Located in the heart of McLeodganj town in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) and barely a kilometre from Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s abode, the iconic ‘Nowrojee & Sons General Merchants’ will down its shutter for good, next month, in September, after serving residents and tourists for a glorious 160 years, across. Run as a family business since generations, the store was being headed by Parvez Nowrojee, who hails from the sixth generation of the Parsi family. But business turned unviable due to which Delhi-based Nowrojee had to sell off one of the oldest stores of the British era in Himachal Pradesh.

The family is in the process of winding up the business. Though the store-cum-residence has seen six generations of the Nowrojee family at the helm, Nauzer Nowrojee was the most popular and was a friend of the Dalai Lama, for over 60 years, before his death in 2002. 

“It’s been a tough decision but sometimes you have to let go of things,” said Nauzer’s younger son and Delhi-based owner Parvez Nowrojee, who is retired from a private company and was running the shop with the help of caretaker since 2010. Nauzer’s elder son Kurush Nowrojee owns a tea business in West Bengal. Currently, Parvez and Kurush are in McLeodganj to collect their belongings and wrap up business.

Though currently the shop also sells newspapers, magazines and confectionary, it maintains its old-world-charm, exhibiting relics from a bygone era. Housed in the wooden structure are antiques, including a Petromax 835 Special, which is a German-made hanging wick lamp. There are cases of imported cigarette brands such as Passing Show, Craven A, and Number Ten Virginia. Advertising posters from the British era, Blue Bird toffees and old wine and beer bottles are also available.

The Nowrojees manufactured aerated drinks and mineral water and sold wine, grocery brands, bakery products, tobacco, toiletries, and even arms and ammunition. The store’s closure is a sad moment for local residents. “This store is witness to many historic events and how the towns of Dharamshala and McLeodganj evolved,” says Prem Sagar, 58, who runs a book shop and tour and travel business opposite the store. Another resident, Kul Prakash Sharma, 50, said, “We will miss this store that is synonymous with McLeodganj. I have a collection of labels and stickers from this shop. They will now become souvenirs. I’ve heard the wooden structure will be gone soon.”

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[Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com]