Since its inception in 1959, Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad has empowered over 45,000 women across India to earn a living while managing home responsibilities, turning the production of a humble snack into a success story of entrepreneurship and community.
Empowering Women Through Culinary Innovation: The Story of Lijjat Papad
Empowering Women Through Culinary Innovation: The Story of Lijjat Papad
A grassroots enterprise transforms the lives of thousands of Indian women by providing financial independence through home-based snack production.
On a brisk December morning, a vivid assembly of women clad in traditional saris, warm shawls, and woollen caps gathered outside a multi-storey building bustling in Delhi's vibrant area. This establishment houses a segment of one of India's pioneering social enterprises, run entirely by women. Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, which translates to "Shri Women's Home Industry Lijjat Papad," was founded in 1959 by seven determined housewives in Mumbai who sought to make their mark by creating the simple yet beloved papad, a crispy snack integral to Indian cuisine.
Fast forward sixty-five years, the co-operative is based in Mumbai with a strong presence across the country, boasting over 45,000 women members and an impressive annual turnover of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million). Their products, notably the Lijjat brand of poppadoms, reach international markets including the UK and USA.
For many women like Lakshmi, who manages the Delhi branch and joined the co-operative 40 years ago after losing her husband, Lijjat has been a transformative experience. "Lijjat is a temple for us. It helps us earn money and feed our families," she states, reflecting on how her life has changed since joining. Lakshmi is now responsible for guiding 150 women, showcasing the co-operative's potential to create livelihoods while allowing flexibility for household duties.
The women commute via a hired bus to their nearest Lijjat center each day to collect pre-prepared dough infused with lentils and spices. They roll the dough into perfect papads at home—tasks they juggle along with their family responsibilities. Lakshmi notes that production time has dramatically decreased from four to five hours to just half an hour for an equivalent amount, showcasing improved efficiency and skill.
Initially, the enterprise struggled to gain traction due to limited funds and market demand. The seven founders sought a small loan from Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, a social worker, to procure their first supplies, but faced challenges in selling their papads. Gradually, with the support of local shopkeepers who offered consignment terms, their products gained popularity.
The cooperative model fostered by Lijjat emphasizes collective ownership and egalitarian decision-making. “We are like a co-operative and not a company. We all share profits and even losses,” states Swati Paradkar, the current president of Lijjat. This shared ownership has been pivotal to their enduring success, enabling women not just to earn income, but also to gain respect and recognition in their communities.
Brand identity evolved in 1966 when, at the suggestion of a member, the name Lijjat was adopted, which means "taste" in Gujarati. The brand has since flourished, allowing generations of women to achieve financial independence and support their families.
Through this enterprise, women like Lakshmi have been able to access education for their children, secure housing, and celebrate personal accomplishments. "Today, I have put my children through school, built a house, and got them married," she proudly shares. Lijjat continues to be a beacon of empowerment, reminding us of the impact grassroots initiatives can create in transforming lives through simple yet innovative culinary practices.
