The Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad cooperative embodies a groundbreaking model for women's empowerment and financial independence, rooted in the art of making poppadoms.
Empowering Change: The Journey of India's Lijjat Papad Cooperative
Empowering Change: The Journey of India's Lijjat Papad Cooperative
A grassroots initiative leverages culinary skills to uplift women across India.
In Delhi's bustling environment, amidst the chill of December, a vibrant assembly of women clad in colorful saris converges outside a historic co-operative building. This initiative, known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, is a testament to the strength of female entrepreneurship in India. Founded in 1959 in Mumbai by a group of seven housewives, the enterprise has grown to include over 45,000 women and generates an annual revenue of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million).
At the heart of this cooperative is the beloved Lijjat brand of poppadoms, which stands as a embodiment of cultural pride. Lakshmi, a 70-year-old manager of the Delhi center, reflected on her journey with Lijjat, stating, "Lijjat is a temple for us. It helps us earn money and feed our families." Joining the co-operative four decades ago transformed her life, providing her both an income and a method for balancing her domestic responsibilities with her newfound professional role.
Each day, women members embark on a journey to a local Lijjat center to collect pre-mixed dough, which they take home to craft into poppadoms. Initially, the process was time-consuming—taking up to four hours to produce 1 kg of dried poppadoms. However, through practice and skill development, many have reduced that timeframe to a mere half-hour. The head office supplies vital raw ingredients, while the distribution network ensures their products reach retail outlets across the country and even overseas.
Historically, the origins of Lijjat are firmly rooted in India's struggle for independence. In the 1950s, the country was at a crossroads, focusing on small-scale and rural industries amidst a predominantly patriarchal society. The inspirational women founders, driven by necessity and resourcefulness, implemented a simple yet powerful innovation: utilizing their cooking skills in a cooperative framework to generate income.
After facing initial struggles for financial backing and sales, support from a social worker named Chhaganlal Parekh, known affectionately as ‘Bappa’ (father), propelled their success. He provided them with small loans and assisted in marketing their product to local shopkeepers, eventually leading to its growing reputation. These women not only became co-owners of a thriving business but also nurtured an environment of equal participation, which has been vital to their success.
In 1966, the cooperative finally established the Lijjat brand when a call for naming suggestions led to the adoption of a term meaning "taste" in Gujarati. This decision was pivotal as it united their identity and solidified their market presence, paving the way for countless other women to gain financial independence and dignity through their cooperative model.
This story resonates through generations, allowing women like Lakshmi to achieve milestones previously thought unattainable. “Today I have put my children through school, built a house, and got them married,” she reflects, with pride marking her journey. With the cooperative, she found not only an income but also respect and community.
The Lijjat Papad cooperative is more than a business; it is a beacon of hope and an inspirational blueprint for women’s empowerment worldwide.
At the heart of this cooperative is the beloved Lijjat brand of poppadoms, which stands as a embodiment of cultural pride. Lakshmi, a 70-year-old manager of the Delhi center, reflected on her journey with Lijjat, stating, "Lijjat is a temple for us. It helps us earn money and feed our families." Joining the co-operative four decades ago transformed her life, providing her both an income and a method for balancing her domestic responsibilities with her newfound professional role.
Each day, women members embark on a journey to a local Lijjat center to collect pre-mixed dough, which they take home to craft into poppadoms. Initially, the process was time-consuming—taking up to four hours to produce 1 kg of dried poppadoms. However, through practice and skill development, many have reduced that timeframe to a mere half-hour. The head office supplies vital raw ingredients, while the distribution network ensures their products reach retail outlets across the country and even overseas.
Historically, the origins of Lijjat are firmly rooted in India's struggle for independence. In the 1950s, the country was at a crossroads, focusing on small-scale and rural industries amidst a predominantly patriarchal society. The inspirational women founders, driven by necessity and resourcefulness, implemented a simple yet powerful innovation: utilizing their cooking skills in a cooperative framework to generate income.
After facing initial struggles for financial backing and sales, support from a social worker named Chhaganlal Parekh, known affectionately as ‘Bappa’ (father), propelled their success. He provided them with small loans and assisted in marketing their product to local shopkeepers, eventually leading to its growing reputation. These women not only became co-owners of a thriving business but also nurtured an environment of equal participation, which has been vital to their success.
In 1966, the cooperative finally established the Lijjat brand when a call for naming suggestions led to the adoption of a term meaning "taste" in Gujarati. This decision was pivotal as it united their identity and solidified their market presence, paving the way for countless other women to gain financial independence and dignity through their cooperative model.
This story resonates through generations, allowing women like Lakshmi to achieve milestones previously thought unattainable. “Today I have put my children through school, built a house, and got them married,” she reflects, with pride marking her journey. With the cooperative, she found not only an income but also respect and community.
The Lijjat Papad cooperative is more than a business; it is a beacon of hope and an inspirational blueprint for women’s empowerment worldwide.
