A women-led international business of Rs 1600 crore

In March 1959, 7 women from South Mumbai embarked on a business venture with hopes of making their family’s financial condition stable. 
 

This group of women generated additional income by making papads (deep fried Indian wafers). 
 

During a financial crisis, a social worker Chhaganlal Parekh lent them a loan of Rs 80 to continue their business. 
 

The business was named ‘Lijjat.’ In Gujarati language, the word ‘Lijjat’ translates to ‘delicious.’ 
 

Only four packets of papad were sold in the beginning. But the unmatched taste of Lijjat Papad quickly garnered appreciation and the demands began to grow. 
 

Many women joined the business and started working together.
 

Today, the Lijjat Papad co-operative system boasts a workforce of over 45 thousand women. All the women are referred to as ‘Lijjat Sisters.’
 

In 1962, the organization officially got registered as ‘Shri Mahila Grah Udyog Lijjat Papad.’
 

Presently, the turnover of Lijjat Papad is Rs 1600 crore and the products are exported to over 25 countries.