Image Source: Navbharat Times
In the bustling lanes of Doranda Bazaar in Ranchi, there is a fruit shop that stands not just as a business, but as a symbol of determination, honesty, and hard work. Behind this remarkable journey is a man named Chandan Kumar Chaurasia, who no longer needs any introduction in the local fruit trade. Once a small-time fruit seller assisting his father on a handcart, today Chandan is counted among the most successful fruit traders in the city.
Chandan's story is one of grit and growth—a living testament to the belief that success doesn’t come easy. It demands perseverance, sleepless nights, and an unwavering belief in one's dream. Born into a modest family, Chandan grew up witnessing the daily struggles of his father, Nawal Kumar Chaurasia, who sold fruits by pushing a cart through the streets of Ranchi. Chandan, too, often accompanied him, silently observing the hardship it took to keep the family afloat.
While many children dream of becoming engineers or doctors, Chandan’s vision was rooted in his reality. He dreamed not of running away from the business, but of transforming it. Even as a boy, he harbored a silent resolve—to dignify his father’s profession and turn it into a full-fledged enterprise that would one day give employment to others as well.
At the age of 35, Chandan decided to take his first real step toward that dream. The biggest obstacle? Lack of funds. But Chandan had something stronger than money—the will to succeed. He began researching financial support systems for small businesses and came across the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY). This government initiative provides collateral-free loans to small and micro enterprises, and Chandan saw a lifeline in it.
Using social media and online platforms, he gathered all necessary information and soon applied for a Mudra loan through Bank of India. As a first-time borrower, he was sanctioned ₹50,000. Without wasting any time, Chandan invested the amount into his fruit business—expanding inventory, improving display, and managing logistics better.
It’s often said that hard work never goes unnoticed, and Chandan proved this true. With sheer dedication, he started seeing positive results. The small shop began attracting more customers, and the returns started increasing. One of the most admirable aspects of Chandan’s journey is his financial discipline. He promptly repaid his first loan and reinvested the profits into growing the business further.
Impressed by his prompt repayments and business expansion, the bank rewarded his discipline by approving a second loan of ₹1.5 lakh. This boost was the real turning point. With increased capital, Chandan extended his business beyond the local market. He began sourcing fruits from other states and selling them in Ranchi at competitive prices. His quality and honesty built trust, and soon his name began to resonate even in distant markets.
People from far-off places started visiting his store in Doranda Bazaar. His business grew not just in revenue, but also in reputation.
Even as his business blossomed, Chandan didn’t forget the roots from which he had emerged. The first person he uplifted was his father. He respectfully asked him to retire from the physically taxing work of street vending and instead take a comfortable position at the shop. This gesture was not just about convenience, but also about honoring the sacrifices of a father who had paved the way for his son’s future.
Next, Chandan turned to his younger brother, who was unemployed at the time. Understanding the importance of family support and unity, he brought him into the business too. With his brother and father by his side, the enterprise grew even more rapidly.
As profits soared, Chandan again paid off the second loan on time. His credibility with the bank increased so much that he was soon offered a third loan of ₹1.5 lakh, which he used wisely to scale his business operations further.
Today, Chandan Kumar Chaurasia and his family proudly run a thriving fruit business in Ranchi’s Doranda Bazaar. His journey—from helping his father push a handcart to managing a reputable store with multiple employees—is nothing short of inspirational.
Chandan’s story is not just about financial growth, but about transforming a generational struggle into a generational success. It’s a story of honoring one’s past, investing in the present, and building for the future. It shows how government schemes, when utilized with honesty and ambition, can truly uplift small entrepreneurs.
Chandan proves that with dedication, the right knowledge, and timely support, even the humblest beginnings can lead to the grandest achievements.