Meet Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, a name not known to many, yet her product has touched the taste buds of countless Bharatiyas. For the last two generations in Maharashtra, her papad has been a familiar delight.
The Padma Shri Honor: A Tale of Quiet Greatness
On Republic Day 2021, the Union Government bestowed the prestigious Padma Shri award upon a modest industrialist from Maharashtra who has silently made her state proud.
From Humble Beginnings to a Culinary Empire
This is the inspiring journey of Jaswantiben and her Mahila Gruhudyog (women's cottage industry), Lijjat Papad, the recipient of the Padma Shri this year. It all started with a mere INR 80 loan, and today, it has blossomed into a thriving business empire with a staggering turnover exceeding Rs 800 crore. The best part? It provides employment to hundreds of underprivileged women.
A Beacon of Women Empowerment
Lijjat Papad stands as a shining example of women's empowerment in India. Despite having no prior business knowledge, Jaswantiben singlehandedly catapulted her home-based venture into the cottage industry. Along the way, she trained and empowered countless women, granting them the gift of financial independence.
A Flavorful Journey Begins
The Lijjat Papad journey embarked on in 1956 with a mere INR 80 borrowed from a benevolent social worker. Jaswantiben, along with six friends, played a pivotal role in building the multibillion-dollar empire we see today.
A Friendship That Ignited Change
The initial spark came from Jaswantiben and her seven friends residing in Mumbai's Girgaum area. These remarkable women included Parvatiben Ramdas Thodani, Ujamben Narandas Kundlia, Banuben Tanna, Laguben Amritlal Gokani, and Jayaben Vithalani. Another member took on the responsibility of selling their delicious papads. Together, they began crafting these culinary delights from their homes.
From Household Income to Household Name
Their humble venture was never about empire-building; it was about contributing to their households' finances. So, they kicked off the papad business, initially producing just four packets, which they sold to a local businessman. As demand skyrocketed, this papad brand became a household name across India.
The Birth of 'Lijjat Papad'
Originally named Shri Mahila Gruha Udyog Lijjat Papad, the enterprise rebranded in 1962 to simply 'Lijjat Papad,' with 'Lijjat' translating to 'tasty' in Gujarati. What began as a small papad business with a meager loan of Rs 80 now employs 42,000 women and boasts over 60 branches. This delectable delight isn't confined to Indian homes alone; it's exported to countries like England, USA, Singapore, Thailand, and the Netherlands.
The Lasting Legacy
Today, Jaswantiben is the sole surviving member of this remarkable group, and her Padma Shri award is a testament to her enduring efforts.
Top 3 Questions and Answers on "Jaswaniben"
Q1: Who is Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, and why is she significant?
Answer: Jaswantiben is the driving force behind Lijjat Papad, an unsung hero whose INR 80 loan transformed her home-based venture into a Rs 800 crore empire, providing employment for countless women.
Q2: How did Lijjat Papad start, and what did it reach today?
Answer: Founded in 1956 by Jaswantiben and her friends, this small venture has grown into a multibillion-dollar business with 42,000 employed women, over 60 branches, and international exports.
Q3: Why was Jaswantiben awarded the Padma Shri, and what does it signify?
Answer: Jaswantiben's Padma Shri is a recognition of her enduring efforts in empowering women and building Lijjat Papad from a modest beginning to an iconic women's cottage industry, making her an unsung culinary hero.
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