Rolling success
They say it is a man’s world, but, Jyoti Naik, president of the Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjad Papad begs to differ. She manages an institution comprising women, for the women and by the women. …..Preeti Gupta
They say it is a man’s world, but, Jyoti Naik, president of the Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjad Papad begs to differ. She manages an institution comprising women, for the women and by the women. …..Preeti Gupta
‘Karram kurram, saath swad mein Lijjad, lijjad papad!’ Do you remember this jingle that made Lijjad Papad a household name over the years? This brand not only exemplifies the success story of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog but also reflects the strength of the women associated with Lijjad in the truest sense of the word. Jyoti Naik, president of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjad Papad, is one such woman who has become an epitome of successful women by efficiently running this organisation that boasts of a workforce of 35,000 all women!
Lijjad Papad made a humble start in 1959 with a borrowed sum of Rs 80. Today, it has spread its wings far and wide with 35 branches and 40 division centres running across the country. The 50-year-old Naik, who is taking the tradition of Lijjad Papad ahead, has been associated with the brand for over four decades. She reminisces, “I joined Lijjad at the age of 12 to assist my mother in rolling papads. In 1973, I started the work of packing at Sahakar Bazaar Branch, Bandra and later on, became the Sanchalika (supervisor) of the Wadala branch.”
She became the president of the organisation in 1999 and since then has been managing the organisation and acting as a bridge between the institution and its branches. She reveals, “Lijjad has offered a platform for women to become economically independent, and thereby improving their status in society. I’m privileged to be part of such an organisation that is working for the betterment of woman.”
Naik informs that the institution runs on the principal of mutual cooperation and all the members of the institution are its owners. All the profits or losses incurred by the organisation are shared between the members.There is a Sanchalika for each centre that looks after the daily affairs of the concerned centre and a manages committee of 21 members who watch over the matters pertaining to the entire institution.
Naik, not only stands tall on the work front, but she is an expert on the home front too. Naik juggles work and home with expert ease. “Due to the support of my family, I am able to manage my work well,” she says with a smile.
It is the pioneering spirit of these women of substance that has turned a cottage industry into a flourishing business that recorded a turnover of Rs 300 crore recently.