Family Values:
We belong to older generation where we have seen our grandfather working with his own hands. My father and his brothers, I and my brothers have followed the path laid down by our grandfather. This business was started from Bikaner. Even today our business is in Bikaner. Our entire family use to get involved in making the mithai and snacks. We have trained our skill workers who are today working round the globe. We never shied away from any work, we have worked laboriously to attain the position that we are on this day.
Now children are getting educated are joining the business with newer ideas and concepts. They have gained better knowledge and using computerized approach for the development of the mithai business. Some are having management qualification some are good as artisans, together they are leading the business in all fronts.
We have a big joint family which stays as close as possible. We are six brothers and our father had six brothers too. In total we are a family of 40 members in-house. The atmosphere within the family is very congenial, vibrant and happy. We all respect each other’s decisions and have one say in major decisions.
Only difference now is that previously there was manual labour, and now children are giving it a modern turn using computers. Here I would like to stress is that practical knowledge in mithai making is more beneficial advantageous than theoretical one. We have to make this point very clear with our children.
The Role of Family Members
We are given a free hand to our children with education and they are free to take up whatever profession they choose but by nature they don’t want to seek work outside. This business itself is very interesting, then why should they explore out. They are joining the family business out of their own free will. There is whole field open to explore of this mithai and snack making industry.
If you look closely, there is immense scope to spread out to capture the untouched regions. We have our children looking after Gulf Market with 12-13 outlets there. One brother is in Hyderabad, another in Ahmedabad, one outlet id Gurugram….with multiple business we can bring numerous business opportunities under our wings.
There is not dearth of work, business and market. The mithai and namkeen market is yet touch the pinnacle. It’s just the start and if we look beyond…..the whole arena is untouched and waiting to be explore, not only India but the whole world.
The Role of Modern technologies & Automation
The automation in namkeen category is 90% and 10% manual but in mithai manufacturing we still rely on manual artisans, we still have to do a lot of work here. For example we need to automize laddo making machine, some products need full automation, some need semi-automation.
In Indian mithai-making there has been lesser RnD done which is a must now. Whatever machineries are there are all imported ones, which needs customization. Lot of improvement has been done, and surely mithai industry will become fully-automated soon.
Lockdown Consequences
Lockdown has been a great teacher. It has taught us a lot of things staying at home. It has brought down unnecessary expenditures, cleanliness was already in existence in our routine, but we have become more conscious about hygiene and sanitization. It has taught us to be more careful in safety of food and health.
As people are getting used to the way of life during lockdown, this will benefit in daily lives for years to come. Marriages have limited people attendance but this will not affect our business, because if people want to consume mithai they will buy and eat it, but wastage of food during marriages has come a halt. This factor is major whereby we stop wastage of food.
Growth in Diwali & Sales of gift Hampers
Comparing this year Diwali sales to last year, we found business dropped to 50%, which is quite alarming. Some have experienced 50% drop, some with 60-65% and some 70%. Speaking about corporate level giving gift hampers to their staff and clientele, we find the corporate is still in work-from-home (WFH) mode. Many industries, companies, offices are still closed. Practically there are no orders for gift hampers this Diwali.
Additional thoughts: Whatever problems one may face in life, learn from the difficulties and find your way to move ahead amongst the hindrance and obstacles. Covid is a new trouble and we must not back out but tackle it tactfully. This moment will also pass away. Keep Fit & Keep Safe, Help others to stay safe.