Selection Stories
On top of the misty mountains of Landour, nestled within the heart of Mussoorie, we met a wise and cheerful man—Mr. Rakesh Garg. He is the proud owner of Munshi Mull Radhey Lal, a cozy souvenir shop that has been a landmark since 1872, passed down through three generations. As we sat down with him, he shared his thoughts on life, family, and the changing landscape of his beloved home.
I’d like to extend my thanks to Mr. Rakesh Garg for his willingness to contribute. Now, let’s dive into our conversation.
Q1) Mr. Garg, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Mr. Garg: I am 72 years old, but I feel strong and lively. I have lived in Landour all my life, and I love this place deeply.
Q2. What is your educational background?
Mr. Garg: I graduated in Economics.
Q3. You look incredibly healthy and active! What’s your secret?
Mr. Garg: It’s simple—I eat dal and roti, breathe the fresh mountain air, and live a peaceful life. I am a pure vegetarian, and I believe in enjoying life without stress.
Q4. Can you tell us more about your family?
Mr. Garg: I have three children—two sons and a daughter. My wife, who is from Seelanpur, and I had an arranged marriage. Family is everything to me.
Q5. Have you ever thought of moving out of Mussoorie?
Mr. Garg: Never. I was born and brought up here. My friends, my family, my shop—everything that matters to me is in this town. This is my world.
Q6. Your shop, Munshi Mull Radhey Lal, has such a long history! How did it all begin?
Mr. Garg: My grandfather started it in 1872, and it has been passed down through generations. I grew up watching my father carefully wrap souvenirs, telling stories to travelers. Now, I do the same, with the same love and dedication.
Q7. What do you enjoy most about running the shop?
Mr. Garg: I love meeting people. Travelers from different corners of the world come here, and each one has a story. It keeps life interesting. Strangers walk in, and by the time they leave, they have shared a piece of their life with me.
Q8. How has Landour changed over the years?
Mr. Garg: Oh, a lot! When I was young, we used to have five feet of snow in winter. Now, because of global warming, snowfall has reduced, and Mussoorie has become more crowded. It’s a different world now.
Mr. Garg: The key to any relationship is understanding and adjusting to each other. That’s how you build a strong bond.
Q11.What do you value the most in life?
Mr. Garg: A loving family, peace, fame, respect, and then money—in that order.
Q12. Do you listen more to your heart or your mind?
Mr. Garg: I follow my mind. I believe in logic and reasoning.
Q13. What are you most afraid of?
Mr. Garg: I dislike crowded places. I enjoy peace and quiet. So I think crowded places.
Q14. You mentioned you love reading. What kind of books do you enjoy?
Mr. Garg: I love Shakespeare—Julius Caesar, Macbeth—and also Premchand. Once you enter the world of books, it becomes impossible to leave.
Q15. What is your definition of success?
Mr. Garg: Success is about being happy, healthy, and doing what you love.
Q16. How do you stay focused in life?
Mr. Garg: I don’t have any special technique. Earlier, I used to spend a lot of time with friends, but now we meet less often. Traffic, age—it changes things. But I still find joy in the little moments.
Q17. How important is financial wisdom? Any advice?
Mr. Garg: Very important! My advice is simple—never spend more than you earn.
Q18. If you met God, would you ask for anything?
Mr. Garg: No, I have everything I need.
———–Thank You———
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Meeting Mr. Rakesh Garg was a truly memorable experience. His simple yet profound outlook on life, his deep love for his home, and his wisdom gained over the years left us inspired. His shop is more than just a business; it is a place filled with history, warmth, and stories. Landour is lucky to have a guardian like him.