Papads are an integral part of Indian Culinary Heritage, from being served along with meals to savoring them as a snack. Their presence in an Indian Thali reflects the deep-rooted traditions and customs that have been preserved over the centuries.
In the heart of India’s entrepreneurial journey, lies a tale of solidarity, unity, dedication and women’s empowerment that spans generations. Lijjat Papad, a beloved household snack is not just a culinary delight. It’s a symbol of resilience and hard work, reflecting the inspiring story of seven remarkable women. Who turned a mere Rs 80 investment into a 1600 crores empire.
In India, there are wide variety of papads— also called papadam, pappadom which sell in the supermarkets and stores. These are the most beloved snacks served alongside meals, adding a crunch and flavor to the dining experience.
Similarly, Lijjat Papad is the most popular and oldest manufacturing organization selling snack items like papad, masalas, chapatis etc. There might be anyone who is hardly unaware of its delicious and mind-blowing taste.
Initiated by seven friends and housewives— Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, Parvatiben Ramdas Thodani, Ujamben Narandas Kundalia, Bhanuben N Tanna, Laguben Amritlal Gokani, Jayaben V Vithalani and Diwaliben Lukka, Lajjat Papad is a great success story.
In 1959, an era where with significant developmental challenges like Illiteracy and discrimination were prevalent amongst women. They faced life’s challenges head-on and decided to create their destiny.
From taking a modest loan of Rs 80 from a kind social worker, Chhangalal Parekh, they embarked on a mission to revive a papad-making business.
Emergence of Lijjat Papad
The early days of the startup were quite smooth, starting with just four packets of papads, they managed to sell around Rs 6000 worth of products in the first year. Itself.
However, through tireless efforts and unwavering determination, they began to rise and by 1962. They finally adopted a brand name, called ‘Lijjat’. The same year the sales of the Lijjat papad soared to nearly Rs 2 Lakhs, marking a significant journey to become India’s popular brand.
Operated by the ‘Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad’, a women’s worker cooperative. This unique platform not only provided employment but also empowered the women by offering them with opportunities like ownership and financial independence.
Lijjat Papad’s skyrocketed demand
The brand soon became synonymous with high-quality and delicious taste, the demand of Lijjat Papad soared rapidly across the states.
Started by seven women in the early years, the organization soon get over 45,000 women involved in papad-making.
Today, the Lijjat Papad brand has become the most familiar and consumer trusted brand among the people.
The company has more than 80 outlets across India and has already ventured in the global markets, and regular exports to countries like USA and Singapore.
Roadblocks in Success
Meanwhile, Lijjat Papad, a remarkable journey filled with tons of challenges that were overcome through constant determination and will power. These challenges included
- Initial Capital: Started with a modest investment of Rs 80, the 1600 crores empire was somewhat never a foreseen milestone.
- Infrastructure: Started on the terrace of a building, with minimal infrastructure for manufacturing.
- Consistency and support: Maintaining the product consistency and fulfilling the demands of the people was the toughest challenge to complete.
- Technology: Due to the decentralized model of production, the Lijjat preferred manual labors over machines, which could produce papads faster and at a lower cost.
Although, despite these hurdles, Lijjat Papad’s success story is indeed an epitome of the collective women’s empowerment
Awards and Recognition
Over the decades, the Lijjat Papad has been a tremendous success and emerged as the most trusted and highly preffered brand by people across the world.
The brand bestowed with many awards and recognitions. In 2021, Jaswantiben Popat, one of the founders of Lijjat was awarded with the prestigious Padma Shri award, highlighting the impact of Lijjat Papad on women empowerment.
Additionally, the company has also received the Businesswoman of the year award from the Economic Times in 2002. In 2003, it received the Best Cottage Industry award and Brand Equity from the former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam in 2005.
Nevertheless, breaking the age-old patriarchal doctrines and philosophies of a male dominant society. The shining story of Lijjat Papad has proved the power of women’s empowerment to blossom themselves into a giant bloom of success.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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