Ram Chander & Sons, the oldest toy store of India, was founded in 1890 in Ambala Cant. The store moved to Kasauli in 1928 before finally moving to its current location in Delhi in 1935.
Today, the shop is run by 83-year-old Satish Sundra and his son, and continues to sell toys and school supplies in Delhi, while also taking individual orders from around 61 countries in the world.
From the rise of Lutyen’s Delhi to the partition of India, this unassuming toy store has been witness to many crucial eras of the city’s history and catered to illustrious clients such as the Nawabs, British Viceroys and first families of the country, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Mr Sundra, a member of the DDCA, has also seen the evolution of the Ferozshah Kotla through the lens of fond memories of seeing matches and having picnics at the stadium.
While, many original shopkeepers in CP have rented their properties at lucrative prices to big brands, Mr Sundra does not even entertain the idea. Nor does he want to cash in the goodwill and expand the business. “I don’t wish to own 20 showrooms devoid of the warmth a toy store should have. I have just one shop where I can give personal attention to every customer and make them feel like they have stepped into a true family set-up. These sacred bonds with our patrons are more valuable than money could ever be.”
Since the lockdown started in March, the shop has had no sales, however, Mr Sundra is determined to keep it running. His ever-present optimism shines through when he confidently claims that just how tuberculosis, a once deadly disease in his childhood, is now curable, humankind will also overcome the threat of coronavirus.
The next time you want to get a unique present for your children, and play your part in preserving a piece of this city’s history, you know where to head! #VocalForLocal
Ram Chander & Sons, the oldest toy store of India, was founded in 1890 in Ambala Cant. The store moved to Kasauli in 1928 before finally moving to its current location in Delhi in 1935.
Today, the shop is run by 83-year-old Satish Sundra and his son, and continues to sell toys and school supplies in Delhi, while also taking individual orders from around 61 countries in the world.
From the rise of Lutyen’s Delhi to the partition of India, this unassuming toy store has been witness to many crucial eras of the city’s history and catered to illustrious clients such as the Nawabs, British Viceroys and first families of the country, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Mr Sundra, a member of the DDCA, has also seen the evolution of the Ferozshah Kotla through the lens of fond memories of seeing matches and having picnics at the stadium.
While, many original shopkeepers in CP have rented their properties at lucrative prices to big brands, Mr Sundra does not even entertain the idea. Nor does he want to cash in the goodwill and expand the business. “I don’t wish to own 20 showrooms devoid of the warmth a toy store should have. I have just one shop where I can give personal attention to every customer and make them feel like they have stepped into a true family set-up. These sacred bonds with our patrons are more valuable than money could ever be.”
Since the lockdown started in March, the shop has had no sales, however, Mr Sundra is determined to keep it running. His ever-present optimism shines through when he confidently claims that just how tuberculosis, a once deadly disease in his childhood, is now curable, humankind will also overcome the threat of coronavirus.
The next time you want to get a unique present for your children, and play your part in preserving a piece of this city’s history, you know where to head! #VocalForLocal
