfather’s store—a place that was more than just a business. I want kirana store owners across India to feel the same pride and connection to their communities, but with the added benefits that technology brings.

I’m grateful for my journey—from my grandfather’s kirana store to Lookup and now KiranaPro. It has been one of learning, growth, and purpose, and I’m excited to continue this mission of empowerment. Kirana stores may be small in size, but I believe they have the power to make a big impact on our society. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for KiranaPro and the countless businesses it touches.

Thank you, Grandpa, for the inspiration that continues to drive me every day.