In brief
Established in 1959 by seven housewives, the Lijjat Papad cooperative has grown to include over 45,000 women nationwide, offering financial independence and community support while producing beloved Indian snacks and other products.
On a brisk December morning, a vibrant group of women clad in colorful saris gathered outside a bustling three-storey structure in New Delhi. This building is home to one of India's pioneering female-run social enterprises, the Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad. Founded in 1959 in Mumbai by seven housewives, the cooperative began with the humble production of papad, a popular crispy snack that is a staple in Indian households. Fast forward 65 years, and the cooperative has expanded across India, boasting over 45,000 women members and achieving an impressive annual revenue of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million). Products, including spices and detergents, are produced by these women—yet the Lijjat papad brand remains the beloved hallmark of the organization.Lakshmi, a 70-year-old manager at the Delhi center, exemplifies the life-changing impact of this cooperative. After the death of her husband, she joined Lijjat to support her family. "Lijjat is a temple for us. It helps us earn money and feed our families," she declared. Starting off with little experience and limited education, she now oversees 150 women while balancing her home responsibilities, showcasing the empowerment gained through the cooperative model.Every day, members travel together via a bus provided by the cooperative to collect pre-mixed dough made from lentils and spices. After taking the dough home, they transform it into thin papads while juggling household tasks. Where it once took her several hours to produce 1 kg of papad, Lakshmi now accomplishes this feat in just half an hour.The cooperative has witnessed significant changes since its inception during post-colonial India, focusing on promoting small-scale industries while facing societal norms that challenged women's work and education. The founding group of women sought to capitalize on their culinary heritage, ultimately requiring financial assistance from social worker Chhaganlal Karamshi Parekh, which marked the route to their success.After initially struggling to sell their product, they eventually partnered with local shopkeepers who agreed to stock the papads and pay after sales. This led to the cooperative model's growth, with women becoming co-owners and decision-makers, referring to each other as “ben” or sister, which fostered a strong sense of community.In 1966, the cooperative adopted its iconic brand name, Lijjat, meaning "taste" in Gujarati, following a grassroots naming contest. This rebranding helped further elevate their presence in the market.Over decades, Lijjat Papad has empowered generations of women to achieve financial independence and personal respect. Lakshmi proudly asserts, "Today I have put my children through school, built a house, and got them married. Working here, I have found not just an income but respect."
