A lifelong resident of Kherli Phatak, Lekhraj Singh Solanki built his kirana store from scratch into a stable business through decades of struggle, discipline, and values. His message to the youth is filled with lessons on hard work, cleanliness, health, and unwavering commitment.

A Resident of Kota, Lekhraj Singh Solanki owns a Kirana Store by the name Lekhraj Kirana Store, located in front of Chandmari Balaji on the main road in Kherli Phatak.

He has been running this kirana store for the past 40 years. The shop stocks grocery items, general household items, and all kinds of products for children.

He shares that he has faced many struggles throughout his life. Initially, he worked as a Home Guard and also in the company Multimetal. Later, some of his friends advised him that since his family already had a shop from his father’s time, he should restart it. Encouraged by them, he prepared his own counter and began his journey by selling children’s items, starting only with candies and biscuits. He invested just 1,000 rupees initially. With that small amount, he slowly began working and gradually increased the scale of his business.

After some time, he thought of expanding further. He gathered some money and took help from friends. He installed a shutter in a nearby shop and started expanding the business. Kirana items were the first major products he introduced, including dal and rice, and gradually he continued to increase the range of items over time.

During this period, his children were still young. Along with running the shop, he ensured that they received a good education. After they completed their studies, he got them married.

His father retired in 1968, and in 1970, he started a small shop. His father used to sit at the shop and struggle hard to earn a livelihood. During that period, some of his friends advised him to start something that would be beneficial in the future. With the support and encouragement of those friends, he agreed and restarted his father’s shop, gradually bringing it to a larger scale.

Lekhraj Singh Solanki was born in Kherli Phatak and completed his education at a government school, Rajkiya Uchha Prathmik Vidyalaya, Kherli Phatak. He recalls that childhood life was quite different. He had friends who supported and encouraged him to move forward. Some memories refresh his mind even today. Good friends motivated him to study further, and with their encouragement, he joined a high school. Later, he completed his higher secondary education from Jawaharlal Nehru Senior Secondary School.

After this, he continued doing various kinds of work in life. During his school days, he joined NCC, where he became a Company Havaldar Major. During that time, he visited places like Kashmir, Yusmarg, Nilnag, Anantnag, Dagar, Pathankot, Vaishno Devi, and also participated in activities held in Jaipur. He was selected for the Delhi Parade, for which he went to Delhi.

After that, he joined the Home Guard. Even there, he continued to struggle and experienced hardships similar to those faced by his ancestors. In the Home Guard, he conducted parade training for students and received a salary of 150 rupees per month. He reflects on how 150 rupees was a significant amount at that time, whereas today it seems very small.

Through all these struggles, he continued to live his life with patience and determination.

He speaks with deep respect about his parents, stating that his mother and father were the most ideal people in his life. They taught him to walk by holding his fingers. After them, his guru became his inspiration, who gave him education and guidance to move forward in life. He was also fortunate to have good friends who inspired him and whom he considers his brothers and mentors.

He shares a desire that remains close to his heart:

मुझे तोड़ लेना वनवासी, उस पथ पर तू देना फेंक,
मातृभूमि पर शीश चढ़ाने जिस पर जाएँ वीर अनेक।

Lekhraj Kirana Store Owner Lekhraj Singh Solanki believes that whenever one moves forward in life, struggles are inevitable. Life is full of challenges, and in every task, one faces obstacles.

When he started his shop on a small scale, he often wondered how he would grow it further. Yet, he firmly believes that life itself is a struggle, and he has lived a life filled with continuous efforts and perseverance.

Slowly, he expanded his shop and brought it to a larger scale. He never lost hope, never looked back, and always focused on moving forward. Over time, his children grew up, completed their education, got married, and today he feels that he has won a war in life.

For those who want to start their own business, he advises that one must first prepare their mind and commit fully to the work, whether the business starts on a small scale or a large one. He emphasizes improving personal habits—waking up early at 5 a.m. every day, taking God’s name after waking up, and maintaining cleanliness while going to the workplace. Cleanliness of the body, life, and society, he believes, is extremely important.

After this, one can begin work. Whatever the business may be, he says that one must invest their body, heart, and money into it. One should also focus on visual appeal and presentation to move forward successfully.

He shares that there are times when one must sacrifice personal desires, as the heart can distract a person from their path. One must stay focused and dedicate their entire life to their work, like a sanyasi.

He gives a strong message to the youth of the country, emphasizing that health is wealth. If health is good, one can accomplish every task. However, he expresses concern that today’s youth are often trapped in bad habits, untidiness, and unhealthy friendships that pull them backward instead of helping them move forward. Habits like consuming ganja, charas, cigarettes, and tobacco are harmful to health, yet many youths indulge in them.

He advises that good health leads to long life, better ideas, and growth in society. One should respect everyone in society, whether they are small or big.

His final message is simple yet powerful: take care of your country, family, and society, and continue moving forward with responsibility and respect.