The Seven Sisters - Empowering the Durga Within

It's the story of seven ordinary women who, in 1959, embarked on a business journey with nothing but 80 rupees, zero business know-how, and no fancy investors or esteemed degrees. Nonetheless, their steadfast determination and unwavering grit led them to establish Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, a cooperative employment venture that has surpassed the test of time for more than 60 years. What sets this papad company apart is not only its impressive growth but also its striking resemblance to globally renowned brands in terms of financial philosophy. So, what's the key to the longevity of Lijjat Papad, and how did these seven pioneers elevate their modest startup to a flourishing enterprise? 

The inspiring history of Lijjat Papad holds all the answers.

In Mumbai, a dynamic group of seven women picked up their belans and embarked on a transformative journey, brainstorming a business idea that could be operated from the comfort of their homes, without formal education, and yet yield a product that could rival the best in the market. And so, Lijjat Papad was born. However, during their inaugural board meeting, these trailblazing women decided that their business's prime focus wouldn't be solely profit-making. Instead, they resolved to empower women from the humblest households across the nation, providing them with a sustainable livelihood to support their families. This powerful ethos set Lijjat Papad on a unique trajectory of social impact and success.

But here's what truly sets Lijjat Papad apart from other companies: they established a core value that put social impact ahead of profits. Instead of simply hiring women, they bestowed ownership to every single lady who joined their enterprise, dubbing them "Lijjat Ben" (Lijjat sister) rather than employees. This radical approach to business is known as "collective ownership," wherein each member of the team owns a small share of the company. This means that regardless of age, caste, or religion, every person, even those in the lowest rungs of the organization, has a stake in the business. And with this shared ownership comes shared responsibility - each person shares both profits and losses equally. Lijjat Papad has proven that true empowerment comes not from charity or handouts but from the power of collective ownership and the sense of pride that comes from being a part of something bigger.

Collective ownership might seem like just another corporate buzzword, but it's a cornerstone of Lijjat's success. Like the pioneering sisters of Lijjat, Starbucks, the multinational chain of coffeehouses, treats its employees as partners, instilling a sense of ownership that fosters a culture of excellence. This approach inspires Starbucks' partners to go above and beyond in contributing to the company's growth. For Jaswantiben, one of the Lijjat sisters, the Padma Shri recognition is a tribute to every woman at Lijjat. As she explained, "Each woman is considered the 'malik,' not just a worker, for they all contribute equally to our success." Her dedication to empowering rural women is a source of inspiration. And while Starbucks had MBAs and million-dollar investments to implement this approach, the Lijjat sisters did it all on their own, with nothing but their savvy and determination. Their story is a testament to the power of collective ownership and female entrepreneurship.

From humble beginnings, Lijjat Papad has grown into a thriving organization with sixty-seven branches, forty-five thousand employees, and global exports to fifteen countries. But despite their impressive growth, the company remains dedicated to its founding philosophy of "Sarvodaya" - progress for all. Their focus on ethical business practices and empowering their frontline workers has allowed them to continue expanding and providing opportunities for future generations. Lijjat Papad's story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven business and putting people over profits.

The Lijjat Papad brand takes a refreshingly minimalistic approach to advertise. Their arresting ads feature no celebrities or extravagant shooting locations but instead, focus on one simple thing - how their papads can come to the rescue any time of the day. In an era of constant tech bombardment, Lijjat's low-key marketing strategy is a breath of fresh air. The brand's main priority is not launching new products, building a social media presence, or throwing flashy events, but simply ensuring customer and worker satisfaction. Lijjat's commitment to minimalism has made them a rare and admired Swadeshi company that has empowered thousands of lives. In fact, this papad brand has become a silent yet integral part of everyone's life in more ways than one.

It is incredible how these women in spite of all the obstacles managed to keep empowering women thus imbibing the qualities of Goddess Durga. With unwavering determination, they overcame obstacles and empowered one another to achieve greatness. They exemplify the very essence of feminine power and grace, demonstrating how women can be both fierce warriors and nurturing caregivers.

Let us honour these women by nurturing and protecting the girl child, empowering her to become a leader in her own right. Navratri, with its rich cultural significance, provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate these values and promote the empowerment of women across India.

The power of Durga resides within every woman - let us embrace this truth and use it to face our challenges with wisdom and grace. By doing so, we can empower ourselves and those around us to live with peace, prosperity, and the fullness of our potential.

Happy Navratri!