In a world where success is often measured by education, privilege, and capital, the story of Lijjat Papad stands as a remarkable exception. What started as a humble initiative by seven Gujarati women in 1959 with just ₹80 has today become a ₹1,600 crore empire, proving that true entrepreneurship is driven by resilience, community, and purpose. <h3 class="ql-align-justify">A Dream Born on a Terrace</h3><h3 class="ql-align-justify"> </h3>In post-independence India, only 8% of women had access to education. But while literacy was a privilege, cooking was a skill almost every woman possessed. In Mumbai, seven determined women, led by Jaswantiben, saw an opportunity in what they knew best—making papads. With a ₹280 loan from social worker Chhaganlal Karamsi Parekh, they bought ingredients and rolled out their first batch of papads on a building terrace.What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. By 1962, their annual sales had reached ₹1,82,000, and demand for their handmade papads was growing rapidly. <h3 class="ql-align-justify">A Business Model Like No Other</h3><h3 class="ql-align-justify"> </h3>As their business flourished, the women made an unconventional decision—they refused to hire employees. Instead, every woman who joined became a co-owner, sharing profits and losses equally. They weren’t just workers; they were ‘Lijjat Bens’ (sisters), united by the philosophy of Sarvodaya—upliftment and shared ownership. With each new co-owner, Lijjat wasn’t just expanding its business; it was empowering more women to achieve financial independence. <h3 class="ql-align-justify">From Local Kitchens to Global Shelves</h3><h3 class="ql-align-justify"> </h3>By the 1980s and 1990s, Lijjat Papad had become a household name in India. Their papads, known for their crisp texture and authentic taste, became a staple in kitchens across the country.But the real breakthrough came in 2001, when Lijjat’s turnover touched ₹300 crore, with $2.4 million generated from exports. Today, their success story spans continents:✅ ₹1,600 crore (~$200 million) revenue✅ 45,000+ women co-owners✅ 82 branches across 17 states✅ Exports to 25+ countries <h3 class="ql-align-justify">The Power of Purpose</h3><h3 class="ql-align-justify"> </h3>While most businesses focus on maximizing profits and equity, Lijjat’s foundation is built on sisterhood and self-reliance. Their model of shared ownership has not only provided thousands of women with financial independence but has also challenged the traditional notions of business success.Their story is a testament to the fact that true success is not just about growing a business—it’s about uplifting others along the way.Lijjat Papad isn’t just a brand; it’s a revolution.

Discover how seven women transformed a small venture into a ₹1600 crore enterprise.

Lijjat Papad: A ₹1,600 Crore Empire Built by 7 Uneducated Women

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Lijjat Papad: A ₹1,600 Crore Empire Built by 7 Uneducated Women

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