The Great Indian Management of Dabbawala

Dr. Pawan (M.Com., Bed., LLB., ACS., P.hD.), is Mumbai Dabbawala authorised English speaker / presenter.

He has made more than 200 presentations across various corporate in Indian and abroad. Also presentations were made to various Universities, NGOs, YPO & YEO member organisations (Young President Organisation & Young Entreprenur Organisation).

In the year 2001, while he was pursuing his Doctorate for the topic "A Study & Logistics & Supply Chain Management of Dabbawala in Mumbai", he had approached the Dabbawala’s (Mr. Raghunath and Mr. Gangaram).

Pawan has been involved in the world of dabbawalas ever since and works on an honorary basis to make presentations. He has been Authorised by Dabbawalas to present their work in front of the audiences in English.

Outside India Pawan has been invited to unleash the magic of Dabbawala to organisations such as: YPO members in Kenya, YPO members in Nigeria, British Telecommunication and global services in London and First Source Solutions ltd. In London

Pawan is knowledgeable, engaging and Passionate about the subject ‘Dabbawalas’

The titles of the talks are:

• Six sigma Achievers
• Small people Great work
• Making Difference
• Making Change
• Mumbai Dabbawala the great
• Unique Working System
• Logistics & Supply Chain Masters
• Error Free Work
• Great achievers
• The Great Indian Management of Dabbawala


Economic analysis of Dabbawalas:

Everyone who works within this system is treated as an equal. Regardless of a dabbawala's function, everyone gets paid about two to four thousand rupees per month (around 25-50 British pounds or 40-80 US dollars).

Between 175,000 or 200,000 lunches get moved every day by an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 dabbawalas, all with an extremely small nominal fee and with utmost punctuality. According to a recent survey, there is only one mistake in every 6.000.000 (!) deliveries.

The BBC has produced a documentary on dabbawalas, and Prince Charles, honoured us a visit during a recent trip to India. Owing to the tremendous publicity, some of the dabbawalas were invited to give guest lectures in top business schools of India, which is very unusual.

Most remarkably in the eyes of many people from the West, the success of the dabbawala trade has involved no Western modern high technology. The main reason for their popularity could be the Indian people's aversion to Western style fast food outlets and their love of home-made food.

The New York Times reported in 2007 that the 125 year old dabbawala industry continues to grow at a rate of 5-10% per year.

The Mumbai Dabbawala is a 118 years organization. They are engaged in the business of delivering Home made food to the working members of the family at their offices. This is because , in Mumbai the distances are very long and trains are over crowed.

Dabbawalas have become an example of hard work, time management, supply chain management success , team work and simple management skills and so much so that now they are invited to deliver lectures and India top management colleges like IIMs and even to foreign universities. Dabbawalas are integral part of Mumbai and everyday they may be seen rushing to ensure time delivery of lunch boxes , so they are a common site on the streets of Mumbai.

But even after this name and fame Dabbawalas take it simple and do what they are best at - Delivering Dabbas on time.

Out of 5000 Dabbawalas, about 85% are illiterate and the remaining 15% are educated up to 8th grade. This way we are not well qualified to teach anyone or for that matter deliver any lecture. In fact we need quality education. However by working for past 116 years will full dedication, time management, no strike gathering experience in logistics - Mumbai Dabbawalas have created as place of their own.

Six Sigma, ISO and many other certifications have been awarded to us by external agencies further confirm the high quality of work being done by us. The visits of HRH Prince Charles and Virgin chairman Sir Richards Branson have given Dabbawalas much media attention and respect in the society.


Commercial Clients include:

ING Executive Board Members from all over world, Oxford University Board, California University Students, Belgium Prime Minister, Secretaries & there members, Foreign Delegates organised by (Dx & King Company), IBM, Fidelity Company Ltd., Titan Business Meet, Mercedes Benz Company, Purvanchal University, Colleges and Industries – Symbiosis, MET, MIT, IBA, and many have cherished their time with Dr. Pawan’s animated and highly informative presentation.

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Understand the logistics of Dabbawala in delivering 200.000 (2 lakh) Dabba daily within a set timeframe.

Gain insight into the colour coding used by the Dabbawalas to ensure error free delivery.

Understand the organizational hierarchy of Dabbawalas including what keeps their people motivated and going.

To understand as how Dabbawalas got six sigma , ISO certificate and many other quality certificates even being so not well educated.

To share the management lessons that Dabbawalas have gained over 116 years.

To motivate employees by showing that if uneducated Dabbawalas can work so great then why not our employees.

As we have never gone on strike for past 116 years, some times we are invited to address the employees in sharing the harm of strike.

Dabbawalas are often invited to deliver lectures on annual days and other celebrations of organizations.

Our speeches are very humorous and everyone enjoys it - you will cherrish the experience! 

Have Dr Pawan A. give you more insight into his Speaking-strengths in 'Transportation and Logistics'. Mail him now!

Everyday about 5000 Dabbawalas deliver 200,000 lunch boxes (2 lakhs) in the nook and corner of Mumbai. Dabbawala originated during the British rule in 1890 when there office goers felt the need for the home made food.

Although this job looks simple , but what is amazing is that this job is done by mostly illiterate Dabbawalas and that too without using any technology. Through their simple and efficient coding system, Dabbawalas are able to deliver Dabbas ( lunch boxes) to the right person at right time.

In the recent years, Dabbawalas have took it to fame after Prince Charles, Sir Richards Branson's (Virgin Atlantis) and many high profile people meet them to know about their working. Dabbawalas became a matter of media attention when they were invited for the Prince Charles marriage.

When Forbes awarded Six Sigma certification to Dabbawallas their work and efficiency was recognized. Recently Dabbawalas were given ISO 9000: 2000 for their quality excellence. 

Have Dr Pawan A. give you more insight into his Speaking-strengths in 'Quality Mgt'. Mail him now!