Lijjat Papad | Women Empowerment Amazing Story

Summary

The script narrates the inspiring journey of 'Lijjat Papad,' a company started by seven women in a small Mumbai home in 1959. With a literacy rate of 14% among women entrepreneurs in India, Lijjat's success stands out with a 77% literacy rate and a turnover of 1600 crores. The story highlights how these women, with no business experience, turned a simple household chore into a cooperative movement, providing employment opportunities and financial independence. Today, Lijjat has 82 branches nationwide, employs 45,000 people, and serves as a case study in management schools, proving that gender is no barrier to success.

Takeaways

• 📍 The story of Lijjat Papad began in 1959 with seven women in a small house in Mumbai, India.
• 📈 Today, Lijjat Papad has a turnover of 1600 crore and a literacy rate of 77%, yet women entrepreneurs only make up 14% of the total entrepreneurs in India.
• 👩‍💼 The journey started with the women wanting to provide for their families and generate income, leading to the creation of a successful business.
• 💡 The initial capital for the business was provided by a social worker, Chhaganlal, who gave them ₹80 to start making papad.
• 🔥 The demand for Lijjat Papad grew, and the women managed to earn ₹6196 in a year, which was a significant achievement at that time.
• 🚀 The company followed a cooperative system from the beginning, focusing on generating employment opportunities for women rather than profit.
• 🌐 The term 'Sarvodaya' was used to describe the collective evolution and the model that was implemented, emphasizing collective growth.
• 🏆 Lijjat Papad is known for its transparency, with 100% transparency in accounts and career group management.
• 🌳 The company has never used machines, relying on the skills of the 'Lijjat sisters' to make the papad, and has expanded to include 45,000 people in employment and 82 branches across India.
• 🌟 The story of Lijjat Papad serves as an inspirational example of women empowerment and has become a case study in many management schools.
• 💪 The narrative underlines the importance of providing equal opportunities and respect to women, challenging gender stereotypes and biases.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'Lijjat' in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'Lijjat' refers to a popular brand of papad, which means 'delicious' in Hindi, and is a snack made from various types of pulses.

When did the journey of Lijjat Papad begin?

The journey of Lijjat Papad began in 1959, initiated by seven women in a small house in Mumbai.

What is the current literacy rate of women in India, as mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that the current literacy rate of women in India is 77%.

What percentage of total entrepreneurs in India are women, according to the script?

According to the script, women constitute only 14% of the total entrepreneurs in India.

How did the women involved in Lijjat Papad start their business?

The women started their business by meeting regularly after managing their household chores, with the aim of creating additional family income.

Who was the social worker that helped the women with an initial investment of ₹80?

Chhaganlal, a social worker, helped the women with an initial investment of ₹80 to start their papad making business.

What was the initial demand for Lijjat Papad like?

The initial demand for Lijjat Papad was so high that the local shopkeeper who was asked to sell it ran out of stock on the first day.

How much revenue did the women earn in their first year of making papad?

In their first year, the women earned a revenue of 6196 rupees from selling papad.

What is the significance of the term 'Sarvodaya' in the context of Lijjat Papad's business model?

In the context of Lijjat Papad's business model, 'Sarvodaya' means 'collective evolution' and refers to their cooperative system focused on generating employment opportunities for women rather than making profits.

What is the role of 'Lijjat Sister' in the business?

The 'Lijjat Sister' is a term used for the women involved in the business, and they are considered equal partners in the property and losses of the company.

How has Lijjat Papad ensured transparency and quality in its operations?

Lijjat Papad has ensured transparency and quality by following a cooperative system, avoiding the use of machines, and providing women with the necessary tools like aluminum rolling pins to maintain uniform thickness of the papad.

What is the current status of Lijjat Papad in terms of employment and expansion?

Lijjat Papad currently provides employment to 45,000 people and has 82 branches across India, showcasing its significant growth and impact on women's empowerment.